The Department of Personnel (DOP) is a resource and consultant to agency leaders, HR staff, and employees. We offer specialized information and tools to help build a strong workforce.
Classification Structure. DOP manages the state’s classification system. The DOP director is responsible to adopt and revise a comprehensive classification plan.
Compensation/Salary Structure. We provide expert consultation on compensation issues, including administration of the Fair Labor Standards Act and work period designations.
Director’s Reviews and Personnel Resources Board. Both Director’s Reviews and the Personnel Resources Board are processes for independent parties to review and rule on certain actions taken by an employer. We help with reviews and coordinate Personnel Resources Board appeals.
The Employee Assistance Program. Sometimes a personal or work-related problem may impair job performance. Employees may seek confidential, professional help through the Employee Assistance Program at no charge for this assistance. EAP offices are located in Olympia, Seattle and Spokane.
Employee Survey. DOP administers and compiles the results of the state employee survey conducted every other year.
HR Management Report. We compile a roll-up of statewide HR Management data to help state leaders make informed workforce decisions.
Human Resources Management System (HRMS). DOP maintains the automated personnel and payroll, training, employment, and insurance systems for state government. We process payroll twice a month for approximately 65,000 employees of state agencies and the Legislature.
Job Seeker Support. Careers.wa.gov is the state’s central, online “career center” that gives job seekers one location to find and apply for state jobs. DOP offers many resources for job seekers, including workshops, a drop-in resource center, toll-free customer service line, and online help documents. We partner with WorkSource centers around the state to ensure on-site staff are trained and prepared to assist job seekers in applying for state positions.
Layoff Support. Staff provides in-person and telephone support to employees who are at risk of layoff, or who have been laid off. We assist with job searches, and answer questions about how to get in the statewide talent pool, layoff lists, and General Government Transition Pool. We provide a variety of tools and resources on the DOP website to support employees and employers with layoff. Layoff Information Sessions are offered at various state locations. DOP also manages the statewide layoff list and the General Government Transition Pool.
Leadership Development. Our Management and Leadership programs help individuals, management teams and organizations learn effective leadership, management and practices.
Online e-Learning. The online e-Learning Network is delivering on-demand training 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The e-Learning Network library contains over 1,200 quality classes ranging from personal development to technical skills to learning or improving managerial skills.
Open-Enrollment, Instructor-led Training. Our open-enrollment classes are available year-round in all major workforce populations throughout the state.
Payday FYI. DOP provides a fast, easy, and inexpensive avenue for state agencies to distribute information to state employees electronically.
Performance & Development Plan Support. DOP developed, maintains and supports managers in using the standard Performance Development Plan (PDP) to measure employee performance.
Performance Management Confirmation. DOP created Washington State government’s first performance management confirmation process. Confirmation allows agencies to use performance-based factors in compensation, leave accrual and layoffs for certain classified employees.
Recruitment and Assessment.
Agencies often need recruitment and assessment assistance for specific positions, needs or locations. Our recruitment specialists offer assistance customized to meet your needs, including developing recruitment action plans and sourcing for hard-to-fill vacancies, training for recruiters, testing and hiring, and system guidance on use of the centralized recruiting tool.
Rules for Non-Represented Employees. Working with agency and higher education staff and employee organizations, we provide statewide workplace guidance and standards by proposing and drafting civil service rules for non-represented state employees.
Small Agency Assistance. DOP serves as the HR Manager for small agencies, supporting recruitment, performance management, labor relations, employee relations, training and coordination of other DOP/OFM HR/Payroll services for small agencies.
Workforce Diversity. We help state agencies attract, develop, and retain a diverse workforce. Services include Affirmative Action policy and planning consultation, and outreach activities to groups under-represented in the state workforce, often in coordination with state recruiters.
Workforce Planning. We offer guidance, tools, and resources to support organizations in their workforce planning efforts. Effective workforce plans link workforce strategies to desired business outcomes.