Employee Relations Workplace Complaint Investigator
University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
Job Summary
The Senior Human Resources Consultant – Employee Relations Workplace Complaint Investigator conducts high‑impact workplace investigations involving staff, academic personnel, and student employees across the University of Washington’s Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell campuses. Reporting to the Director of Campus Employee Relations, the role provides independent, objective fact‑finding in response to allegations of misconduct, unprofessional behavior, policy violations, and other sensitive workplace concerns.
About This Opportunity This position supports all employee populations across UW’s tri‑campus environment and directly influences institutional risk management by ensuring timely, thorough, and compliant investigation of workplace concerns. Investigative findings and recommendations inform employment decisions, grievance outcomes, and policy interpretation, and may be relied upon in administrative or legal proceedings.
By providing consistent investigative practices and facilitating resolution strategies after fact‑finding, the role helps prevent escalation of workplace issues into formal disputes, complaints, or litigation. The role contributes to maintaining a fair, respectful, and accountable work environment and supports UW’s commitment to effective workforce management and compliance with applicable employment laws.
Key Responsibilities 60% – Workplace Investigations
Conduct timely investigations into allegations of misconduct, unprofessional behavior, neglect of duty, unethical practice, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and related concerns.
Interview complainants, respondents, and witnesses and review relevant documentation.
Analyze findings and prepare written investigation reports.
Provide testimony or consultation in administrative or legal proceedings as needed.
Ensure investigations comply with applicable laws, university policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
15% – Post‑Investigation Resolution
Support departments in implementing recommendations or corrective actions.
Partner with leadership to restore working relationships and promote workplace effectiveness following investigation conclusion.
10% – Labor Relations Support
Provide consultation related to grievance processes or labor contract interpretation when investigations involve unionized employees.
Collaborate with HR consultants and Labor Relations staff as appropriate.
10% – Consultation and Collaboration
Partner with the Office of the Attorney General, Civil Rights Compliance, Labor Relations, and campus leadership on complex or sensitive cases.
Provide guidance to departments on investigation outcomes and next steps.
5% – Training and Process Support
Assist in developing training or guidance related to workplace complaint resolution and investigation practices.
Support improvements to investigative processes and documentation standards.
Required Qualifications Minimum qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
Four years of professional experience conducting complex workplace investigations in a unionized environment.
Additional Qualifications
Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and collective bargaining agreements.
Experience preparing written investigative reports and presenting findings.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise independent judgment.
Strong writing, interviewing, analytical, and conflict‑resolution skills.
Positive track record of building relationships and the ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to remain impartial and establish rapport with a diverse range of community members.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in higher education or public sector environments.
Experience working with Assistant Attorneys General or compliance offices.
Certification in workplace investigations.
Working Conditions This position may require travel between UW campuses for in‑person interviews or meetings.
Compensation & Benefits Pay Range Minimum:
$100,008.00 annually
Pay Range Maximum:
$116,004.00 annually
Other Compensation:
For information about benefits for this position, visit
UW Staff Benefits .
Shift & Regularity Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)
Temporary or Regular?
This is a regular position
FTE (Full‑Time Equivalent):
100.00%
Union/Bargaining Unit Not Applicable
Equal Employment Opportunity The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
Disability Accommodation To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206‑543‑6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Disclosures Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
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About This Opportunity This position supports all employee populations across UW’s tri‑campus environment and directly influences institutional risk management by ensuring timely, thorough, and compliant investigation of workplace concerns. Investigative findings and recommendations inform employment decisions, grievance outcomes, and policy interpretation, and may be relied upon in administrative or legal proceedings.
By providing consistent investigative practices and facilitating resolution strategies after fact‑finding, the role helps prevent escalation of workplace issues into formal disputes, complaints, or litigation. The role contributes to maintaining a fair, respectful, and accountable work environment and supports UW’s commitment to effective workforce management and compliance with applicable employment laws.
Key Responsibilities 60% – Workplace Investigations
Conduct timely investigations into allegations of misconduct, unprofessional behavior, neglect of duty, unethical practice, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and related concerns.
Interview complainants, respondents, and witnesses and review relevant documentation.
Analyze findings and prepare written investigation reports.
Provide testimony or consultation in administrative or legal proceedings as needed.
Ensure investigations comply with applicable laws, university policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
15% – Post‑Investigation Resolution
Support departments in implementing recommendations or corrective actions.
Partner with leadership to restore working relationships and promote workplace effectiveness following investigation conclusion.
10% – Labor Relations Support
Provide consultation related to grievance processes or labor contract interpretation when investigations involve unionized employees.
Collaborate with HR consultants and Labor Relations staff as appropriate.
10% – Consultation and Collaboration
Partner with the Office of the Attorney General, Civil Rights Compliance, Labor Relations, and campus leadership on complex or sensitive cases.
Provide guidance to departments on investigation outcomes and next steps.
5% – Training and Process Support
Assist in developing training or guidance related to workplace complaint resolution and investigation practices.
Support improvements to investigative processes and documentation standards.
Required Qualifications Minimum qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
Four years of professional experience conducting complex workplace investigations in a unionized environment.
Additional Qualifications
Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and collective bargaining agreements.
Experience preparing written investigative reports and presenting findings.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise independent judgment.
Strong writing, interviewing, analytical, and conflict‑resolution skills.
Positive track record of building relationships and the ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to remain impartial and establish rapport with a diverse range of community members.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in higher education or public sector environments.
Experience working with Assistant Attorneys General or compliance offices.
Certification in workplace investigations.
Working Conditions This position may require travel between UW campuses for in‑person interviews or meetings.
Compensation & Benefits Pay Range Minimum:
$100,008.00 annually
Pay Range Maximum:
$116,004.00 annually
Other Compensation:
For information about benefits for this position, visit
UW Staff Benefits .
Shift & Regularity Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)
Temporary or Regular?
This is a regular position
FTE (Full‑Time Equivalent):
100.00%
Union/Bargaining Unit Not Applicable
Equal Employment Opportunity The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
Disability Accommodation To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206‑543‑6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Disclosures Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr