DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Address: 1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007 

Salary: $33,435.17 - $46,623.82 

Grade: 19

Closing Date: May 20, 2022

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) is looking for highly skilled individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork to be part of our amazing culture of helping Arizonans reach their full potential through temporary assistance.

The DES Child Care Administration has recently become its own Division within DES, and is responsible for the development, oversight, and implementation of the Child Care and Development Fund State Plan, and additional federal child care relief investments which require states to ensure equitable access to high quality child care, focused on child development and well-being. The Division of Child Care (DCC) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Contracts Management Specialist 2. This position is responsible for performing a variety of contractual functions, including auditing, reviewing and examining required contract documentation to ensure compliance for issuance of payment.

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.

- Monitor and evaluate contracted services and write related reports involving analysis, corrective action requirements or recommendations to improve program performance.
- Advise field staff of contractual compliance and/or changes.
- Provide technical support to child care field staff and child care providers regarding contract requirements.
- Develop applicable forms, policies and procedures relating to contract management.
- Verify and prepare overpayment reports to substantiate and recoup provider caused overpayments.
- Develop provider handbooks and training curricula related to contract requirements.
- Train child care providers regarding contractual compliance.
- Conduct monitoring site visits statewide.

Knowledge of:
- Federal and State laws and statutes pertaining to contractual agreements.
- Policy and procedures for establishing and implementing provider contracts.
- Contemporary service programs and delivery systems to public agencies.
- Overpayment documentation, validation, computation and report preparation procedures.
- Overpayment recoupment procedures.

Skilled in:
- Building and maintaining professional work relationships.
- Work organization accomplishment.
- Interpersonal skills and imparting knowledge to others.
- Oral and written communications.
- Basic research methods.
- Business mathematics and practical application to statistical formulas.
- Analysis and composition of contracts.
- Implementing new contracts and amending current contracts for service.
- Maintenance of complex record keeping systems.
- Public speaking abilities.
- Interpreting and applying laws, rules, policies, and procedures.
- Communicating complex information in a variety of ways.
- Personal computer, PC software, and Child Care mainframe systems (AZCCATS).

Ability to:
- Analytically and logically resolve issues and interpret findings.
- Arrive at sound, accurate judgments and decisions concerning areas which involve interpretation.
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing with technical and professional internal and external stakeholders.
- Develop effective and productive working relationships with internal and external parties to optimize program responsiveness in a dynamic policy environment and provide timely, valuable, and accessible information.
- Travel in-state and occasionally out-of-state, based on business needs.

- None.

- Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify), applicable to all newly hired State employees.
- 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.
- The position will require a current, valid Arizona Driver’s License. Travel will be required for State business. 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 in accordance with DES Fleet Management-Safety Program policy and procedures (DES 1-07-26 & DES 1-07-26-01). 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.
- 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.
- Candidate shall have or meet the requirements to obtain prior to their first day of employment, a valid Level One Arizona fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1758.07 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults.

We offer a competitive benefits package that is unmatched by the private sector and a culture that encourages team success and advocates for personal advancement.
-Affordable Health, Dental, Vision and Life and Disability Insurance
-10 holidays per year
-Paid Vacation and Sick time off - start earning it your 1st day
-Eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must meet qualifications)
-Contribute to, and participate in the Arizona State Retirement System
-Ride Share and Public Transit Subsidy
-Career Advancement Opportunities
-Tuition reimbursement
-Opportunity to work remotely (home office) on an ad-hoc basis

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.

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 Yolanda Knori at (602) 542-4532 or YKnori@azdes.gov.
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting (602) 542-8900. 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.