Michelle Ziegwied
Buckley
Summary
Human Resources professional with deep expertise in employee relations, talent management, and organizational development. Known for fostering collaborative environments and driving impactful HR initiatives. Strong communicator with knack for adapting to evolving business needs. Skilled in conflict resolution, strategic planning, and enhancing workforce productivity.
Responsive Human Resources Business Partner with well-rounded experience in all functional areas of HR, including labor law compliance, employee relations and performance management, leave of absence and ADA accommodations. Supports clients and effectively balances role of consultant and mentor with gatekeeper to control employer-related risks and grow client's management skills. Thrives on mentoring business owners and managers from small to mid-size employers with proven success at understanding unique business needs to establish genuine relationships as indispensable partner.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resource Business Partner
Washington State Department of social and health services (DSHS)
08.2019 - Current
- Works closely and provide consultation to senior level management regarding performance management, labor relations topics, investigations, just cause, staff movement, organizational structure and alignment, compensation, compliance with state and federal employment laws and rules and other HR related topics
- Provides coaching and mentoring to management and staff
- Drafts disciplinary letters, separation letters, EEOC responses, HRC responses and other HR-related letters as appropriate
- Provides consultation and guidance with staff on sensitive topics
- Participates with HR initiatives and specialized workgroups
- Analyzes employment-related data and prepare required reports
- Confers with management to develop or implement personnel policies or procedures
- Interprets and explains human resources policies, collective bargaining contracts, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations
- Maintains current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Provides management with information and training related performance management, hiring practices, protected leave and other HR related topics
Human Resource Manager
The GEO Group, Inc.
09.2016 - 08.2019
- Addressed employee relations issues, such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other employee concerns
- Analyzed employment-related data and prepare required reports
- Conferred with management to develop or implement personnel policies or procedures
- Contacted job applicants to inform them of the status of their applications
- Developed or implement recruiting strategies to meet current or anticipated staffing needs
- Conducted local and offsite audits
- Interpreted and explain human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations
- Interviewed job applicants to obtain information on work history, training, education, or job skills
- Maintained current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Internet recruiting resources, media advertisements, job fairs, recruiting firms, or employee referrals
- Provide management with information or training related to interviewing, performance appraisals, counseling techniques, or documentation of performance issues
- Reviewed employment applications and job orders to match applicants with job requirements
- Scheduled and conduct new employee orientations
- Conducted Sexual Harassment Training for all new employees and annually for all staff
- Conducted exit interviews and ensure that necessary employment termination paperwork is completed
Human Resource Specialist
The GEO Group, Inc.
01.2009 - 09.2016
- Addressed employee relations issues, such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other employee concerns
- Analyzed employment-related data and prepare required reports
- Conferred with management to develop or implement personnel policies or procedures
- Contacted job applicants to inform them of the status of their applications
- Developed or implement recruiting strategies to meet current or anticipated staffing needs
- Hired employees and process hiring-related paperwork
- Interpreted and explain human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations
- Interviewed job applicants to obtain information on work history, training, education, or job skills
- Maintained current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Internet recruiting resources, media advertisements, job fairs, recruiting firms, or employee referrals
- Prepared or maintain employment records related to events such as hiring, termination, leaves, transfers, or promotions, using Infinium Software
- Provided management with information or training related to interviewing, performance appraisals, counseling techniques, or documentation of performance issues
- Reviewed employment applications and job orders to match applicants with job requirements
- Scheduled and conduct new employee orientations
- Conducted Sexual Harassment Training for all new employees and annually for all staff
- Conducted exit interviews and ensure that necessary employment termination paperwork is completed
Human Resource Assistant
The GEO Group, Inc.
06.2008 - 01.2009
- Conducted reference and background checks on job applicants
- Contacted job applicants to inform them of the status of their applications
- Interpreted and explained human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations
- Reviewed employment applications and job orders to match applicants with job requirements
- Scheduled and conducted interviews
- Selected qualified job applicants or referred them to managers
- Reviewed and evaluated applicant qualifications or eligibility for specified licensing, according to established guidelines and designated licensing codes
- Prepared and maintained personnel files
Education
Bachelors of Science - Business Administration, Human Resource Management
Western Governors University (WGU)
02-2025
Coursework - Business
Green River Community College
Auburn, WA03.1999
High School -
Auburn High School
Auburn, WA01.1996
Skills
- Policy implementation
- HR policies and procedures
- Customer relations
- Administrative skills
Affiliations
- SHRM Member
Timeline
Human Resource Business Partner
Washington State Department of social and health services (DSHS)
08.2019 - Current
Human Resource Manager
The GEO Group, Inc.
09.2016 - 08.2019
Human Resource Specialist
The GEO Group, Inc.
01.2009 - 09.2016
Human Resource Assistant
The GEO Group, Inc.
06.2008 - 01.2009
Coursework - Business
Green River Community College
Bachelors of Science - Business Administration, Human Resource Management
Western Governors University (WGU)
High School -
Auburn High School