Description

Job Number: 2026-00003
The Employee Relations Specialist (ERS) is responsible for providing frontline employee relations support and administering core employee relations programs at King County Library System (KCLS). This position serves as a primary point of contact for employee relations inquiries, supporting routine workplace concerns through intake, guidance, documentation, and coordination. The incumbent assists with performance management, corrective action, investigations, and employee accommodations by gathering information, maintaining confidential records, and escalating matters as appropriate. This role promotes a fair, consistent, and supportive workplace by helping employees and leaders navigate concerns in alignment with organizational policies and practices.

Applicants must attach a current resume and cover letter which addresses why they are interested in the position and how they meet the qualifications listed. 

About King County Library System (KCLS):
KCLS has a vision of a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and grow. In order to support this vision, we create opportunities through meaningful connections by acting as the knowledge sharing center for over 1.5 million diverse patrons, providing an unparalleled collection of library materials, resources, technology, services, and programs.

Approximately 1,000 engaged and passionate staff provide service in 50 community library locations and patron engagement using direct outreach, programs, and virtual assistance. Our service area includes cities, towns, tribal lands, and unincorporated districts of King County, with the exception of the city of Seattle.

From a 2021-2022 comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Assessment Demographics and Language Report, of the more than 1.5 million residents who live within the KCLS service area, almost half identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). Moreover, roughly one-third of the KCLS community speaks a language other than English as their first language.

The King County Library System values the diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures of all qualified individuals. We seek applicants that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color), immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, veterans, etc.

KCLS welcomes reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities as an opportunity to assist qualified individuals to participate in the job application or interview process and/or perform the essential functions of the position upon hire. 

Need an accommodation to apply or interview? Call (425) 369-3224 or email employment@kcls.org.
 
KCLS ensures equal opportunities and consideration for all job applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. KCLS does not tolerate discrimination or harassment during any stage of employment, including in recruiting, hiring, promotion, termination, leave of absence, compensation, or training.
Essential Duties
The items listed in this section are the key duties and responsibilities for this job and do not represent an exhaustive list. Our organization is dynamic and therefore duties may change based on business necessity; however, any new duties will remain within the scope of the job.

• Maintains and administers assigned employee relations services and programs in partnership with managers, supervisors, and KCLS staff to support consistent and effective workplace practices.
• Services as primary point of contact for employee relations inquiries, providing initial support to employees and leaders, conducting intake, gathering relevant information, and determining appropriate next steps or escalation.
• Supports and counsels employees and leaders in addressing routine workplace concerns, acting as a liaison between employees and leadership while balancing individual, managerial, and organizational needs. 
• Provides guidance and makes recommendations for resolution of personnel and performance issues in accordance with KCLS policy and applicable laws. 
• Assists leaders with corrective action documentation, conversations, and processes to ensure timely, consistent, and appropriate intervention.
• Conducts assigned employee relations investigations in accordance with established protocols. Prepares documentation, summarizes findings, and escalates concerns or risk indicators as appropriate.
• Maintains accurate, confidential documentation or employee relations cases, investigations, and program activities in compliance with privacy, retention, and record-keeping requirements.
• Administers the exit interview program, including conducting exit interviews, collecting and analyzing data, and escalating trends and significant findings.
• Facilitates the upward feedback program by soliciting and confidentially distributing feedback, analyzes results, and escalates trends and concerns.
• Assists in the interactive process for employee accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including gathering information, coordinating documentation, and supporting compliance efforts.

Secondary Duties

1. Supports coordination and delivery of employee relations trainings.
2. Serves as a member of various committees, as assigned.
3. Provides backup to other HR positions, as needed.
4. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
The items listed below are the minimum requirements for the job and are relevant to this position. The organization values both work experience and education and realizes that individuals take different paths to acquire knowledge.

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, public administration, or related field.
• Two years of experience in human resources with a focus in employee relations, investigations, and/or performance management.
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the work of the classification will be considered.

Knowledge and Skills

• Working knowledge of employee relations principles, performance management processes, and conflict resolution strategies.
• Understanding of employment laws and regulations relevant to employee relations. 
• Familiarity with labor unions or a unionized workforce.
• Skills in gathering information from various persons and resources.
• Skills to handle sensitive situations and confidential information with discretion.
• Skills to identify issues requiring escalation and communicate concerns clearly and timely.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy.
• Skills to prioritize tasks, manage multiple assignments, and meet established deadlines.
• Interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to work effectively with employees and leaders.
• Proficiency using standard office and HR information systems and technology tools

Professional Licenses and Certifications

• A valid Washington State driver’s license is required.

Work Environment
Work is primarily performed in a typical office environment. Interactions with individuals that involve behavior issues may occur. Resources are available to assist with identifying solutions or actions. Requires strict adherence to safety and compliance regulations. Work schedule may include occasional early morning, evening, and/or weekend meetings or commitments. Occasional travel within the service area is required. Incumbent may be permitted hybrid telework schedule upon request.

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will:

• Constantly sit throughout work shift and occasionally stand and walk.
• Frequently reach out at chest level, and occasionally reach down or overhead.
• Constantly use hands in conjunction with frequent finger use. Keyboarding may be repetitive up to frequently.
• Rotate neck up to occasionally.
• Change tasks depending upon the shift.
• Require extensive close work, including use of a computer monitor.
• Occasionally operate foot controls.
• Seldom lift and carry up to 20 lbs.
• Seldom push or pull carts and wheeled equipment with light force.

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