The Department of Public Defense (DPD) provides high-quality legal representation to indigent clients. DPD practices in several areas, including felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), sex offender commitment, and contempt of court. The department also works to address racial disproportionality in the criminal legal system, the collateral consequences of system involvement, and other structural and/or systemic issues that undermine the rights of our clients and their communities. DPD employs not only attorneys, but also skilled investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and other support staff. Expert services are regularly funded, in keeping with state court rules.
 
About the Position
The Human Resource Associate is a key member of the DPD HR team and is responsible for administrative and outreach details in support of DPD's recruitment efforts. The HR Associate organizes and deploys key elements of selection processes that receive, screen, test, evaluate, and hire talented, committed, and hard-working advocates with an ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The Associate organizes, prioritizes, coordinates, and responds to a variety of regularly occurring work assignments, special projects, research, information requests, and creation of documents.
 
Who May Apply
This position is open to the general public. Special duty placement may be considered for current eligible career service and appointed employees. The position is anticipated to end on December 31, 2022.

Work Location and Schedule
This position will have a hybrid model of remote and in-person work as directed by the supervisor. DPD is located in the Dexter Horton Building, Suite 200, at 710 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104. The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for overtime pay with approval from the supervisor.

 Forms and Materials Required

1. An online employment application completed at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs.
2. A cover letter no more than two pages summarizing your experience and how you meet the required qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position. 

• Research and identify recruiting, advertising, and outreach opportunities/events. Attend events and promote DPD employment opportunities.
• Communicate with internal and external applicants in person, over the phone, and via e-mail. Act as liaison between applicants, recruiters, and the agency.
• Schedule applicants for testing and interviews. Administer applicant skill testing.
• Prepare materials and recruitment selection information for interviews.
• Coordinate, track, and monitor a variety of HR documents and work requests in electronic and paper format.
• Conduct detailed background reviews on applicants including criminal conviction histories and employment references/verification. Where applicable coordinate with other departments to facilitate access to vehicles, jail facilities, etc.
• Coordinate documentation of employment process and completion of hiring documents for new hires.
• Use PeopleSoft, NeoGov, Word, Excel, and visual management system to track recruitment activity, create letters, and generate reports.
• Maintain confidentiality related to human resources issues, including employment decisions, selection processes, testing, criminal history records, disciplinary, and other complex issues.
• Ensure compliance with standard employment procedures and completion of personnel documents that comply with Federal, State, County, and Municipal code, Federal regulations, Title VII, EEOC, ADA, WSBA, ABA, and relevant county policy.
• Cross-train and back up other team members in assorted duties in support of HR, including, but not limited to: SharePoint maintenance and design, records retention and upkeep, and personnel change notice tracking.
• Assist with organizing, preparing, and scanning of HR records to help the department transition to the management of electronic employee records. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Three years of increasingly responsible administrative support responsibilities in the area of human resources.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service and clear communication both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of human resources employment practices and guidelines.
• Excellent organizational skills are required to work on a number of projects simultaneously and complete projects within specified deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively problem solve, apply good judgment and initiative.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group.
• Experience with test administration practices.
• Demonstrated skill in the use of PeopleSoft or other HRIS system.
• Demonstrated skill in the use of NeoGov or other electronic applicant tracking system.
• Skill in reviewing and compiling data, developing reports, and creating charts and diagrams.
• Ability to create, proofread, edit, and format documents according to standard business writing practices.
• Excellent computer skills that include: Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Experience creating and maintaining pages within SharePoint
• IPMA-CP/SHRM-CP/PHR Certification

Special note regarding COVID-19 
DPD is following Public Health and CDC guidance in regard to social distancing. Interviews for this position will be conducted remotely. Successful candidates may be required to telecommute and come into the office on a periodic basis; frequency could vary based on business and operational needs.

Application Process
Interested individuals should submit a complete online King County application (all blanks must be filled out and may not direct the reader to reference an attached resume or other document. Answers that say "see resume" will be considered as incomplete) and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge and skills for the job.
 
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed and screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. Applicants may be required to demonstrate their qualifications at the time of the interview and/or complete a skills assessment. All materials will be evaluated for spelling, grammar, and punctuation usage. The most competitive candidates will be invited to interview.
  
Union
This position is not represented by a collective bargaining agreement.

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.

As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:

• submit proof of vaccination, or
• have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.