Human Resources Manager II; Special Duty

This position is open to current King County employees only

The Department of Human Resources (DHR) and the Department of Local Services (DLS) have an exciting 6‑month special duty opportunity for current King County employees interested in growing their strategic human resources skills while leading a team of skilled professionals. The most competitive candidate will demonstrate a commitment to equity and social justice, passion for public service, and success as a sound HR advisor and collaborative leader.

Utilizing your strong interpersonal skills, you will build effective relationships and influence change at all levels in the Department. Your excellent communication skills and strong project management abilities will be essential for managing competing priorities. You will lead and mentor a team, and ensure systems are in place to attract, retain and engage employees. You will apply your HR expertise and compassion when problem solving and addressing issues.

You will champion the advancement of practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunities for all employees.

Human Resources Manager II is an employee of the Department of Human Resources and reports jointly to the DLS Chief of Staff and the Human Resources Services Delivery (HRSD) Division Director for the County. This reporting structure ensures consistent delivery of HR policies and practices across the county, while supporting the unique and varied needs of each department’s line of business.

• Provide overall direction for the integration of sound human resources practices and strategic initiatives for the department, building and leveraging relationships and networks at all levels as a valued and trusted HR partner.
• Develop and implement recruitment strategies in today’s dynamic and constricted labor market.
• Provide advice and consultation on workplace programs, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate with DLS leadership to design systems for recruitment, development, and retention of a high quality, diverse workforce that is prepared for the evolving business needs of the future.
• Proactively assess and, in consultation with leadership, resolve employee relations issues objectively, interpreting employment law, labor agreements, and HR policies and practices to reduce liability and ensure consistency and compliance.
• Conduct investigations related to human resources issues.
• Participate in negotiations of collective bargaining agreements, support and participate in employee discipline and grievances as needed and implement and interpret contract language where warranted.
• Manage requests for accommodations (Americans with Disabilities Act, religious, and others as applicable by law) to ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Provide supervision, guidance, and development to support and sustain a small HR team.
• Lead the implementation of strategies to strengthen employee engagement and advance equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts.
• Additional duties as assigned.

• Strong track record of growing responsibility in human resources and the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic, people‑focused role, whether gained through professional experience, education, or a mix of both.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective work relationships, influence behavior, and manage change.
• Direct working knowledge of major HR functions such as recruitment, compensation and benefits, risk management, Human Resources Information Systems, employee relations, labor relations, leave management, performance management, training and development, and the relevant laws and regulations.
• Experience coaching and counseling supervisors to effectively develop employees and improve performance outcomes. Experience coaching supervisors in having candid conversations with employees regarding performance issues.
• Excellent customer‑focused service and ability to advise and partner at all levels of management on a variety of complex HR policies, procedures, and practices.
• Experience advancing equity and social justice, inclusion, and belonging.…