DSHS OOS Labor Relations Administrator
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Olympia, WA 98501
Description:
Salary : $90,308.00 - $120,411.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-01523
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: OOS
Opening Date: 03/19/2025
Closing Date: 3/30/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Are you passionate about fostering positive labor relations and ensuring a harmonious workplace? Do you have a knack for negotiation and policy development? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!
We are looking for a skilled Labor Relations Administrator within the(HRD) at the Department of Social and Health Services to join our team and help manage and enhance our relationships between employees and management, oversee and enforce labor laws and regulations to ensure fair and equitable treatment of the staff.
In this role, you will provide a strategic and operational framework for all personnel and workforce activities and report to the Specialty Consulting Service -Office Chief. You will ensure the agency works within the framework of state and federal laws, provide guidance, consultation, training and support to the department on employee and leadership development, successional and career management, leave and benefits issues, and retention.
This opportunity offers flexible hybrid remote work, may have to travel occasionally to the headquarters in Olympia, WA based on the business needs.
Some of what you'll do:
Lead Labor Relations Section
Primary Contact & Advisory Role
Negotiation & Strategy
Grievance Management
Training & Compliance
Representation
We're looking for someone with a proven track record in labor relations to join our team. The ideal applicant will be great at building trust and influence without direct authority. They should have strong collaboration, negotiation, and communication skills, along with knowledge of labor laws and conflict resolution. They need to navigate the system effectively, remove obstacles, make confident decisions, handle stress, adapt to changing business needs, and take responsibility for their work to meet goals and objectives. These are the key skills we're seeking for this role
If this is your area of expertise and passion, and you're a results-driven professional with an interest in labor relations, we want to hear from you! Apply now!
What we're looking for:
Who should apply?
Interested? Please list 3 professional references' contact information on your application and include your current resume and a cover letter explaining how your knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for this role.
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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.
If you have questions about the job posting number 01523, contact Anu Rao via email at
Supplemental 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.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-01523
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: OOS
Opening Date: 03/19/2025
Closing Date: 3/30/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Are you passionate about fostering positive labor relations and ensuring a harmonious workplace? Do you have a knack for negotiation and policy development? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!
We are looking for a skilled Labor Relations Administrator within the(HRD) at the Department of Social and Health Services to join our team and help manage and enhance our relationships between employees and management, oversee and enforce labor laws and regulations to ensure fair and equitable treatment of the staff.
In this role, you will provide a strategic and operational framework for all personnel and workforce activities and report to the Specialty Consulting Service -Office Chief. You will ensure the agency works within the framework of state and federal laws, provide guidance, consultation, training and support to the department on employee and leadership development, successional and career management, leave and benefits issues, and retention.
This opportunity offers flexible hybrid remote work, may have to travel occasionally to the headquarters in Olympia, WA based on the business needs.
Some of what you'll do:
Lead Labor Relations Section
- Supervise a team of labor relations specialists.
- Provide ongoing development and support to the team of professionals.
- Provide advanced-level professional coaching and consultation to executive leadership, supervisors, and the HR team.
Primary Contact & Advisory Role
- Act as the primary point of contact for all labor relations matters.
- Advise management on labor relations issues, strategies, mediations and arbitrations, Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) processes, and collective bargaining agreements (CBA).
Negotiation & Strategy
- Lead labor negotiations, representing the organization in discussions with labor unions.
- Develop bargaining demands and strategies for discussions with labor unions and statewide management teams.
- Identify and strategize modifications to CBA articles for future negotiations.
- Coordinate and collaborate with other state departments on negotiating strategies and administer the CBA with unions.
Grievance Management
- Oversee employee grievance procedures and administration.
- Manage grievance processes and resolve disputes in a timely and effective manner.
- Gather and compile information on disagreements, reconcile claims, and propose new procedures.
Training & Compliance
- Develop and deliver training to department managers and supervisors on labor law compliance, interpretation of CBAs, and best practices.
- Ensure compliance with and consistent interpretation of CBAs with federal, state, and local labor regulations.
- Implement and ensure compliance with negotiated CBAs, state and federal employment laws, rules, policies, and procedures.
Representation
- Represent the department in consultation with the Attorney General's Office as needed before the public employment relations commission on unfair labor practice charges, representation issues, and establishment/modification of bargaining units.
- Represent the Secretary and Senior Human Resources Director in strategic CBA and labor relations discussions with the Office of Financial Management (OFM) and the State Human Resources Office, and Governor's Office, other Department's Labor Relations staff.
We're looking for someone with a proven track record in labor relations to join our team. The ideal applicant will be great at building trust and influence without direct authority. They should have strong collaboration, negotiation, and communication skills, along with knowledge of labor laws and conflict resolution. They need to navigate the system effectively, remove obstacles, make confident decisions, handle stress, adapt to changing business needs, and take responsibility for their work to meet goals and objectives. These are the key skills we're seeking for this role
If this is your area of expertise and passion, and you're a results-driven professional with an interest in labor relations, we want to hear from you! Apply now!
What we're looking for:
- Experience in state, city, county government or private industry in a formal labor relations role
- Experience with union processes including grievance resolution, CBA interpretation, decision writing, principles of arbitration, and mandatory subjects of bargaining
- Excellent interpersonal skills, written and oral communicator who'll work effectively at all levels, in a collaborative manner, and demonstrate the ability to articulate a decision clearly and effectively
- Skilled at making independent decisions based on facts, open to input, and feedback
Who should apply?
- Professionals with a bachelor's degree with major coursework in human resource management, labor relations, organizational development, business administration, or public administration, AND, five years of senior-level human resource experience in any of the following human resource disciplines: labor relations, corrective and disciplinary action, consulting and coaching on employee issues, or employee investigations
- Demonstrated experience as a bargaining team member.
- Demonstrated experience with labor/management and collective bargaining
Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills. - Ability to handle sensitive issues with professionalism and discretion.
- Demonstrated supervisory experience.
OR - Equivalent experience will substitute for education.
Interested? Please list 3 professional references' contact information on your application and include your current resume and a cover letter explaining how your knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for this role.
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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.
If you have questions about the job posting number 01523, contact Anu Rao via email at
Supplemental 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.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022