Employee Relations Manager

Salary: $122,208.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-05204
Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: EOS - Human Resources
Opening Date: 06/23/2026
Closing Date: 6/30/2026 10:00 AM Pacific


Description
Employee Relations Manager

Full Time | Permanent

Salary Range: $122,208 Annually
This is a telework/hybrid position. The candidate of choice may work from anywhere within the state of Washington with a reliable internet connection. Travel may be required.
This recruitment is open to current DOC Human Resources employees only.
The Washington State Department of Corrections is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join our Employee & Organizational Support (EOS) Division as an Employee Relations Manager (ERM)! The Employee Relations Manager position serves as a key advisor on complex and sensitive employee and labor relations matters across the agency.
As an ERM, you will provide strategic consultation and guidance to leaders at all levels, ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements, employment laws, civil service rules, agency policies, and human resource best practices. Within the Human Resources team, this role plays a critical part in supporting the Department's mission to improve public safety by positively changing lives. The Employee Relations Manager leads and develops HR professionals, serves as the agency's primary labor and employee relations representative for a designated statewide region, and partners with executive leadership to address workforce challenges and drive consistent, legally compliant employment practices.
This is an outstanding opportunity for a collaborative leader with strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills who is passionate about supporting employees, leaders, and organizational success. Travel to correctional facilities, offices, and field locations throughout the state, including occasional overnight travel, is required.
A completed application packet will include:

• A cover letter regarding your interest in this position with our agency
• A detailed resume
• Three professional references

Duties
We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.
As an Employee Relations Manager , some of your duties will include:

• Collaborate, consult, advise and provide professional level support to management, human resources staff, supervisors and other stakeholders regarding day-to-day and long-term complex labor relations and human resource issues having intra and interagency impact.
• Serve as the Department representative in multiple arenas including pre-arbitration review meetings (PARMs)/mediation, grievance arbitration hearings, Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) hearings, Unfair Labor Practices (ULP), Contract Negotiations, Demands to Bargain, Personnel Resources Board and Union Management Communication Committees (UMCC)
• Adjudicate contract violations, disciplinary and disability separation grievances, and probationary separation reviews with the designee of the Secretary of the Department of Corrections
• Ensure complex and sensitive employee investigations are conducted in accordance with Just Cause Standards
• Stay current and knowledgeable regarding employment laws and regulations, case law, WAC Chapter 357, DOC policies, and arbitration and PERC decisions and union agreements
• Prepare and present human resource and labor-related trainings
• Co-chair and coordinate Grievance Resolution Panel (GRP) meetings
• Analyze, process, and coordinate responses to requests for information and public disclosure requests
• Provides local and area Human Resources staff with advice, guidance, direction, leadership and assistance on all matters related to Human Resources and labor relations, policy guidance and interpretations and applicable laws.
• Manage and administer comprehensive HR programs in accordance with agency policy, WACs, CBA, and laws
• Supervise HR manager(s) of designated areas
• Respond to requests for information/service
• Represent the agency in appeals, grievances, or other similar meetings
• Provides assistance to human resources and leadership
• Participate as a member of the agency extended HR management team, which makes decisions about HR projects and initiatives; drafts and makes recommendations on agency policy
• Participate on teams, committees and work groups and ensures the involvement of HR staff members in same

Qualifications
What we need (required qualifications):

• At least five years of professional - level human resources experience, or other closely related field, which included experience in at least three of the following: employee and labor relations, contract negotiation, grievance administration and resolution, alternate dispute/conflict resolution; case investigation, analysis, preparation, and presentation; interpretation and application of rules and regulations; or corrective and disciplinary action
• At least one year supervising, leading or mentoring staff. Experience may be gained concurrently with professional HR related experience
• Extensive working knowledge of all aspects of HR and professional trends
• Ability to provide consultation and direction on most complex issues and questions, especially in the areas of employee discipline, employee relations, labor relations, rule and/or contract application and interpretation, just cause principles, and global impacts (both internal and external) of interpretations and determinations.
• Knowledge of state and federal employment and labor laws, relevant court decisions impacting employers
• Ability to research, investigate and analyze information; define problems or objectives, formulate logical and objective conclusions, recognize alternatives, and make recommendations
• Excellent communication skills both orally and in writing, ability to work effectively with both employees and managers. Able to convey a positive and professional image to all levels of employees and external contacts
• Strong influence, change management and relationship building skills
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple complex tasks/projects, in a fast-paced and changing environment
• Work effectively with individuals or diverse groups on difficult and/or controversial issues, both internally and externally
• Familiarity and experience with computer programs to accomplish work including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Excel and Internet Explorer
• Must possess and maintain a vehicle operator's license in the State of Washington

What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):

• Two (2) years of professional experience specific to labor relations activities to include contract interpretation, arbitration preparation and presentation, collective bargaining, and/or alternate dispute resolution. PHR or SPHR Certification
• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Human Resources Management, Business or Public Administration, Social Sciences or related field, from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Supplemental Information
Vision: Working together for safer communities.

Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

Our Core Values :

• Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
• Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
• People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
• Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
• Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community - understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
IMPORTANT NOTES:

• DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form.
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit
• This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.
• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
  **Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from and Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.

Telework Details

This position may be allocated for telework. If authorized for the role, work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at that time. Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care all state-issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite. Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have a "drop in" area available, however, a dedicated workspace within a DOC facility will not be provided.
What We Offer:

As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacation days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

PERS: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the ' web site.
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io or call us at View phone number on click.appcast.io. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.


Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.


Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.


Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.


Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01


Are you a current DOC Human Resources employee?

• Yes
• No

02


Please indicate your highest level of education:

• High School Diploma
• Associates Degree
• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Human Resources Management, Business or Public Administration, Social Sciences or related field, from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
• Masters Degree or higher

03


How many years of professional - level human resources experience, or other closely related field to you possess?

• I do not have this experience
• I have one to two years of this experience
• I have three to four years of this experience
• I have five+ years of this experience

04


Please indicate all knowledge, skills and/or abilities in which you possess:

• Employee and labor relations
• Contract negotiation
• Grievance administration and resolution
• Alternate dispute/conflict resolution
• Case investigation, analysis, preparation, and presentation
• Interpretation and application of rules and regulations
• Corrective and disciplinary action
• I do not have any of the above knowledge, skills and/or abilities

05


Do you have at least one year supervising, leading or mentoring staff?

• Yes
• No

06


Please indicate all knowledge, skills and/or abilities in which you possess:

• Extensive working knowledge of all aspects of HR and professional trends
• Ability to provide consultation and direction on most complex issues and questions, especially in the areas of employee discipline, employee relations, labor relations, rule and/or contract application and interpretation, just cause principles, and global impacts (both internal and external) of interpretations and determinations
• Knowledge of state and federal employment and labor laws, relevant court decisions impacting employers
• Ability to research, investigate and analyze information; define problems or objectives, formulate logical and objective conclusions, recognize alternatives, and make recommendations
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple complex tasks/projects, in a fast-paced and changing environment
• Work effectively with individuals or diverse groups on difficult and/or controversial issues, both internally and externally
• I do not have any of the above knowledge, skills and/or abilities

07


Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Word skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
• BASIC: Create, save, preview and print a basic document; edit selected text; change font appearance; highlight text; format paragraphs with tabs, borders, shading and styles; page setup, use auto correct
• INTERMEDIATE: Insert graphic objects and visual effects to a document; add tables to a document or convert tables to text; add watermarks, borders, headers and footers; use the word look up (thesaurus, dictionary); customize tables and charts; modify pictures in document; create customized graphic elements; use templates
• ADVANCED: Insert content using quick parts; control text flow; perform mail merge function; uses macros for tasks; insert cover pages and table of contents; track changes and comments; insert bookmarks, footnotes and endnotes; add hyperlinks; cross-references and citations; link documents to excel worksheets; send document to PowerPoint; merge documents; redaction function; hide text; add digital signature, restrict access and use passwords; create, protect and automate forms
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Word functions listed above

08


Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Excel skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.))

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
• BASIC: Create basic worksheets; create basic formulas; use basic functions; modify and format a worksheet; print workbooks
• INTERMEDIATE: Use advanced formulas; organize tables and worksheets; create and modify charts; analyze data using Pivot tables and Pivot Charts; insert and modify graphic objects in a worksheet
• ADVANCED: Create and edit macros; conditional formatting; apply data validation criteria; able to protect, share and merge files; trace cells and troubleshoot formula errors; uses data list outline; consolidate data and link workbooks; export and import text files and XML data; import data from the Web and create Web queries; analyze data using trend lines, Sparklines and scenarios
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Excel functions listed above and uses advanced formulas, functions and arrays; uses information, date and time functions; uses advanced editing and formatting; advanced chart formatting; runs solver models and reports; embed and link information; set up customization including automation

09


Which one of the following best describes your highest level of PowerPoint skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
• BASIC: Create, save, preview and print
• INTERMEDIATE: Create slides; format text; add and modify graphics; create tables in presentation; imports charts
• ADVANCED: Customize environment; set up a slide master; create custom layouts; add headers and footers; insert and modify SmartArt graphics; add special effect; customize slide animations; customize a design template; covert to video; secure and distribute
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all PowerPoint functions listed above

10


Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Outlook skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
• BASIC: Compose email messages; send and respond to messages; organize email into folders; create contact information; schedule appointments; schedule meetings, manage tasks and notes
• INTERMEDIATE: Set calendar options; sort, find and filter messages; create distribution lists; share and delegate folder access; customize toolbar, menu bar, quick access tool bar and the To-DO bar; customize message options; use the journal entry to track and record; assign, reply and track tasks; create public folders and send and post information
• ADVANCED: Personalize with stationary and themes; create signatures; configure email security settings; group items and create search folders; apply conditional formatting; manage data files; create mail merge using contacts; archive messages
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Outlook functions listed above

11


Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Access skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
• BASIC: Organize data in tables; view data in tables; Query in database; and generate simple reports
• INTERMEDIATE: Streamline data entry; join tables to retrieve data from unrelated tables; create flexible queries to display records; customize queries; modify data, customize reports; produce specific print layouts; share data between Access and other applications
• ADVANCED: Restructure data into tables; write advance queries to analyze data; design summary reports; create and revise macros; use administration tolls to maintain database
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Access functions listed above

12


Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft SharePoint skills? (NOTE: To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level. To qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels. To qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the basic level below
• BASIC: Navigate to SharePoint sites, pages, and apps (e.g. lists, libraries, calendars, discussions, etc.); Use Search Center to locate documents, items, people, and pages; Open and print basic documents and items; Navigate between different app views; Set up and cancel personal alerts
• INTERMEDIATE: Create, edit, and delete basic documents and items; Check documents in and out; Create, edit, and delete personal app views; Connect calendars to MS Outlook; Export apps to MS Excel; Open apps in MS Access; Approve, reject, reassign, and request changes to workflow tasks; Restore deleted documents and items from personal end user recycle bin
• ADVANCED: Understand sites, permissions, user roles, content types, and best practices; Create, modify, and delete SharePoint sites; Create, edit, and delete security groups; Add and remove user and group permissions; Break and inherit permissions at the site, app, and item level; Add, edit, close, restore, and delete web parts; Create, edit, and delete apps; Create, edit, and delete public app views; Set up and cancel alerts for users
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all SharePoint functions listed above

13


Are you familiar with, and have used, computer programs including Internet Explorer and Google Chrome to accomplish work?

• Yes
• No

14


Do you have two (2) years of professional experience specific to labor relations activities to include contract interpretation, arbitration preparation and presentation, collective bargaining, and/or alternate dispute resolution. PHR or SPHR Certification?

• Yes
• No

15


3100 - How did you hear about this opportunity?

• Careers.wa.gov; jobs.doc.wa.gov; or governmentjobs.com
• Indeed
• DOC social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
• Job/career fair
• Job boards (Monster. ZipRecruiter, GlassDoor, CareerBuilder)
• WorkSource
• Veteran outreach
• Referral from current DOC employee
• Other

16


3100 - If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? (The below link lists acceptable documents:

• Yes
• No

17


3100 - If hired for this position, will you require employer sponsorship, either now or in the future?

• Yes
• No

Required Question