ABOUT NWRC
Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) is a multi-service agency that covers the Washington counties of Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom, with offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon, Washington. NWRC’s slogan: “Human services with you at the center” encapsulates its focus on creating new solutions to navigate the challenges of aging and disability, proactive paths to behavioral health and recovery, and new partnerships between healthcare and social services. We are seeking an HR Specialist to join our HR team!
JOIN US
NWRC’s values are centered on the concepts of respect, inclusiveness, and striving to foster a healthy work environment for all employees. With these values in mind, we will do our part to support and further diversity, equity, and inclusion not only in our workplace, but in our communities. Toward this goal, we invite candidates from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply and help shape the future of NWRC.
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
NWRC’s HR Department is comprised of an HR Director and an HR Specialist who collaboratively support 140 non-represented employees across NWRC's service region, with offices located in Bellingham & Mount Vernon as well as the Whatcom County Jail Health Nursing Clinic. With a customer-service based philosophy, the HR team strives to support employees to the best of our ability as they navigate their personal and professional lives parallel to one another. Recent and ongoing projects include implementing an HRIS, transitioning to digital forms, supporting agency wide equity and belonging initiatives, and establishing records management protocols for HR related public records.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
The HR Specialist carries out the day-to-day functions of human resources, both routine and complex. This position interfaces with staff at all levels within the agency to administer benefits, manage the full recruitment cycle, and supports compliance with State & Federal Laws as well as agency policies. A day in the life may include scheduling interviews, posting a job, answering benefit questions, contacting a benefit vendor, conducting research for a project , and preparing for payroll changes. The HR Specialist works closely with management team members, Equity and Safety Committees, payroll, and employees.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
10-Step pay range: $27.66 - $36.09 hourly
NWRC salary ranges are comprised of a 10-Step scale. On their employment anniversary, employees are eligible for an annual pay increase to the next step in the associated salary range, subject to satisfactory performance. In addition to the annual pay increases, NWRC assesses cost of living adjustments (COLA) on an annual basis, subject to Governing Board approval. New employees at NWRC usually start at the first step in the position’s assigned salary range. NWRC may consider a higher step when evaluating the candidate’s experience, training, or proven capability. Internal equity will be reviewed and prioritized when determining a starting pay rate.
As a full-time, permanent, non-exempt role, this position is eligible for the following benefits:
-100% Employer paid medical for individual employee plans and up to 95% paid medical for dependent coverage plans, with multiple plan options
-100% Employer paid Dental and Vision for the employee and eligible dependents with multiple plan options
-Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS 2 or PERS 3)
-100% Employer paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employee & dependents
-Life and Long-term Disability insurance, including voluntary buy-up options
-Vacation Leave, accrued at 8hrs/month & increasing with longevity
-Sick Leave, accrued at 8hrs/month
-12 Paid Holidays Annually
-3 Paid Wellness Days Annually
-Voluntary Flex Spending Plans for health and/or child/elder care
-Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program
-Hybrid Work Environment
Note: NWRC meets the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) definition of a public service organization.
SCHEDULE & LOCATION
NWRC strives to offer employees schedule flexibility while balancing the needs of their role within the agency with their personal lives. The HR Specialist will work with the HR Director to develop a schedule that includes regular, in person time in the Whatcom office as well as optional remote days. Occasionally, the HR Specialist will be required to travel to the Skagit Office and the Jail Health Clinic to meet with staff and support with HR tasks such as onboarding and benefits.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience:
-AA degree in Human Resources or related field AND
-Two years of experience in human resource activities preferred; OR
-An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the work.
-Experience or training in core HR functions, such as benefit administration, recruitment, and/or onboarding, preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
-Solid knowledge of human resources practices, principles and employment law.
-Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, HR information systems, Adobe Acrobat.
-Ability to exercise independent high-level judgment with strong ethical standards and integrity.
-Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, data, documents and files, and upholds utmost discretion regarding confidential information.
-Excellent written and verbal communication, including listening, and ability to navigate difficult and challenging situations or conversations.
-Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, co-workers and members of the general public.
-Ability to make clear and concise recommendations based on independent research and analysis.
-Sensitivity to the needs and values that are present in working with diverse groups of people.
-Demonstrates an ability to engage with communities of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities.
-Demonstrates an understanding of institutional barriers to services.
-Demonstrated ability, willingness and commitment to support an environment that advocates and creates a sense of belonging for individuals of all ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds.
Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements:
-Valid driver's license, appropriate insurance, and a car available for some work-related travel.
RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PROCESS
After reviewing the applications, the NWRC will contact the most qualified candidates to participate in a selection process consisting of job-related selection exercises. NWRC will make reasonable accommodation upon request for those individuals with disabilities.