Senior Human Resources Manager

The State of Washington is Work That Matters!

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The Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is currently seeking a Senior Human Resources Manager . Come join us as we shape the future of our agency which features all the advantages of state employment yet remains small enough to know each other by name.

WSSB is a growing agency with a vision to see every blind and low vision student in Washington have the supports and services they need to succeed.

Overview : The Senior HR Manager will be responsible for overseeing employee and labor relations, serving on the state collective bargaining team, managing employee grievances, performance management, monitoring tort-related risks, classification & compensation, policy development, workplace culture, risk management, succession planning, employee retention, talent acquisition, training & development, leave and benefits.

This position also serves on the executive leadership team and acts as WSSB’s liaison to the State Human Resources (SHR) division of the Office of Financial Management (OFM).

This position is open due to a long-term staff member retirement and reports directly to the Director of Business, Finance, & HR.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to :

• Managing employee and labor relations, supporting supervisors in employee conduct matters, managing performance improvements, issuing / advising on corrective actions, conducting or assigning personnel investigations, monitoring tort-related risks, participating in the tort claim process as needed, and overseeing evaluations conducted by managers while ensuring accuracy and compliance with all applicable personnel-related rules, regulations, CBA’s and laws.
• Participating in labor negotiations serving as the agency’s representative on the state bargaining team. Interpreting Collective Bargaining Agreements in line with RCW’s, WAC’s, and policies.

Consulting with legal and union representatives in disciplinary matters.

• Developing / updating policies and procedures; managing the rollout process to include training employees and managers and ensuring compliance.
• Participating in legislative and budgeting processes to ensure accurate representation of agency activities and needs.
• Making salary determinations / placement decisions for all positions in the agency, assigning classifications within departments, and providing compensation and benefits data for salary projections.

Assessing salary adjustment requests per applicable governing rules and laws.

Monitoring all aspects of risk management as it relates to personnel placed in service areas across the state of Washington.

Participating in agency safety and emergency committees and leading the continuity of operations planning committee. Managing worker's compensation and OSHA compliance including all claims administration and completion of the 300 log.

• Working with staff to analyze existing and proposed positions for accuracy and review of performance / agency expectations and needs.
• Developing, conducting, and / or overseeing agency-related training, including the development of an orientation & onboarding program for WSSB to respond to agency growth.
• Generalist functions within the department including but not limited to executive and other recruitments, leave programs (FMLA, PFML, Pregnancy Disability, ADA and other leave options), employee retirement / separation meetings, etc.

in line with all governing laws, rules, policies, and regulations. Will perform supervision and oversight of Human Resources personnel.

• Participating on various committees including the Executive Leadership Team, ITPS Committee; State HR team; statewide bargaining team and other duties as required by the agency.
• Responding to relevant public record requests as they pertain to Human Resources.

The most successful applicants will possess :

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, public administration or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of education / experience.
• Five or more years of experience managing or operating a unit / HR department within a state or public agency, similar entity, or organization desired.
• Working knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing human resources.
• Successful experience working directly with and building relationships with union / labor organizations.
• Strong foundational HR knowledge / experience.

Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies :

• Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MPA) and / or professional HR certification (e.g., SPHR, SHRM-CP) strongly desired.
• Familiarity with state processes, resources, and systems including Neogov, Projection Systems (SPS), Human Resource Management System (HRMS), SAP, Workday, BI, SUMDAY, Benefits 24 / 7, and / or other automated or HRIS system(s).

Previous experience and ability to lead a team through talent acquisition, payroll / HRIS, and benefits technology conversions desired.

HR management and leadership experience working directly for a state (WA) agency strongly desired.

How to apply :

In addition to completing the online application, applicants should attach / include the following :

• A letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications for this position;
• A detailed chronological resume is preferred along with your completed online application profile that includes education and employment history (applications that state "see my resume" or similar language on the application will be considered incomplete); and,
• Three professional references listed in the application, including at least one supervisor, with current contact information.

Note : The hiring manager reserves the right to close this position at any time, so apply early for best consideration.

What We Offer!

WSSB offers employees a student-focused and mission-driven environment that empowers blind and low-vision individuals to reach their full potential.

Our beautiful 13.2-acre campus is on the National Register of Historic Places and includes state-of-the-art classrooms, a fitness center with saline pool, track & field, auditorium, braille center, low vision clinic, LIFTT program offering dorm-style housing to students, hybrid work (1 day of telework per week during the school year), and flexible summer schedules (like 4-10's, etc.) , and much more!

Opportunity for All :

The Washington State School for the Blind celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

A background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competency to perform in the position.

Applicants are required to sign a release authorizing inquiry. Failure to do so shall disqualify the applicant from employment in these positions.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Veterans Preference : Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service.

Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security number. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Additional Information :

The state of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application, or that need this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 947-3311.

Should you have any questions regarding this position, or the online application, please email [email protected].

TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

If you have applied within the past 180 days, it is not necessary to reapply for this position. This position will remain open until filled so apply early for best consideration.

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