Senior HR Business Partner (Out-of-Class or Temporary) na City of Seattle, WA

About the Department

The Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) at the City of Seattle is seeking an experienced and collaborative Senior HR Business Partner to join our highly 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.
 

**This assignment is open to regular City employees as an out-of-class assignment and to external applicants as a temporary, non-benefit eligible assignment. The expected duration is three months with the possibility of an extension.**
 
This position is open until filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply early. The first review of applications will occur on September 9, 2025.

Position Duties

• 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. Mediate and 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

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 relation 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.
 

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. Alternative 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 policies.

Other Qualifications

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 $45.74 - $53.27 per hour.

Under the City’s Personnel Rules, all non-benefitted temporary assignments begin compensation at step 1. Employees receive premium pay in lieu of benefits for the first 1,040 hours of the assignment; once benefit eligible, premium pay ends and salary advances to step 2 of the range. The salary rate for out-of-class employees is determined by the City’s Personnel Rules.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. You must submit the following items to be considered for this position no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on the scheduled closed date.

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
3. Current resume indicating relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and education.
4. A current “FULL” driving abstract from the Department of Licensing.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state “see my resume” or “see my personnel file” are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

PLEASE NOTE: This job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Background Check: Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

Why work at the City of Seattle? The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who May Apply: The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. If you have questions regarding this bulletin or employment at Finance and Administrative Services, please send an email to [email protected]. FAS promotes diversity and inclusion in employment. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please contact us.

CANDIDATE NOTIFICATION:

Many important notifications including interview or test invitations, result notices, and status updates will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application. It is important that you provide a valid email address. Please add [email protected] to your email address book and to the list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail. Candidates can also check for notifications by logging into governmentjobs.com and viewing their profile inbox, which saves a copy of all emailed notices. It is the applicant's responsibility to take the above steps to view correspondence.