Salary: $5,779.00 - $7,774.00 Monthly
Location : Pierce County - Lakewood, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: OOS
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

DSHS OOS Human Resource Consultant 3
Strong workplaces are built on fair decisions, clear guidance and trusted HR partnership, and our Human Resource Consultants deliver exactly that. DSHS's , Human Resources Division (HRD) is hiring for a Human Resource Consultant 3 to join our team based at Western State Hospital in Lakewood, WA.

As an HR Consultant with DSHS, your work plays a meaningful role in shaping workplace culture. The consultation you provide helps leaders address concerns early, communicate clearly and make decisions that employees can trust. Over time, that work builds consistency, confidence and stronger working relationships across teams. You will collaborate with a diverse team of 200+ HR professionals dedicated to strengthening our organizational resilience by cultivating a skilled, adaptable, and supported workforce.

Please note:

• This position is currently approved to work a flexible/hybrid schedule, requiring a minimum of two in-office days per week. Operational needs may require additional on-site work, and the days in which you telework may vary each week. Flexibility to be on-site when needed is important for this role.
• Pierce County employees receive a free ORCA card for transportation purposes.
• Opportunities performed on-site at these work locations at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium on-site pay along with the advertised salary.

Some of what you'll do:

• Provide consultative support to senior leaders, managers and supervisors surrounding employee performance, investigations, labor relations, workforce planning, employee leave and other core human resources functions.
• Analyze complex employee relations issues and develop practical, strategic options that support sound decision-making and timely resolution.
• Draft clear, well-reasoned correspondence, including responses to complaints, performance expectations, disciplinary actions and grievance responses.
• Represent human resources in grievance meetings, appeals and adjudicative forums, ensuring positions are well supported, consistent and defensible.
• Serve as a trusted subject matter expert on performance management, employment laws and department policy, offering guidance that supports consistency and fairness.
• Develop and deliver tools, resources and training that help leaders manage their workforce effectively while reducing risk and strengthening working relationships.
• Approach consultations with a solutions-focused mindset, providing risk-based guidance with options and helping leaders understand the tradeoffs associated with each path forward.
• Partner with labor relations staff and the Office of the Attorney General to prepare for hearings, respond to information requests and support arbitration matters.
• Participate in special projects and workgroups that improve HRD's processes, service delivery and consistency across programs.

Who should apply?
Those with a bachelor's degree with a focus on business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field.
AND
Two years of professional human resource work experience.
Or
Equivalent education/experience.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Human resources expertise: Applying working knowledge of employee relations, leave laws, reasonable accommodation, discipline and investigations in real workplace situations. A commitment to ongoing professional development, or HR certification is highly valued.
• Clear communication: Explaining rules, decisions and expectations in writing and conversation so people understand what is happening and why.
• Confidentiality: Handling private and sensitive information with care, discretion and professionalism at all times.
• Training skills: Confidence in teaching human resources topics in a way that is clear, useful and appropriate for different audiences.
• Inclusive consultation: Ability to provide HR consultation that considers equity, access and inclusion, supporting respectful workplaces and effective supervisor-employee relationships.
• Sound judgment: Knowing how to weigh risks, consider impacts and choose fair options when situations are complex or sensitive.

Interested?Apply today!

Questions? Please contact DSHS Recruiter, Vincent Hamilton, at and reference #06728.

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

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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 Wit