Human Resource Consultant 4 | Health Services West Region

About the Department

Human Resource Consultant 4 | Health Services

Full Time | Permanent 

Location: Washington Corrections Center for Women | Gig Harbor, WA

OR 

Stafford Creek Corrections Center| Aberdeen, WA

Salary Range: $6,259 - $8,415 Monthly (HRC4)

This position is eligible for partial telework after an initial training period. Work within the Washington Corrections Center for Women or Stafford Creek Corrections Center will be required.

The Washington State Department of Corrections is on a mission to improve public safety by positively changing lives. Throughout the agency, there are many opportunities to see this mission come to fruition, but an excellent option to see this mission come to fruition includes the opportunity to join the Health Services Human Resource team as a Human Resource Consultant 4 (HRC4). The HRC4 position will provide a dedicated and self-motivated team-player with the opportunity to grow in their HR career while working with a strong and hardworking team.

The Department of Correction is a magnificent place to utilize your ability to supervise other Human Resource Consultants, provide guidance and support in HR related matters and handle day-to-day generalist HR matters. As the HRC4, you will support the West Region Health Services team and be responsible for a wide array of duties to include being familiar with, and providing expert level consultation to stakeholders, with regards to Civil Service Rules, Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), policies and procedures and other State and Federal laws.

This critical position will ensure Human Resources staff will be met with a friendly and knowledgeable team member who can help facilitate and share best practices regarding a wide array of topics. 

If you can see yourself adding value in a proactive leadership role, we encourage you to apply! A completed application packet will include:

To broaden the candidate pool, this position could be filled by a candidate meeting the Human Resource Consultant 3 (HRC3) qualifications as an in-training position to a HRC4. To learn more about the qualifications of an HRC3, please see the “qualifications” section of the job posting.

Position Duties

We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.

As a Human Resource Consultant 4 (HRC4), some of your duties will include: 

• Provide consultation. advice, interpretation, guidance, and support to Appointing Authorities, management, supervisors, and staff on a variety of HR issues which could include: 
  • Consulting with Appointing Authorities, management, supervisors, and staff regarding specific issues and provide recommendations for action
  • Interpret and provide clarification of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), Federal Laws, Washington Administrative Codes (WACs), and Revised Code of Washington (RCWs), DOC HR and Division/Facility specific personnel policies/procedures and other pertinent rules, regulations, and policies
  • Facilitate and share best practices for resolution to conflict and performance management issues
  • Counsel supervisory staff on corrective and disciplinary actions. Prepare and/or review pre-disciplinary, disciplinary action and corrective behavior letters. 
  • Provides consultation on just-cause requirements of investigation and disciplinary processes
  • Reviews investigative reports for completion, thoroughness, and accuracy.
  • May represent the DOC at hearings and meetings pertaining to disciplinary actions and/or participate in informal resolutions for labor/management issues.
  • Drafts or reviews draft grievance responses for clarity, consistency, and compliance with CBA and agency policy.
  • Attends and participates in grievance hearings. Recommend position and draft response for compliance with CBA and agency policy
• Advise on organization staffing and development which could include:
  • Partnering with leadership on workforce planning initiatives, organizational design and staffing needs to include hiring and retention
  • Advise management and supervisors on performance management processes, succession planning and recognition initiatives
• Provide first-line supervision to Human Resource Consultant 1 staff
• Facilitate employee medical and occupational health matters for staff
• Consult staff on applicable laws, rules and policies to ensure compliance related to employees’ medical and occupational health actions, to include Reasonable Accommodation, Family Medical Leave (FML), Shared Leave, Disability Separations, Return to Work program and other protected leave 
• Special project and other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

What we need (required qualifications):

AND

• Three years of broad-based professional human resources experience to include at least four or more of the following areas in an HR capacity (experience in the specified areas may be gained concurrently):
  • Interpretation and/or explanation of civil service rules and human resource related policies
  • Corrective and disciplinary actions
  • Classification
  • Labor relations
  • Developing or presenting training or orientation in human resource-related topics
  • Employee recruitment and selection
  • Representing the agency in grievances or appeals
  • Workers compensation
  • Consulting and advising management on human resource issues

AND

• Demonstrated competency in the following areas (competency may be gained through education, experience,  or a combination thereof):
  • Consulting:  Provides advice on situations requiring immediate attention; exercises knowledge of human resource issues, leadership principles, and organizational behavior; exercises conflict resolution, proactive intervention, group facilitation, and contract and negotiation skills.
  • Analysis and Problem Solving:  Facilitates the problem solving process; anticipates problems; acts as a mediator, facilitating effective outcomes for all parties; influences new ways of thinking; understands work group concerns and problems; develops statistical or other data.  Problems encountered are complex with potential broad impact.
  • Communication and Interpersonal Interaction:  Uses independent judgment during challenges.   Presents complex ideas and information in a way that is understandable and appropriate for the audience; uses appropriate channels of communication; fosters effective working relationships among divergent groups by proposing solutions to resolve conflict; builds consensus.
  • Customer Focus and Business Orientation:  Understands customers' organization and mission and provides proactive guidance; exercises knowledge and understanding of processes and proposes efficiency changes; provides services related to diversity issues.
  • Change Leadership:  Assesses problems and proposes actions and resources needed to accomplish changes; supports organizational change by facilitating the implementation of appropriate change strategies; assists others in dealing with changes.
  • Teamwork:  Develops and leads or coaches teams using appropriate process planning to achieve goal; applies coaching principles and performance understanding and analysis.
  • Research and Analysis:  Researches and verifies information; identifies the type of information needed and where to obtain it; applies analytical skills to data and formulates a determination and recommendations; conducts investigations.
• Proficiency in MS Word and Outlook

College-level coursework from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the US Dept. of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or a foreign equivalent may substitute year for year for up to two years of experience. Note: 30 semester or 45 quarter credits is equal to one year.

What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications): 

• An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree with focus on business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the US Dept. of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent
• Two years of professional-level human resource experience including assessing and facilitating solutions for human resource problems and issues 
• Six months or more experience using NEOGOV and HRMS
• S/PHR or IMPA-HR certification
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification

This position may be filled with a six month to one year in-training plan from an HR Consultant 3 to the goal class of HR Consultant 4.  

HRC3 Pay Scale: $5,666 - $7,622 Monthly

HRC 3 Required Qualifications:

AND 

• Two years of broad-based professional or three years paraprofessional human resources experience to include at least four (4) or more of the following areas in an HR capacity (experience in the specified areas may be gained concurrently):  
  • Interpretation and/or explanation of civil service rules and human resource related policies:
  • Corrective and disciplinary actions
  • Classification
  • Labor relations
  • Developing or presenting training or orientation in human resource-related topics
  • Employee recruitment and selection
  • Representing the agency in grievances or appeals
  • Workers compensation
  • Consulting and advising management on human resource issues.

College-level coursework from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the US Dept. of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or a foreign equivalent may substitute year for year for up to two years of experience. Note: 30 semester or 45 quarter credits is equal to one year.

Under close supervision from the HR Manager, through on-the-job training, the employee will:

• Develop skills in working independently within established guidelines. Obtain specialized knowledge and use independent judgment in resolving technical problems and interpreting and applying established human resource rules, policies, and regulations, or procedures.  Able to explain human resource policies, procedures, and programs to employees, managers, the public, and others.
• Be able to interpret rules and policies to direct appointment (HRMS) actions. This will include gaining an understanding of complex payroll functions such salary calculations, understanding scheduling/timekeeping regulations including overtime, comp. time, shift differential, holiday pay, leave and notice requirements.  Learn to provide guidance to others in applying human resource programs, completing requests for personnel actions, benefits, etc.  Provide training for other human resources staff on such related topics.  
• Build knowledge and skills at the professional level related to classification, compensation, recruitment, selection, affirmative action, diversity, staff training, and career counseling. Will also build skills and knowledge on representing an organization in appeals or grievances, conducting labor negotiations, mediation or arbitrations, representing the DOC at unemployment appeals hearings, interpretation and application of laws, rules, policies, and procedures, and other personnel services.  
• Become familiar with the performance evaluation process including procedure and content and advise managers and supervisors accordingly.
• Expand proficiency level in local bargaining unit guidelines to include bid system, seniority and layoff process, the Washington State shared leave program, Family and Medical Leave, L&I claims management, reasonable accommodation, and recruitment and selection processes.
• Learn to analyze and present facts for the purposes of substantiating or dismissing allegations regarding employee misconduct. Provide advice and guidance to managers regarding the corrective and/or disciplinary action process (Just Cause). This includes understanding investigations, assisting and advising supervisors/ managers and drafting pre-disciplinary and disciplinary letters.
• Learn the Position Description form and position action processes, including position establishment and reallocations; ensuring proper allocations and conducting desk audits.  
• Understand the grievance procedure to include assisting in drafting grievance responses and Grievance Resolution Panel presentations.  
• Formal Training to be completed prior to or during the in-training period if available and funds allow:
  • Supervision and Leadership
  • Effective Writing Skills
  • Just Cause – Investigator Training

At the end of the training period, the candidate will be proficient in the above and demonstrate competency in the areas required of an HRC4 candidate.

Evaluations of knowledge, skills and abilities of the incumbent will be conducted at six months during each level of the in-training plan. 

If the position is filled with an HRC3 – at the end of a 6-12 month in-training plan, the HRC3 will progress to the HRC4 level, and will serve a six-month trial service. 

During the trial service period, the incumbent will be evaluated at four months for performance to ensure appropriate skill level, knowledge and abilities are demonstrated.

Other Qualifications

Vision:  Working together for safer communities.

Mission:  Improving public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Commitment:  To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position. 
• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies.   If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
  **Please note:  Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply. 
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration. 
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position. 
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire.  When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Telework Details

This position may be allocated for telework. Work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at that time.  Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care all state-issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite.  Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have a “drop in” area available, however, a dedicated workspace within a DOC facility will not be provided.

What We Offer: 

As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation.   Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

PERS: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email [email protected] or call us at 509-630-9160. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.