Employee Relations Specialist

Job Number:

The Employee Relations Specialist (ERS) is responsible for providing frontline employee relations support and administering core employee relations programs at King County Library System (KCLS). This position serves as a primary point of contact for employee relations inquiries, supporting routine workplace concerns through intake, guidance, documentation, and coordination. The incumbent assists with performance management, corrective action, investigations, and employee accommodations by gathering information, maintaining confidential records, and escalating matters as appropriate.

This role promotes a fair, consistent, and supportive workplace by helping employees and leaders navigate concerns in alignment with organizational policies and practices.

Applicants must attach a current resume and cover letter which addresses why they are interested in the position and how they meet the qualifications listed.

KCLS has a vision of a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and grow. In order to support this vision, we create opportunities through meaningful connections by acting as the knowledge sharing center for over 1.5 million diverse patrons, providing an unparalleled collection of library materials, resources, technology, services, and programs.

Approximately 1,000 engaged and passionate staff provide service in 50 community library locations and patron engagement using direct outreach, programs, and virtual assistance. Our service area includes cities, towns, tribal lands, and unincorporated districts of King County, with the exception of the city of Seattle.

From a  comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Assessment Demographics and Language Report, of the more than 1.5 million residents who live within the KCLS service area, almost half identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). Moreover, roughly one-third of the KCLS community speaks a language other than English as their first language.

The King County Library System values the diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures of all qualified individuals. We seek applicants that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color), immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, veterans, etc.

KCLSwelcomes reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities as an opportunity to assist qualified individuals to participate in the job application or interview process and/or perform the essential functions of the position upon hire. Need an accommodation to apply or interview? Call  or email employment.

KCLS ensures equal opportunities and consideration for all job applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. KCLS does not tolerate discrimination or harassment during any stage of employment, including in recruiting, hiring, promotion, termination, leave of absence, compensation, or training.

The items listed in this section are the key duties and responsibilities for this job and do not represent an exhaustive list. Our organization is dynamic and therefore duties may change based on business necessity; however, any new duties will remain within the scope of the job.

• Maintains and administers assigned employee relations services and programs in partnership with managers, supervisors, and KCLS staff to support consistent and effective workplace practices.
• Services as primary point of contact for employee relations inquiries, providing initial support to employees and leaders, conducting intake, gathering relevant information, and determining appropriate next steps or escalation.
• Supports and counsels employees and leaders in addressing routine workplace concerns, acting as a liaison between employees and leadership while balancing individual, managerial, and organizational needs.
• Prov…