People, Culture, and Belonging Manager

The People, Culture, and Belonging Manager performs a variety of consultative, professional, and technical duties in support of the VHA employees and affiliated non-profits. Serves as a resource to management and staff on employee relations, DEI, performance management, training, and development. Works to ensure consistent and equitable application of program goals and objectives.

As a visionary leader and champion for change; develops and oversees the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives for the VHA through the Administrative Services department. Will review policies, procedures, and the culture of the VHA to identify barriers to DEI and create educational and system improvements to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. Performs research and analysis, provides consultation, and makes recommendations to the Chief Administrative Officer and Executive team regarding program design and policy development.

This position works closely with the Administrative Services department management team to provide overall support in areas of the employee life cycle. Receives direction from the Chief Administrative Officer. Oversees the Employee Relations division which includes the Recruiter and Training and Development Coordinator.

Core Human Resource Functional Areas

1. Recruitment, Selection and Skills Assessment. Manage and oversee the recruitment, interviewing, skills assessment, and selection of job applicants, including validating job requisitions, reviewing job postings, monitoring the compliance with employment laws, and establishing employee records. Oversee the new hire orientation and first day onboarding process.
2. Employee Relations and Corrective Action. Coordinate the performance evaluation program. Investigate employee concerns and/or complaints and develop appropriate responses and remedial actions. Investigate civil rights complaints and recommend appropriate action to management. Assist management in developing and monitoring remedial programs for employees with performance issues. Respond to the Employment Security claims related to disciplinary or performance issues.
3. Administration of Primary Employment Laws and Regulations. May assist and/or partner with the management, planning, development, synchronization, and administration of programs to ensure compliance with various laws and guidelines such as Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunity, HUD Section 3, Employment Security, and related federal, state and local programs. Develop, implement, and maintain corresponding policies and procedures. Create and communicate informational web content, brochures, and handouts. Develop and conduct appropriate training. Interpret and comply with federal and state laws and regulations, agency policies and procedures and labor contracts when initiating and/or processing claims. Advise employees and management staff on employment laws and VHA policies. Provide input to bargaining unit negotiation teams.
4. Employee Training and Development Program. Manage and oversee the planning, development, and coordination of Management development and Employee training programs and activities to meet the needs of the workforce and agency. Provide internal consultation services to individuals and teams to enhance knowledge and skills in the performance of duties.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Functional Areas

1. Develop, implement, and evaluate employee professional development and learning programs to promote cultural understanding and competence in support of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
2. Educate and engage staff and leadership on understanding how bias, privilege, and discrimination impact diversity, equity, and inclusion. Create common language and understanding of the issues to improve the culture.
3. Review new and existing personnel policies through a DEI lens, gather input from departments or affected parties as necessary, and recommend changes to the CAO. Recommend and assist in the implementation of policies and procedures, goals, and objectives to improve DEI initiatives.
4. Conduct research and analysis on best practices and programs and stay up to date on what other organizations are doing in areas relevant to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
5. Conduct internal assessments related to DEI to assist in organizational culture, policy development, and implementation. Provide coaching and support for departments to be innovative and adaptive in providing culturally responsive, inclusive, and equitable programs and services.
6. Gather, analyze, and translate data to understand barriers towards diversity, equity, and inclusion. Research and develop metrics and evaluation processes to assess the effectiveness of DEI initiatives.
7. Works with the Communications Coordinator to review the VHA branding and images on the website, social media, and internal/external communications to incorporate the DEI vision.

Management Responsibilities

1. Lead, direct and facilitate the activities of assigned staff; carefully track and monitor team activities and provide regular updates to the Chief Administrator Officer.
2. Provide training, coaching, and counseling to staff as needed. Lead investigations and resolve issues, concerns, and complaints.
3. Conduct timely performance evaluations and work with staff on development and career plans.
4. Establish a safe, healthful, and team-focused work environment.
5. Work as a member of the Administrative Services department (ASD) team to provide customer service to all VHA employees and external customers. Develop, implement, and continuously improve service delivery to ensure attainment of the ASD goals and mission of the VHA.
6. Lead and/or participate in various training sessions, workshops and classes for individuals, employee groups and supervisors within areas of expertise.
7. Maintain technical expertise on federal, state, and local employment and labor laws, regulations, and rules; interpret, comply with, and administer federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
8. Oversee records management in appropriate areas of responsibility.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Human resources policies and procedures.
2. Specialized and technical duties related to job evaluation, recruitment, selection, employment, and termination of employees.
3. Federal, state, and local statues, rules, and regulations applicable to EEO laws, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
4. Demonstrated knowledge in current DEI best practices and trends, including familiarity with key concepts (e.g., racial equity, cultural competency, unconscious bias).
5. Technical functions, and operations of a human resources office.
6. Research methods, data collection, and sampling techniques, and statistical activities.
7. Conducting research and translating data into strategic plans.
8. Oral and written communications, public speaking, interpersonal sensitivity; problem analysis; and decision making; and time and stress management.
9. Presenting and discussing difficult and controversial topics with diverse audiences in a way that promotes productive interactions and positive outcomes.
10. Support and promote policies and programs that foster organizational culture that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion goals across the agency.
11. Read, understand, and implement legal and procedural changes affecting work performed.
12. Participate in development, implementation, and day-to-day administration of human resources policies, programs, and projects.
13. Analyze human resources situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
14. Read, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, contract requirements, policies, and procedures.
15. Maintain the confidentiality and privacy of privileged communications, including employee concerns and program planning.

PAY AND BENEFITS

The starting salary range for this position is $88,591 to $101,880 annually DOE. In compliance with the Equal Pay & Opportunities Act, the full salary range for this position is $88,591 to $136,430. It is a full-time exempt position working primarily in office Monday - Friday.

We offer a generous contribution toward health care: 100% paid for employee only medical and vision coverage, 85% paid for dependent tier coverage. 100% paid for dental. A life insurance plan, short-term and long-term disability policy. 12 paid holidays, 12 annually accrued sick days, and 11 annual leave days accrued in the first year. This position is required to participate in Washington PERS (Public Employee Retirement Services).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in human resource management, business administration, public administration, sociology, or related field. Direct relative experience may be considered in lieu of the required degree; AND
• Minimum four years progressive human resources experience involving two or more of the following areas: recruiting and selection, and skills assessment; compensations and job evaluation; training and development; benefits administration; HRIS; policies & procedures; employee relations and performance management; workers’ compensations; FMLA and ADA; and other related human resources experience; INCLUDING
• Minimum of three years’ work experience managing people and/or projects; or two years of direct supervisory experience.
• CONCURRENTLY, three years of professional work experience analyzing, making recommendations for, and facilitating organizational change related to diversity, equity, and inclusion; or equal employment opportunities; AND
• Experience supporting historically underserved populations and people from diverse backgrounds; AND
• Experience leading initiatives around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Relevant experience working in the public sector a plus.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Valid Washington driver’s license with fully insurable driving record required.

Current PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP desirable, but not required.

In place of the above requirement, a combination of relevant education and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for this opportunity you must:

• Complete the online application in its entirety.
• Upload a cover letter that address how your experience qualifies you to perform the essential functions listed in the job announcement.
• Upload a detail resume of all educational and professional experience.

For more information on the Vancouver Housing Authority, please visit our website at www.vhausa.org. Please note, those candidates deemed to best match our requirements will be contacted for an interview. We do not discuss application status during the selection process.

The Vancouver Housing Authority is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.