DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Address:  Various Phoenix locations

Salary: $40,000.00 - $42,000.00 

Grade: 14

Closing Date: January 31, 2023

This position is subject to the vaccination requirements outlined in CMS Interim Final Rule - Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination (published November 5, 2021) (86 FR 61555). In order to begin working at the Department of Economic Security, you must provide official documentation of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or have requested and granted an exemption under applicable Federal law. Fully vaccinated means individuals for whom it has been two weeks or more since completion of their primary vaccination series for COVID-19.

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Direct Care Worker. This position is similar to work done by a Home Health Aide, Personal Care Aide, or Patient Care Technician. This position requires an individual to coach, teach, mentor, and provide direct support including personal care to members who have Developmental Disabilities (i.e., autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, or epilepsy) ranging from mild to profound. Care is provided at a 1:1 or 1:3 ratio and is designed to meet personal needs of members residing in Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF).

Flexibility in schedule (i.e., work different shift, overtime, and change work locations) as these are 24-hour residential settings. Most schedules worknights, weekends and holidays. Requires lifting/carrying at least 50 lbs. and pushing/pulling at least 50 lbs.

• Supports and encourages members in mealtime preparation, technique and service in accordance with specialized diets and engages and interacts with members during mealtime. Occasionally prepares and cooks meals.
• Implements Individual Support Plan (ISP) programs and strategies, records and occasionally compiles data and writes progress and communication notes. Encourages the development of new skills while maintaining present skills.
• Implements therapeutic recommendations that may include positioning, sensory activities, and exercises.
• Provides recreational, medical, and leisure opportunities at home and in the community. Drives a transport vehicle, operates a lift, if needed, and assists members with safety requirements including seat belts and shoulder belts. Ensures safety and stability of a wheelchair in the vehicle using tie downs.
• Completes incident reports and notifies the member's guardian of the incident, if needed. Responds to member's emergency situations by calling for assistance and providing emergency intervention until medical help arrives; assists in coordinating the emergency response plan and follows the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the member.
• Orders, logs, dispenses, administers, and stores medications of members according to doctor's orders upon successful completion of the appropriate 16-hour medication technician or medication administration course. When assigned, perform shift lead responsibilities which may include organizing and implementing shift tasks, staff assignments, and members' schedules.
• Occasionally completes assigned light housekeeping duties (e.g., sweeping, mopping, dusting, bedmaking, empty trash, washing dishes, clothes washing, disinfecting therapy equipment, and wheelchairs).
• Maintains the ongoing inventory of each member's personal belongings.
• Supports members with purchases and accounting for their funds.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

• Knowledge of cleaning and basic housekeeping
• Knowledge of human rights
• Knowledge of providing personal care
• Knowledge of planning processes
• Skills in communicating with members verbally and/or through sign language
• Skills in advocating for members
• Skills in participating in and implementing Individual Support Plans
• Skills in using a computer, including email
• Ability to read and write in English
• Ability to attend staff training and apply the basic principles of program training and data collection designed to meet the specific needs of members including medication administration
• Ability to learn and perform proper lifting techniques and general body mechanics
• Ability to learn and use nutritional principles and special mealtime techniques
• Ability to learn and apply behavior support techniques

• Applicant must be 18 years of age to apply and read and write English. Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, overtime, and change work locations, when necessary.

• In-state travel is required. This position requires possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.). Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintain valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; however, mileage will be reimbursed. 
• Employees shall have a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-2758.07 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults.
• Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
• Employment may be contingent upon completing a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.

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

- Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
- Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- 10 paid holidays per year
- Stipend Opportunities
- Infant at Work Program
- RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
- Affordable Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Disability Insurance
- Life and Disability Insurance

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 (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for the 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 Ariana Dominguez at 480-790-1749 or ArianaDominguez@azdes.gov.  Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 480-790-1749 or ArianaDominguez@azdes.gov.  Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.