DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
Finance and Business Operations Administration (FBOA)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $29.8540 / hourly ($62,096.32 annually)  

Grade: 20

Closing Date: Open until sufficient resumes are received  

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES), we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES, please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come join the DES Team!

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) strengthens Arizona communities by bridging and minimizing gaps to employment and independence.

DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Contracts Management Specialist 3 with the Finance Business Office Administration (FBOA). This position performs a variety of contractual functions which include: interfacing with other related state agencies; auditing, monitoring, and evaluating contract compliance; serving as subject matter expert (SME) for all Federal contract regulations and compliance requirements; overseeing the implementation of comprehensive contract monitoring assessment tools; collaborate in standardizing work for Division of Employment Rehabilitation Services (DERS) monitoring functions, including streamlining the process of reviewing and reporting vendor performance maintaining tracking of team performance and report numbers, as requested, for transparency and problem-solving; and planned, ongoing, and/or periodic activities to measure and ensure contractor compliance with the terms, conditions, and requirements of the scope of work of the contract.

Travel will be required for State business. If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on State business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on State business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code [A.A.C.] R2-10-207.11).

This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (1 day a month in the office).

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Work with all aspects of contract performance data coming into the unit and reporting out of the unit.
• Review case files and data in the case management system in relation to contract service scopes to assess qualitative data and systematic adherence to policy and regulations.
• Prepare data spreadsheets and data collection documents and reports of the contract monitoring findings and forward them to the manager for review.
• Performs data entry and provides reports regarding contract monitoring job duties. Collection and record keeping of information and adequate documentation resulting from contract monitoring activities. Assessing, analyzing, and evaluating contractor compliance with requirements of all DERS contract functions related to contract monitoring and auditing results.
• Advises, instructs, and explains technical matters to managers of assigned programs regarding contract activities. Carry out specific data analysis duties that are highly complex, sensitive, and confidential.
• Develop and examine reports related to qualitative data research and analyze client and vendor expenditure gained through contract monitoring with the goal of initiating contract and programmatic improvements.

• Knowledge of State and Federal law and applications related to the Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS).
• knowledge and experience in program development; Case Management System databases; Contracts and Scopes of Work, and DES Special Terms and Conditions.
• Knowledge of Federal and State funding sources and their requirements.
• Skills in interpreting, analyzing, budgeting and reviewing expenditure data.
• Skills in directing work groups and program management application.
• Skills in effectively assisting others with interpretation, technical assistance, problem solving, and project coordination.
• Ability to prepare and analyze technical reports.
• Ability to consolidate technical reports/analysis and display in Excel spreadsheet format, graphs, or in other statistical configurations.
• Ability to understand, interpret and communicate State and Federal laws and regulations, including contracts.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
• At least two years of experience as a Contract Management Specialist or in State or local government procurement.
• Ability to proofread, edit and analyze documents within a Contracts environment.

• 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
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

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 pilot 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 Maritza Duffy at (602) 679-5360 or email maritzaduffy@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 (602) 679-5360 or emailing maritzaduffy@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.