DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Child and Community Services Division (CCSD)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $100,000-$109,451 

Grade: 25

Closing Date: August 31, 2026

The Department of Economic Security, Child and Community Services Division (CCSD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated professional to join our team as Bureau Chief. The position performs high-level leadership and management over the assigned program areas. Maintains a direct, confidential working relationship with program managers/coordinators on issues of high visibility. Engages in complex work in planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating, and evaluating assigned programs, exercising considerable independence and discretionary judgment within the agency. This role requires in-state and out-of-state travel.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, commissions, many State employees participate in the State's Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

This position offers a hybrid work schedule with 3 days of in-person requirements.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

•  Direct and monitor program achievements as designed and take corrective action when needed and ensure state compliance, coordination and efficiency across community services systems of care. Involved in the development of policies and procedures that leverage resources from a client-centered perspective and promote quality, systems coordination and service utilization. Review processes to ensure policies, procedures and protocols are implemented, maintained and enforced.
•   Direct, facilitate and participate with federal, state, municipal agencies and community groups/organizations to provide a joint cooperative effort to facilitate delivery of services. Provide information regarding availability of services to the public and meet regularly to coordinate services. Build, support and strengthen relationships with community partners and other organizations.
•   Manage quality-enhancing projects to implement operational improvements to the delivery of program services. Participate in strategic discussions with executive leadership and administrators to establish procedures regarding program efficiency and effectiveness. Execute decisions and implement changes.
•   Through subordinate supervisors and staff, oversee and administer daily operations of the assigned programs ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Responsible for budget and fiscal development. Seek and apply for grant funding.
•   Lead, mentor, coach, guide and direct supervision of staff and team members within their administration. Complete performance appraisals, authorize leave, and approve time cards. Ensure staff meet performance and productivity metrics on schedule.
•   Attend meetings, seminars, presentations and training. Act or present on behalf of the Deputy Assistant Director. In-state and out-of-state travel.

Knowledge of:
•  Arizona community services systems of care, including homelessness, interpersonal violence, community action and food insecurity service delivery systems.
•  Applicable federal and state statutes, international agreements, regulations and policies related to assigned program duties.
•  DES rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and the principles and practices of public administration.
•  Fundamentals of budget development and expenditure control.
•  Leadership and team building methodologies, supervisory and evaluation practices.
•  Long-range and strategic planning concepts.
•  Social work principles and practices.

Skills In:
•  Oral and written communication.
•  Media relations, public speaking and making presentations.
•  Planning, gathering, analyzing, prioritizing and coordinating long and short-term projects defining objectives and deadlines.
•  Research, methodology, project planning, development, organization and work flow techniques.
•  Interpreting and summarizing data and information from varied sources.
•  Building and maintaining working relationships with other departments, outside representatives, community groups/leaders, and staff.
•  Using a variety of computer software packages (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Google Suite, etc.).

Ability to:
•  Understand, interpret, apply, and implement complex federal, state, department, and legislative laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
•  Exercise a high degree of discretion, confidentiality, and independent judgment.
•  Identify and analyze organizational and/or procedural problems and determine effectiv solutions.
•  Serve as subject matter expert related to programmatic duties.
•  Motivate, lead, coach, inspire and supervise subordinate employees in a fast-paced, changing working environment.
•  Write clear, concise, and accurate reports, policies, and procedures and develop grant proposals.
•  Manage and balance a full range of complex management and administrative functions.
•  Requires In-state and out of state travel.

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, social work or related field and 2 years executive level or senior management experience; OR 1 year as a Program Administrator 2 in AZ state government. Master’s degree substitutes for 1 year of experience.

•  One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1758.07 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults.
•  The ability to secure and maintain clearance from the Department of Child Safety (DCS) Central Registry and the Adult Protective Services (APS) Registry
• This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements. Employees who drive on state business must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.) AND have an acceptable driving record for the last 39 months including no DUI, suspension or revocations and less than 8 points on your license. If an Out of State Driver License was held within the last 39 months, a copy of your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) is required prior to driving for State Business. Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintaining valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; however, mileage will be reimbursed.
•  Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
•  All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact us at 520) 235-3174 or email OODHRstaffing@azdes.gov.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 520) 235-3174 or OODHRStaffing@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.