DSHS OOS Human Resource Consultant 1

State of Washington; Buckley (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Orca Card

On-site premium pay

Job summary

DSHS OOS is seeking an entry-level Human Resource Consultant 1 at Rainier School in Buckley, WA. You will be the primary HR contact for managers, employees, and the public, guiding on policies, laws, and employee rights while learning from experienced professionals.

The role requires an in-office schedule of at least 2 days per week, with potential for an additional 5% premium pay for on-site work. Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred and Orca Card eligibility is available for

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Federal and State HR laws.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent time management and organizational abilities.
• Ability to analyze problems and data to develop solutions.
• Collaborative team player, able to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary HR contact for managers, employees, and the public, providing services in classification, compensation, benefits, leave, hiring, and retention.
• Provide first-level advice on HR policies, guidelines, laws, and CBAs, consulting with higher-level HR professionals on complex issues.
• Oversee hiring processes, advising on screening, interviews, reference checks, and compensation for new hires.
• Manage personnel/payroll actions for new hires, promotions, and other appointments, ensuring compliance with policies and CBAs; resolve issues with Payroll and HRMS.
• Conduct onboarding, maintain staff records, and ensure compliance with I-9 and E-Verify; lead new employee orientations.
• Assist employees with insurance, retirement, payroll, and other forms; resolve HR, Payroll, and retirement system issues.
• Monitor eligibility for insurance, retirement, leave, and employment statuses, and handle evaluations and verification.
• Maintain personnel and medical files, generate reports, and attend meetings.

Skills

HR laws

Communication

Time management

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in business / HR / social sciences

Job description

DSHS OOS Human Resource Consultant 1

Are you ready to advance your HR career while making a real impact? Join the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) as a Human Resource Consultant 1 in the Office of the Secretary (OOS) at our Rainier School in Buckley, Washington. This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in key HR areas such as hiring, benefits, and payroll, while learning from experienced professionals committed to your growth.

As an entry-level consultant, you will serve as a primary point of contact for managers, employees, and the public, offering essential guidance on HR policies, state and federal laws, and employee rights. With strong leadership and a collaborative team behind you, you’ll develop your HR skills and build a solid foundation for long‑term success in public service.

Note:

• This position has a mandatory in‑office schedule of at least 2‑days a week.
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
• Opportunities performed on‑site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Some of what you’ll do:

• Serve as the primary HR contact for Appointing Authorities, managers, employees, and the public, providing services in classification, compensation, benefits, leave, hiring, and retention.
• Provide first-level advice on HR policies, guidelines, laws (WACs, RCWs), and CBAs, consulting with higher-level HR professionals on complex issues.
• Oversee hiring processes, including SEIU Internal Transfer and WFSE Bid processes, advising managers on screening, interview questions, reference checks, and compensation for new hires.
• Manage personnel/payroll actions for new hires, promotions, transfers, and other appointments, ensuring compliance with WACs, policies, and CBAs; resolve issues with Payroll and HRMS.
• Conduct onboarding, maintain staff records, and ensure compliance with I‑9, E‑Verify, and other employment requirements; lead new employee orientations.
• Assist employees with understanding and completing insurance, retirement, payroll, and other forms; resolve HR, Payroll, and retirement system issues.
• Monitor and process eligibility for insurance, retirement, leave usage, and other employment statuses, and handle performance evaluations and employment verification.
• Maintain personnel and medical files, generate reports, and serve as backup for team members; attend meetings and perform other duties as assigned.

What we’re looking for:

• Knowledge of Federal and State HR laws.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, to guide various stakeholders.
• Excellent time management and organizational abilities, with a focus on meeting deadlines.
• Ability to analyze problems and data to develop effective solutions.
• Collaborative team player, able to work under pressure and handle interruptions.

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 experience may substitute, year-for-year, for the required education.

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Morgan Daggi at [e-mail] and reference job number #07907.

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.

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 [phone]. 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 (Nepo... ???) 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.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security" on your website and on printed materials.