DSHS Human Resource Consultant

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 Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center located in Shoreline, WA. 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.
• King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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…