Senior HR Business Partner

Title: Senior HR Business Partner

Location: Seattle United States

Job Description:

The Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) at the City of Seattle is seeking an experienced and collaborative Senior HR Business Partner (Sr. Personnel Specialist) to join our small but mighty HR team.

In this role you will provide complex support and guidance to management and employees in the areas of employee relations and labor relations. You will have the opportunity to learn and make a difference immediately. You will help employees going through difficult situations, ensure equity is at the forefront of all you do, and collaborate with our labor partners.

ABOUT US:

The Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) is often the public's first interaction with the City of Seattle, operating as a customer-focused front door that assists with everything from paying utilities or reporting a pothole to requesting public information or even adopting a new pet.

The 500-plus employees of FAS span across 10 divisions and work behind-the-scenes providing critical functions, like managing 120 City facilities-including police and fire stations-overseeing the City's neighborhood customer service centers and Customer Service Bureau and making sure minority-owned businesses can equitably compete for City contracts. No matter the need, FAS is here-at your service.

• Work closely with management clientele and external partners to address and resolve human resource matters in the areas of performance management, and employee and labor relations.
• Provide guidance to management on sensitive and complex employee relations and disciplinary matters.
• Interpret and apply a broad range of employment laws, labor contracts, public personnel administration practices, and labor relations guidelines.
• Collaborate with HR team members to align HR strategies with organizational goals and enhance employee experience.
• Provide results-oriented resolutions to employee relations matters that focus on those harmed and restoring functional workgroups. Help problem-solve disputes.
• Conduct comprehensive and impartial complex workplace investigations including preparing final investigative summary reports.
• Provide advice and counsel to management on labor laws and union relations.
• Give best practice advice that integrates fairness, equity, compassion and business needs.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with labor unions, advise management on labor relations issues.
• Cultivate relationships and with leaders at all levels and employees while consistently delivering exceptional customer service.
• Support department goals in promoting diversity and social justice.
• Promote continuous improvement by proposing innovative solutions and optimizing HR processes.
• Perform back-up duties during staff absences and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in social sciences, HR management, public administration, business administration, or a related field AND
• Two (2) years of experience working in Human Resources including employee relations and labor relations. OR
• Four (4) years of experience working in Human Resources including employee relations and labor relations. OR
• A combination of education and/or training and/or experience that provides an equivalent background required to perform this job may be considered, for example an associate degree and three years of experience.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR CANDIDATES WHO:

• Have relevant field and professional-level employee relations experience in a unionized environment or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or skills sufficient to perform the job duties.
• Are advanced in interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with all members of the department, in a collaborative team environment.
• Talented and experienced providing proactive strategic coaching and guidance on employee engagement, issue management, employment laws, and HR policies, and procedures.
• Have strong presentation, facilitation, consensus-building and conflict resolution skills.
• Have knowledge of employment-related laws, labor contracts and regulations.
• Are analytical, great at planning, and excel in problem-solving skills.
• Are strong and adaptable communicators.
• Have a strong and proven commitment to the principles of equity and social justice.
• Can work daily in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing priorities and sensitive situations.
• Are proficient in commonly used MS Office applications.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Successful candidates must demonstrate proven ability to diagnose problems using critical thinking.
• Ability to make sound decisions and use good judgment during stressful situations.
• Strong writing skills and excellent organizational skills are required.
• Exceptional listening skills and ability to relate to, influence and coach employees and managers at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work independently as well as be a collaborative member of our HR team.
• Must use discretion, exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality.

Work Environment:

This position requires a minimum of three days per week of onsite work. Flexible Work Arrangements and hybrid telework schedules for work conducted in a normal office environment may be considered and will be based on operational needs and consistency with City and departmental policies.

This position is classified as a Senior Personnel Specialist. It is Civil Service represented, FLSA non-exempt and is eligible for overtime. The full range for this step-progression position is $47.39 - $55.19 per hour.