Employee and Labor Relations Representative
King County, Seattle, WA, United States
Summary
The Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) will provide strategic consultation services to the managers, supervisors, and staff in positions in Department of Local Services and Department of Community and Human Services. As a member of our dynamic HR teams, your primary functions will be coaching and guiding leadership on employee and labor relations, collective bargaining and employment laws; performance management, labor contract administration and conducting investigations. Our Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social JusticeThe Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering in every aspect of our work. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike. Job Duties
Scope of Job Duties: To be considered for this opportunity, you must at a minimum, demonstrate knowledge, skill, and ability to: Conduct and investigate employee complaints and conduct or supervise effective, timely, thorough, and objective investigations. Write investigative reports, and present findings and recommendations to management. Manage the day-to-day administration and interpretation of labor agreements and facilitate on-going communication and working relationships with employee representative organizations including coordination of joint labor-management committees. Manage grievances and provide support in arbitration and/or mediation proceedings. Advise managers and supervisors on sensitive labor and employee relations matters, including grievance and arbitration procedures, performance issues and disciplinary actions. Serve as the department or division representative at the bargaining table and assist with contract implementations. Provide Department Human Resources Manager with regular briefings. Establish and maintain on-going, effective relations with supervisors, employees, shop stewards, and union officials to address all types of employee relations issues while ensuring a balance in representing all parties’ interests. Advise and train on compliance with union contracts, county code, employment law, and other applicable policies and procedures; includes responsibility for designing, developing and delivering trainings, as well as creating training materials, manuals and resources. Review, analyze and provide input and enhancements to HR’s practices and processes by contributing innovative ideas and recommending efficiencies. Other duties as assigned. Values
Serve with integrity. Show initiative and work hard. Prioritize outcomes over optics. Center those most impacted and put “boots on the ground.” Sove problems with a “yes, and” mindset Work as one, adaptable, mission-driven team Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Our ideal candidate is:
Knowledgeable in principles and practices of employee and labor relations, collective bargaining and employment laws. Experienced in providing a proactive and strategic approach to coaching and guidance on issue management, Labor and HR policies and procedures. Able to effectively manage time and work with tight deadlines for multiple customers. Exceptional at building and maintaining strong collaborative relationships who can work independently and as part of a team. Experienced in negotiation, problem solving, decision-making and conflict resolution skills. Able to handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy. A skilled communicator who can relate openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people; comfortable in front of a room delivering training and can prepare effective written communications. Able to “Get Stuff Done” through your understanding of how large organizations work and your ability to influence in all directions. Supplemental Information
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE: Those applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to participate in a 15-minute phone interview the week of January 12, 2026. If you are selected to move forward after the phone interview, you will be invited for a 45-minute virtual interview the week of January 22, 2026. Those who advance from this stage will move forward to a final in-person interview the week of January 29, 2026. WHO MAY APPLY: This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants and may be used to fill current and or/future career service, term-limited temporary, short-term temporary, and or/special duty positions over the next six months. APPLICATION PROCESS:
A full and complete King County application is required. You may also provide a resume and cover letter, summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position. As part of the application materials, applicants are required to submit a self-authored writing sample demonstrating analytical writing skills in the context of an investigation, disciplinary action, or related matter. Applications will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. Minimum qualifications and answers to supplemental questions must be demonstrated in your application materials. For interviewing tips, please see the STAR-LA method: .This recruitment may be used to fill additional vacancies for up to 6 months for TLT or Career Service positions in additional departments of King County. WORK SCHEDULE:
The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but may at times require work outside of normal business hours. This position is Exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION STATUS:
This position has been designated Mission-Critical – Those employees who provide, maintain, and re-establish essential county functions as described in agency Continuity of Operations plans. UNION MEMBERSHIP:
This position is represented by the King County Personnel Guidelines. TELEWORKING REQUIREMENT:
We work in the office at least three days a week to foster connection and responsiveness, arrive prepared and on time, and structure meetings with clear goals and next steps. For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Cassandra Montgomery Senior Human Resource Analyst 206-263-5866 King County King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation. To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement. King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees’ health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs: Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan Transportation program and ORCA transit pass 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays Generous vacation and paid sick leave Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves Flexible Spending Account Wellness programs Onsite activity centers Employee Giving Program Employee assistance programs Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position Training and career development programs For additional information about employee benefits, visit our .This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass. For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting. King County
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The Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) will provide strategic consultation services to the managers, supervisors, and staff in positions in Department of Local Services and Department of Community and Human Services. As a member of our dynamic HR teams, your primary functions will be coaching and guiding leadership on employee and labor relations, collective bargaining and employment laws; performance management, labor contract administration and conducting investigations. Our Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social JusticeThe Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering in every aspect of our work. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike. Job Duties
Scope of Job Duties: To be considered for this opportunity, you must at a minimum, demonstrate knowledge, skill, and ability to: Conduct and investigate employee complaints and conduct or supervise effective, timely, thorough, and objective investigations. Write investigative reports, and present findings and recommendations to management. Manage the day-to-day administration and interpretation of labor agreements and facilitate on-going communication and working relationships with employee representative organizations including coordination of joint labor-management committees. Manage grievances and provide support in arbitration and/or mediation proceedings. Advise managers and supervisors on sensitive labor and employee relations matters, including grievance and arbitration procedures, performance issues and disciplinary actions. Serve as the department or division representative at the bargaining table and assist with contract implementations. Provide Department Human Resources Manager with regular briefings. Establish and maintain on-going, effective relations with supervisors, employees, shop stewards, and union officials to address all types of employee relations issues while ensuring a balance in representing all parties’ interests. Advise and train on compliance with union contracts, county code, employment law, and other applicable policies and procedures; includes responsibility for designing, developing and delivering trainings, as well as creating training materials, manuals and resources. Review, analyze and provide input and enhancements to HR’s practices and processes by contributing innovative ideas and recommending efficiencies. Other duties as assigned. Values
Serve with integrity. Show initiative and work hard. Prioritize outcomes over optics. Center those most impacted and put “boots on the ground.” Sove problems with a “yes, and” mindset Work as one, adaptable, mission-driven team Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Our ideal candidate is:
Knowledgeable in principles and practices of employee and labor relations, collective bargaining and employment laws. Experienced in providing a proactive and strategic approach to coaching and guidance on issue management, Labor and HR policies and procedures. Able to effectively manage time and work with tight deadlines for multiple customers. Exceptional at building and maintaining strong collaborative relationships who can work independently and as part of a team. Experienced in negotiation, problem solving, decision-making and conflict resolution skills. Able to handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy. A skilled communicator who can relate openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people; comfortable in front of a room delivering training and can prepare effective written communications. Able to “Get Stuff Done” through your understanding of how large organizations work and your ability to influence in all directions. Supplemental Information
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE: Those applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to participate in a 15-minute phone interview the week of January 12, 2026. If you are selected to move forward after the phone interview, you will be invited for a 45-minute virtual interview the week of January 22, 2026. Those who advance from this stage will move forward to a final in-person interview the week of January 29, 2026. WHO MAY APPLY: This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants and may be used to fill current and or/future career service, term-limited temporary, short-term temporary, and or/special duty positions over the next six months. APPLICATION PROCESS:
A full and complete King County application is required. You may also provide a resume and cover letter, summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position. As part of the application materials, applicants are required to submit a self-authored writing sample demonstrating analytical writing skills in the context of an investigation, disciplinary action, or related matter. Applications will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. Minimum qualifications and answers to supplemental questions must be demonstrated in your application materials. For interviewing tips, please see the STAR-LA method: .This recruitment may be used to fill additional vacancies for up to 6 months for TLT or Career Service positions in additional departments of King County. WORK SCHEDULE:
The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but may at times require work outside of normal business hours. This position is Exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION STATUS:
This position has been designated Mission-Critical – Those employees who provide, maintain, and re-establish essential county functions as described in agency Continuity of Operations plans. UNION MEMBERSHIP:
This position is represented by the King County Personnel Guidelines. TELEWORKING REQUIREMENT:
We work in the office at least three days a week to foster connection and responsiveness, arrive prepared and on time, and structure meetings with clear goals and next steps. For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Cassandra Montgomery Senior Human Resource Analyst 206-263-5866 King County King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation. To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement. King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees’ health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs: Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan Transportation program and ORCA transit pass 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays Generous vacation and paid sick leave Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves Flexible Spending Account Wellness programs Onsite activity centers Employee Giving Program Employee assistance programs Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position Training and career development programs For additional information about employee benefits, visit our .This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass. For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting. King County
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