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(1) Employment Services. The department shall act in an advisory capacity to departments regarding the processes of filling county position vacancies and determining and performing the necessary recruitment, application, examination and certification practices. These processes are subject to applicable laws and collective bargaining agreements.

(2) Training. The department in conjunction with county department heads shall assess the training needs of county employees and recommend programs, seminars, educational courses or other activities which can improve employee job performance or prepare the employee for advancement. Curriculum, course content development, instructor and participant selection and scheduling and funding recommendations shall be included in this function.

(3) Classification. The department will develop and maintain a system of classification. The department’s intention is to place positions with similar duties and responsibilities in the same class using the same descriptive title, salary schedule and qualifications for employment. Classifications shall be organized into a plan and the department will carry out periodic reviews to determine necessary combination, abolishment or revision of class specifications or the establishment of new classes to reflect organizational changes.

(4) Pay Administration. The department shall prepare and submit an annual pay plan for council approval which shall establish the official rate of pay for each position in county employment. The pay plan will provide for the assignment of each position to a pay range which takes into account the prevailing rate of pay for such work, considering the availability of funds, and shall be administered in accordance with rules and procedures adopted as a part of the human resources system, exempt employee system and collective bargaining agreements.

(5) Employee Benefits. Employee benefits shall consist of all non-salary perquisites determined by the county to be necessary as a portion of total compensation to attract and retain qualified employees. The department may recommend additions, deletions and other adjustments to maintain benefits which are equivalent to those provided by comparable public and private employers considering the availability of funds and the makeup and desires of the workforce. Employee benefits include, but are not limited to, paid and unpaid leave provisions; insurance-based programs; monetary or nonmonetary awards and incentives; and savings, investment or other thrift programs.

(6) Employee Relations. The department shall promote positive employee relations through all of its administrative and program efforts. Important areas of emphasis shall include: development of necessary rules and procedures covering all human resources management responsibilities; communication of such rules and procedures and thorough training in their use; provision of a system for evaluating employee performance, correcting poor performance and recognizing excellent accomplishments; prompt investigation and resolution of complaints and grievances; encouragement and serious consideration of employee ideas to improve the quality of their work life; referrals for assistance, advice and counsel relative to any personal problems or concerns which may negatively affect the employment relationship.

(7) Labor Negotiations. The department shall lead and direct the conduct of labor negotiations in accordance with policy guidelines established by the executive and council.

(8) Employee Records and Information. The department shall maintain central employee records and personnel information systems which shall be the official county record of all personnel actions and the employment history of each employee. Records and other information shall be confidential and maintained in accordance with state law.

(9) Staff Support to Human Resources Boards. The department shall provide secretarial and other staff support to the law enforcement officers and firefighters (LEOFF) disability board and to any other human resources boards which may be created for the purpose of performing or reviewing functions which are assigned under this chapter to the human resources department. (Added by Ord. 82-074 § 1, Aug. 11, 1982; Amended by Ord. 85-097, Sept. 25, 1985; Amended by Ord. 94-050 § 1, July 6, 1994; Amended by Ord. 04-115, Nov. 22, 2004, Eff date Jan. 1, 2005; Amended by Ord. 04-141, Jan. 19, 2005, Eff date Jan. 31, 2005).