DSHS OOS Labor Relations Specialist

Are you looking for meaningful work, a supportive team, and the chance to make a real impact across our state? If so, you may find a home with us. The Human Resources Division (HRD) is looking for an experienced Labor Relations professional who wants to bring their expertise to a mission‑driven public agency. This role goes beyond day‑to‑day case work. It’s an opportunity to help shape how we partner with our unions, support our workforce, and strengthen the systems that serve Washington’s most vulnerable residents.

You’ll be joining a talented, collaborative, and genuinely supportive team of Labor Relations professionals who show up for one another. We share knowledge freely, problem‑solve together, and celebrate each other’s wins. It’s a group that values professionalism, kindness, and teamwork — and we’re excited to welcome someone who feels the same.

In this role, you’ll serve as a senior subject‑matter expert in state and federal employment law, labor relations strategy, and performance management. You’ll work directly with agency leaders and union partners to navigate sensitive, high‑impact issues with clarity, confidence, and sound judgment. Your ability to interpret collective bargaining agreements, assess risk, and provide strategic guidance will help strengthen consistency, accountability, and trust across the organization.

We also believe that meaningful work should fit into a meaningful life. This position supports strong work–life balance and offers a majority‑telework schedule, giving you the flexibility to do your best work while maintaining the rhythm that works for you.

Qualifying applicants will meet one of the following criteria options:

• Option 1
  
  • Bachelor’s degree with focus on business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field.
  
  • Two years of broad‑based professional human resource experience, or one year of Labor Relations experience.
• Option 2
  
  • Associate degree with focus on business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field.
  
  • Three years of broad‑based professional human resource experience, or one and a half years of Labor Relations experience.
• Option 3
  
  • Five years of broad‑based professional human resource experience, or three years of Labor Relations experience.

• Serve as the senior‑level labor relations consultant supporting assigned agency programs.
• Partner strategically with program leadership and HR professionals to ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements, policies, and best practices.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with union representatives.
• Hear grievances as the Secretary's designee.
• Address complex and sensitive issues with agency‑wide impact.
• Partner with the Attorney General's Office on arbitration hearings.
• Represent the agency in arbitration and other dispute resolution proceedings.
• Attend or chair Union‑Management Communication Committee (UMCC) meetings.

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

• Experience interpreting union contracts.
• Experience interpreting laws, WACs, and other policies and procedures.
• Experience with workplace investigations.
• Experience working in the public sector with a diverse range of customers and co‑workers.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Demonstrated ability to understand, apply, and correctly interpret laws, WACs, Union contracts, and other HR‑related policies and procedures.
• Research, analyze and interpret statistical or complex data in a fast‑paced work environment.
• Provide excellent customer service to diverse groups of people with a variety of needs.
• Establish collaborative workplace relationships, encourage teamwork, and establish trust.
• Readily adapt to new situations and be open to change.
• Analyze and interpret information in order to provide options and solutions.

• Your resume.
• Your cover letter.
• Your three references.

Questions about this opportunity? Email kris.george.gov and reference job number 01215.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS)…