Job Description

Posting number: 2026-08461

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: OOS

Job classification: HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTANT 1

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Human Resources

Summary

DSHS OOS Human Resource Consultant 1

Are you passionate about helping employees navigate their careers and supporting a workforce dedicated to serving others? The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking a Human Resource Consultant 1 (HRC 1) to join our team and provide critical human resources support.

In this entry-level professional HR role, you will serve as a trusted resource for employees, supervisors, and managers, delivering consultation and transactional HR services that support 24/7 behavioral health facilities. You’ll help employees start and grow in their jobs. Along with your team, new hires count on you to set them up in our HR and Payroll systems, write their appointment letters and lead New Employee Orientation. You’ll answer questions about health insurance, retirement, and leave. Supervisors will turn to you for guidance on HR topics and applicable employment laws, policies, and procedures.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation in human resources while making a meaningful impact on employees and the important work they perform every day.

Please note: This position is currently approved to work a flexible/hybrid schedule that requires at least two in-office days per week. The schedule may vary due to business needs – staff coverage, New Employee Orientation dates, training, etc. King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation needs.

Some of what you’ll do:

• Serve as the first point of contact for managers, supervisors, and employees, on a wide range of human resources matters.
• Provide professional human resource services and consultation in the areas of hiring, benefits, leave, classification, compensation, and employee retention.
• Interpret and apply HR policies, collective bargaining agreements, state and federal laws, WACs, and RCWs while providing guidance to customers.
• Consult with hiring managers throughout the recruitment process, including transfer and bid procedures.
• Process personnel and payroll actions, including appointments, promotions, transfers, salary determinations, and employment status changes.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding activities, ensure compliance with I-9 and E-Verify requirements, and conduct New Employee Orientation.
• Assist employees with benefits, retirement, insurance, and other employment-related questions and transactions.
• Monitor and process critical HR activities, including review periods, in-training advancements, insurance eligibility, anniversary and seniority adjustments, and non-permanent appointments.
• Maintain confidential personnel records, conduct personnel file reviews, and ensure compliance with agency policies and employment regulations.
• Generate reports, research and resolve complex personnel issues, and support team operations through cross-training and backup assistance.

Who should apply?

Professionals with a bachelor’s degree* in business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or a related field.

*Note: Equivalent education and related experience may substitute, year-for-year, for the required education.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Customer service: Greet each person with patience and respect and explain HR rules in words people understand.
• HR knowledge: Apply knowledge of federal and state HR laws to give accurate, reliable guidance.
• Communication: Guide managers, supervisors and employees through clear spoken and written advice.
• Organization and time management: Set priorities, plan the workday and meet deadlines.
• Problem solving: Analyze problems and data to find solutions that work.
• Attention to detail: Check pay steps, dates and system entries carefully so employees are paid and covered correctly.
• Teamwork: Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues. Demonstrates the ability to remain calm, focused, and organized while managing competing priorities and unexpected disruptions.
• Confidentiality: Protect private employee information and handle sensitive records with care.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Vincent Hamilton at vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #08461.

Supplemental information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. 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 job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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