DSHS OOS Labor Relations Specialist

Full Job Description

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.

If you’re a labor relations professional who thrives in complex environments, values thoughtful decision-making, and wants to contribute at a strategic level — all while being part of a team that will support and appreciate you — we’d love to meet you.

When you’re ready, click the green APPLY button to get started.

Who Should Apply

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 and
• 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 and
• Three years of broad-based professional human resource experience. or One and a half yyearsrs of Labor Relations Experience

Option 3:

• Five years of broad-based professional human resource experience. Or 3 years of Labor Relations Experience

Some of What You Will Do

• 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

What We're Looking For

Required competencies:

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

Preferred qualifications:

• 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 and
• Readily adapt to new situations and be open to change.
• Analyze and interpret information in order to provide options and solutions

To Apply, Include:

1. Your resume
2. Your cover letter
3. Your three references

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

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work.

It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS.

We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Additional Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted.

Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job.

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license.

Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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