Nonpermanent Human Resources Consultant Assistant 1 or 2

Central Washington University is recruiting a Nonpermanent Human Resources Consultant Assistant 1 or 2 to join our Human Resources team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a salary, depending on experience, from $20.09 - $26.74 per hour or $22.56 - $30.29 per hour, plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.

Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

The Role:

This nonpermanent Data Management Specialist, serves as a member of the Data Management Team and assist with transacting job data in Human Resource Information System (HRIS), including job data, position management, benefits, performance management, duties include processing employee actions, auditing and correcting HRIS data, developing business processes, supporting system testing, and providing guidance to HRIS users. Additionally, this position supports the different Human Resources (HR) units and acts as a bridge to ensure accuracy and completeness of HR transactions.

All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence. Human Resources employees directly affect the vision, mission, and values of Central Washington University by creating and supporting opportunities for employee engagement, learning, and growth.

Data Management Team Specialist and/or Lead:

Serve as Specialist and/or Lead in one or more of the following areas within the Data Management Team:

• HRMS tester: job data, position management, benefits, and other components in PeopleSoft
• Data Entry for the following pay groups: student, temp/hrly, nonpermanent, exempt, civil service, faculty types, and other
• Employee actions: letter creation, request position change/new position requests/ad hoc salary/NTPs submittals, employment security department, add-pays
• Analyzing and Processing: Step M, prior state service, periodic increment dates (PIDs), leave without pay (LWOP)
• Employment verifications completion for vendor requests
• Rules, WACs, CBAs, policies and procedures
• Recruitment initiation and new hire processing
• Leaving CWU process

Data Management Team Processes:

• Maintain strict confidentiality of clients and records.
• Perform a variety of clerical duties including typing and composing memos, letters and general correspondence.
• Independently research issues and provide answers, solutions, and/or recommendations as outlined in rules, policies, procedures, and contracts.
• Assist in developing/maintaining internal processes/procedures to ensure effectiveness and compliance.
• Process various forms for employee verifications including employment security department while analyzing accurate data to complete requests.
• Finalize position description for recruitment process.
• Create hire letters and assist with new hire processes.
• Utilize specialized knowledge of how pay group assignments must be entered accurately in HRMS, system issues are addressed, corrections are completed, and training is provided, and ensure data is accurate.
• Process incoming new position requests/changes, reporting changes, and job code requests/changes within service level expectations
• Process uploads and add documentation to accurately reflect any errors or corrections.
• Assist HRIS system users and respond to a variety of customer process questions in a timely manner.
• Monitor Step M and provide post payroll reporting (Bargaining Unit, Temp Hourly, Leave Without Pay) within service level expectations.
• Participate in testing of updates and fixes
• Create and maintain business processes as they pertain to data entry/management and/or DMT. Recommend and develop procedures to define efficiencies within the office and evaluate the effectiveness of existing procedures when possible.
• Review, verify and input data into HRMS: audit entries, and ensure corrections are submitted.
• Analyze and summarize data and provides necessary reports
• Assist users with Manager Self-Service actions, uploads and/or other applications and provide recommendations for processing various actions.
• Interpret and explain HR processes, rules, policies, and procedures within scope of work and knowledge.
• Create, monitor, and update spreadsheets and PS as necessary.
• Open and close jobs as necessary to assist with payroll processing.
• Calculate and process leave cash outs, ensure data is accurate.
• Serve as a HRIS Tester for system updates and assist in determining irregularities.
• Serve as an active back-up for other DMT members in their absence.

Benefits Support:

• Ensure appropriate enrollment and terminations of employee benefits in PeopleSoft HRIS system and state Benefits 24/7insurance system
• Calculate notice to payroll (benefit premium deductions) for new employees and those with changes in coverage
• Participate in testing of updates and fixes
• Compose and send emails and letters, as needed
• Other duties as assigned

This position may be hired as HR Consultant Assistant 1 or HR Consultant Assistant 2, based on demonstrated competency:

Minimum qualification for HR Consultant Assistant 1:

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in routine tasks; builds positive relationships through timely, respectful interactions and provides courteous customer service.
• Ability to organize and complete tasks accurately; prioritizes effectively and seeks guidance when deadlines conflict.
• Basic proficiency in common office productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office or equivalent) with the ability to perform tasks such as creating documents, entering or organizing data, or composing professional communications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

Minimum qualification for HR Consultant Assistant 2:

• Ability to clearly communicate complex HR or data-related information to audiences, including leadership; adapt communication for different stakeholders; and provide guidance on sensitive or technical topics with confidence while delivering excellent customer service.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex, fast-paced environment by demonstrating excellent attention to detail, strong time management, and skill in prioritizing conflicting and demanding deadlines.
• Ability to use office productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office or equivalent) with greater independence and efficiency, including tasks such as formatting documents, managing data, or preparing professional letters and communications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and ensure accuracy when handling sensitive employee data and HR transactions.
• Demonstrated ability and/or experience working collaboratively with students and/or colleagues to foster a supportive and effective learning and work environment.
• OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of HR policies, employment laws, and ability to interpret guidelines.
• Experience working with Human Resource Information System
• Life experiences that demonstrate an ability to contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values
• Ability to incorporate a variety of perspectives and relevant societal issues into everyday conversations

Competencies

• Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
• Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
• Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
• Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.

Don't meet every single requirement? At CWU, we're committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity you're looking for!

Pay: This position is based on the range 39 of the Washington State Classification Listing, which has a minimum hourly rate of $20.09 and maximum hourly rate of $26.74 (HRCA 1) OR the range 44 of the Washington State Classification Listing, which has a minimum hourly rate of $22.56 and maximum hourly rate of $30.29 (HRCA 2). In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Schedule/Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm (1-hour lunch) / Anticipated end date 6 months from hire

Working Conditions: Working conditions are typically in an office, classroom or workshop environment and typically requires sitting for extended periods of time with frequent in-person interactions. It is essential to meet the physical demands of sitting for prolonged periods of time at a desk/computer workstation, or in front of a group using repetitive arm, hand and finger movements. This position may require a flexible schedule, including occasional weekend and evening work and occasional travel.

Benefits: Student and Temporary/Hourly positions are eligible to accrue paid sick leave. This leave will accrue at one (1) hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours of work.

Name: Lorraine Chavez
Title: Manager, HR Operations
Email: lorraine.chavez@cwu.edu
Phone: 509-963-2266
Website: https://www.cwu.edu/about/offices/human-resources/index.php

Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.

Background Check/Reference Check Process:

Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.

Notice to Prospective Employees:

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement

Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington University's policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance, 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations

Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.