Human Resources Consultant

Job Description

UW Human Resources has several outstanding opportunities for Human Resources Consultant's to join their team.

Build trusted relationships. Help people navigate workplace challenges. Strengthen the workplaces that make UW’s mission possible.

UW Human Resources is seeking an experienced Human Resources Consultant who brings strong employee relations expertise, a commitment to exceptional customer service, and curiosity about the people and work of a leading public university.

Employee relations is a vital part of a healthy workplace. Thoughtful advice, early intervention, and constructive conversations help employees and leaders build trust, address concerns, and succeed together. As a member of our collaborative and supportive Campus HR Operations team, you will help make that happen.

You will serve as a trusted advisor to client departments, supporting staff, academic personnel, and student employees. Your work will span performance management, complaint resolution, investigations, and interpretation of employment policies and collective bargaining agreements. You will bring independent judgment to complex situations while drawing on the expertise of colleagues and university partners.

Success in this role begins with understanding your clients: what they do, whom they serve, how their workplaces operate, and what they need to move forward. We are looking for someone who asks thoughtful questions, listens to different perspectives, and translates complex requirements into clear, practical guidance.

You will also contribute to our OneHR approach by building relationships across HR functions and university offices, coordinating expertise, and helping clients experience connected, responsive service. We are looking for someone who takes initiative to improve how work gets done: recognizing recurring obstacles, understanding their causes, and working with others to implement practical solutions. As our work evolves, you will learn new technologies, adapt your approach, and help make HR services easier to navigate and more effective.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver exceptional service and build trusted partnerships - (Overarching)

• Develop sustained relationships with client departments through proactive outreach, reliable follow-through, and an understanding of their missions, priorities, and workplace needs.
• Provide responsive, respectful, and accessible service to employees, managers, and HR partners. Clarify the question, explain options and next steps, set expectations, and keep people informed.
• Take responsibility for moving matters forward, coordinating with colleagues and following through on referrals so clients understand who is helping and what happens next.
• Partner across UWHR and relevant university offices to develop coordinated guidance and practical solutions.
• Build trust through empathy, discretion, candor, and sound judgment, including when delivering difficult advice or explaining an unwelcome decision.

Strengthen performance and workplace health

               (Performance Management, Corrective Action and Employment Separation -40%)

• Coach managers in setting clear expectations, providing timely feedback, addressing concerns early, and supporting employee success.
• Provide consultative advice on performance management, corrective action, layoff, dismissal, and other employment separations.
• Help clients evaluate options and understand employee impacts, operational needs, applicable requirements, and potential risks.
• Identify recurring workplace concerns and recommend actions that strengthen supervisory practices, accountability, and respectful working relationships.

Resolve complaints and conduct investigations

               (Complaint Resolution - 30%)

• Guide managers and supervisors in responding thoughtfully and promptly to employee complaints.
• Conduct investigations, using thorough, impartial fact-finding and clear documentation.
• Help parties understand concerns, navigate difficult conversations, and identify appropriate paths toward resolution.
• Explain complaint resolution options to employees with clarity and respect.

Translate legal, policy and contractual  requirements into practical guidance

               (Policy Rule and Law Interpretation 18%)

• Interpret and apply federal and state employment laws, University policies and rules, the Faculty Code, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Evaluate organizational practices and recommend approaches that meet applicable requirements and support operational needs.
• Develop implementation strategies that support employees and maintain continuity of operations.

Support constructive labor relations

               (Labor Relations 5%)

• In coordination with Labor Relations, educate managers on the interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements.
• Assist clients in responding to and resolving employee grievances.
• Work collaboratively with Labor Relations colleagues and managers to address concerns and support constructive working relationships.
• May participate on collective bargaining teams.

Build client capability and drive continuous improvement

               (Training 5%)

• Deliver practical training, coaching, and resources that help clients manage workplace issues with greater confidence and skill.
• Proactively identify recurring questions, delays, unnecessary steps, and gaps in coordination. Seek input from clients and partners to understand underlying causes and their impact.
• Seek feedback from clients and partners and use it to improve communication, resources, and service delivery.
• Learn and use HR systems, collaboration tools, and other approved technologies to manage work, maintain accurate records, and improve the client experience.
• Contribute ideas, test improvements, and share knowledge as policies, technologies, and service approaches evolve.

Support workplace safety 2%

• Provide counsel and assistance to client departments in preventing and responding to workplace violence.
• Coordinate assessment, referral, and case management with appropriate university partners.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Human Resources or a related field, and at least four years of increasingly responsible senior human resources experience.

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience advising managers on complex employee relations matters, including performance management, corrective action, and workplace complaints or investigations.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service, including timely communication, clear guidance, dependable follow-through, and respectful support during sensitive or difficult situations.
• Ability to build productive client and partner relationships, establish credibility, and work across organizational boundaries to resolve issues.
• A consultative approach that includes asking thoughtful questions, learning clients’ operational context, considering multiple perspectives, and identifying underlying concerns.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the judgment to evaluate information, explain recommendations, and recognize when to involve additional expertise.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex requirements clearly and facilitate challenging conversations.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and sensitive matters with discretion, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities, incorporate feedback, and learn new policies, processes, and technologies.
• Proficiency with digital tools for communication, collaboration, documentation, and managing work, along with the ability to learn and effectively use HR systems.
• Ability to work respectfully with people whose backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives differ from your own and to support fair, inclusive workplace practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of state and federal employment laws.
• Experience working in human resources in a higher education institution or another complex organization.
• Experience working in a unionized environment, including interpreting collective bargaining agreements and supporting grievance resolution.
• Experience developing proactive employee relations practices, manager training, or improvements to HR service delivery.
• Experience using HR systems and digital tools to improve coordination, efficiency, or the client experience.

Working Conditions

This position is hybrid, with at least two days per week in the office.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$90,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$112,848.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.