Human Resources Business Partner

With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, the Seattle City Attorney’s Office is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and is the third-largest public law office in the state. Our office is committed to making Seattle a safe, healthy, empowered, and thriving community for everyone. We strive to address historical injustices within the court system with self-examination and to pursue justice in Seattle with integrity, creativity, and fairness. We believe working transparently, innovatively, and in collaboration with our partners in the community is necessary to achieve outcomes that promote equity, accountability, and healing.

The Seattle City Attorney’s Office (CAO) is seeking an experienced Human Resources (HR) professional to serve as a Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP).

The HRBP develops and maintains effective working relationships and provides professional guidance to managers and employees on a range of human resource issues. The HRBP administers human resource programs and procedures and identifies opportunities for improvement where needed. The scope of work includes the following: managing all department leaves and accommodations, compensation and classification maintenance, temporary assignment management, annual performance evaluations, employee relations, and assisting with recruiting, onboarding, and separations.  This role is also critical in ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements, policies, regulations, and federal, state and local laws, and using sound judgment in interpreting and recommending the applicability of guidelines and rules on various work groups and/or situations. 

The HRBP applies a race and social justice lens to their work and engages in the CAO’s efforts to eliminate racial disparities and achieve racial equity in City government and the broader community. 

This position reports directly to the Human Resources Manager and interacts directly with the elected City Attorney and Executive staff, the Seattle Department of Human Resources (SHR), other City departments, union representatives, and representatives of other public agencies, as needed.

• Serve as primary contact for administering leaves of absence by advising department employees on a range of options, terms, and eligibility criteria; developing and maintaining in-depth knowledge of city, state, federal, and collective bargaining unit rules and regulations governing leaves administration; receiving leave requests, assessing eligibility, and managing leaves in HRIS. Tracks and monitors all leaves and follows up with requests for updates or additional information as needed. Ensures that all information is handled with the utmost care and discretion.
• Maintain and follow up on missing or incomplete paperwork required to determine leave disposition, including contacting health care providers for clarification as necessary. Load leave information into a database to track leave type, status, and disposition, employee eligibility, intermittent schedule (if applicable), and maintain leave-related correspondence. Advise Payroll as needed. Consult with the Human Resources Manager on complex leave of absence situations.
• Review requests for disability accommodation, including light duty assignments; communicate with managers to outline needed accommodations and ascertain their ability to provide them. Confer with the Human Resources Manager on complex requests or for second-level review in cases in which the department indicates it is unable to provide accommodation.
• Serve as department expert for use of HRIS (Workday) and provide guidance, training, and direction to management (hiring managers) and other staff. Develop and/or generate reports as needed.
• Respond to inquiries related to employee benefits, provide resources, and refer to the SHR Benefits department as needed.
• Assist with requests for reallocation or reclassification for positions by following applicable processes and collaborating with managers and SHR.
• Assist employees and supervisors with resolving employment-related issues, with a strong emphasis on positive interpersonal relations and problem-solving. Consult with the Human Resources Manager on complex employee relations issues.
• Respond to public disclosure requests promptly.
• Stay current and knowledgeable of legal requirements related to human resources management, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Serves as back-up to the HR Specialist and/or HR Manager during absences or high workload volume
• Support and contribute to continuous improvement of Human Resources practices and processes.

These responsibilities are only a summary of typical job duties and are not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible tasks. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.You will be prepared to take on this role if you have experience: 

• Performing HR tasks in a complex, public, or unionized organization 
• Administering leaves of absence and disability accommodations in accordance with a range of policies, procedures, regulations, and laws
• Interpreting and applying city, state, and federal employment laws
• Performing employee change management in a cloud-based HRIS
• Delivering outstanding Human Resources services

You will be successful in this role if you are able to:

• Cultivate and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization
• Use your HR knowledge and consultative skills to build trust and provide guidance
• Apply a race and social justice lens to all work
• Communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, both verbally and in writing
• Work independently as well as a part of a team, take initiative, and use sound judgment
• Utilize your strong organizational and time management skills and attention to detail
• Anticipate potential risks or obstacles, identify possible solutions, and resolve issues
• Adapt to and manage shifting priorities
• Maintain integrity and confidentiality in all matters

Minimum Qualifications
A baccalaureate degree in social sciences, human resource management, business administration or related field and two years of responsible professional personnel administration experience in the public sector are required (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class)..

Desired Qualifications

• Experience providing Human Resources generalist support in the public sector
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficient in Workday or a similar cloud-based HRIS

Application Process – For your application to be accepted you must:

• Complete the online City of Seattle Application
  1. (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle)
• Include the following required attachments: 
  1. Cover Letter describing your interest in the position. (.pdf, .doc, or .docx format)
  2. Resume detailing your relevant experience. (.pdf, .doc, or .docx format)

Application Submission Guidelines – All applicants are required to apply on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting.  Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, etc., will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the Government Jobs site.  Note: The required documents listed in the above "Application Process" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure consideration for the application submitted.  Please contact the Office of Human Resources on or before the closing date indicated above at Law_HR@Seattle.gov should you need assistance with the online application process.

Race and Social Justice Initiative – The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

Compensation and Benefits – The full pay range for this step-progression position is $45.74 - $53.27 per hour. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $45.74. Current City employees starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions. Advanced initial step placement may be considered under limited circumstances, but step salaries are not subject to negotiation.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, 12 official holidays and two floating holidays, sick and paid parental leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees. City Attorney’s Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. More information about benefits can be found at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans. 

Workplace Environment – Currently, the Seattle City Attorney's Office has an Alternative Work Arrangements Policy. Employees have the option to work a hybrid schedule (2 days in the office, 3 days remote). Effective Monday, April 21st, 2025, the AWA Policy will require 3 days in the office with the option of 2 days remote. This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate. 

Background Check Requirements – All positions are security sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and/or other information required by the municipal corporation’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17.  Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information on good conduct and rehabilitation.

Who may apply – This position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications.  

The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy.  The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Questions?  Contact our Human Resources team at LAW_HR@seattle.gov. 

Salary : $95,505 - $111,228