Employee and Labor Relations Rep
King County, Seattle, WA, United States
Overview
The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is seeking an Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) Representative to serve as a trusted advisor and consultant on day-to-day employee and labor relations matters for managers, supervisors, and staff. The role focuses on coaching leadership on employee and labor relations, collective bargaining and employment laws; performance management, labor contract administration, and conducting investigations. Responsibilities include advising on complex employee performance management, union contract interpretation, workplace investigations, disciplinary decisions, and employee workplace complaints.
We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Responsibilities
Conduct and investigate employee complaints and supervise effective, timely, thorough, and objective investigations.
Write investigative reports and present findings and recommendations to management.
Manage day-to-day administration and interpretation of labor agreements and facilitate ongoing communication 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.
Represent the department at bargaining table and assist with contract implementations.
Provide regular briefings to the Department Human Resources Manager.
Establish and maintain constructive relations with supervisors, employees, shop stewards, and union officials to address employee relations issues while balancing interests of all parties.
Advise and train on compliance with union contracts, county code, employment law, and other policies; design, develop, and deliver trainings and create training materials and resources.
Review and contribute improvements to HR practices and processes with innovative ideas and efficiencies.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills.
Three or more years of progressively responsible experience with employee and labor relations, including investigations, performance management, and interpretation of employment rules and regulations.
Experience in a highly unionized environment; public sector experience and experience in large, complex organizations.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate at all organizational levels.
Comprehensive knowledge of labor law, collective bargaining principles, and contract interpretation and administration.
Experience providing recommendations on labor negotiations and strategy.
Knowledge of grievance, arbitration, and mediation proceedings.
Knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
Ability to resolve conflicts, build consensus, and handle sensitive or potentially litigious situations with discretion and confidentiality.
Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Commitment to equity and social justice principles.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and sound judgment.
Proficiency in commonly used MS Office applications.
Preferred Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Knowledge of King County operations, mission, and policies.
Knowledge of Equal Opportunity Employment laws and ability to analyze discrimination cases.
Advanced skills in developing strategic recommendations for collective bargaining and advising senior management on labor strategy.
Experience with Labor Management and HR Systems (e.g., Origami Labor Software, PeopleSoft, NeoGov).
Additional Position Information
This position is designated Non-Mission Critical. All employees are expected to report to work or request leave during emergencies unless directed otherwise. See HR Policy and Workforce Management in an Emergency for details.
Hybrid work model with days in the office and telecommuting. Primary onsite location: Chinook, 401 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104. Washington state residence required.
KC provides tools and resources to support remote work; County-issued laptop will be provided. Maintain a home workspace with reliable internet.
This position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and not eligible for overtime. Typical hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm.
This position is not represented by a union and follows King County Personnel Guidelines.
Classification: Employee and Labor Relations.
Who May Apply Open to all qualified candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. Interviews are expected on or around May 14, 2026. Applicants must submit an online King County application and answer supplemental questions. Applications that rely on resume alone are unlikely to be competitive. For questions, contact the recruiter.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions.
To Apply Please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or require accommodations in the application process, contact the recruiter listed in this job announcement.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Responsibilities
Conduct and investigate employee complaints and supervise effective, timely, thorough, and objective investigations.
Write investigative reports and present findings and recommendations to management.
Manage day-to-day administration and interpretation of labor agreements and facilitate ongoing communication 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.
Represent the department at bargaining table and assist with contract implementations.
Provide regular briefings to the Department Human Resources Manager.
Establish and maintain constructive relations with supervisors, employees, shop stewards, and union officials to address employee relations issues while balancing interests of all parties.
Advise and train on compliance with union contracts, county code, employment law, and other policies; design, develop, and deliver trainings and create training materials and resources.
Review and contribute improvements to HR practices and processes with innovative ideas and efficiencies.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills.
Three or more years of progressively responsible experience with employee and labor relations, including investigations, performance management, and interpretation of employment rules and regulations.
Experience in a highly unionized environment; public sector experience and experience in large, complex organizations.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate at all organizational levels.
Comprehensive knowledge of labor law, collective bargaining principles, and contract interpretation and administration.
Experience providing recommendations on labor negotiations and strategy.
Knowledge of grievance, arbitration, and mediation proceedings.
Knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
Ability to resolve conflicts, build consensus, and handle sensitive or potentially litigious situations with discretion and confidentiality.
Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Commitment to equity and social justice principles.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and sound judgment.
Proficiency in commonly used MS Office applications.
Preferred Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Knowledge of King County operations, mission, and policies.
Knowledge of Equal Opportunity Employment laws and ability to analyze discrimination cases.
Advanced skills in developing strategic recommendations for collective bargaining and advising senior management on labor strategy.
Experience with Labor Management and HR Systems (e.g., Origami Labor Software, PeopleSoft, NeoGov).
Additional Position Information
This position is designated Non-Mission Critical. All employees are expected to report to work or request leave during emergencies unless directed otherwise. See HR Policy and Workforce Management in an Emergency for details.
Hybrid work model with days in the office and telecommuting. Primary onsite location: Chinook, 401 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104. Washington state residence required.
KC provides tools and resources to support remote work; County-issued laptop will be provided. Maintain a home workspace with reliable internet.
This position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and not eligible for overtime. Typical hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm.
This position is not represented by a union and follows King County Personnel Guidelines.
Classification: Employee and Labor Relations.
Who May Apply Open to all qualified candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. Interviews are expected on or around May 14, 2026. Applicants must submit an online King County application and answer supplemental questions. Applications that rely on resume alone are unlikely to be competitive. For questions, contact the recruiter.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions.
To Apply Please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or require accommodations in the application process, contact the recruiter listed in this job announcement.
#J-18808-Ljbffr