DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Division of Developmental Disability (DDD)
8620 North 22nd Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85021

Salary: $45,000 - $47,000 

Grade: 18

Closing Date: March 9, 2026

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 Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Rehabilitation Program Representative. The position is responsible for providing information, technical assistance, and guidance to Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) support coordinators, members, Qualified Vendors, and families to determine member needs and interests in employment services and supports. 

Applicants for this position cannot be licensed or certified by the DDD Office of Licensing, Certification and Regulation, cannot have a principal interest in or have a spouse or close family with a principal interest in a DDD Qualified Vendor Agreement, and cannot be employed or subcontracted by a DDD Qualified Vendor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Maintains collaborative relationships across programs within the Department of Economic Security as well as external state and local government entities, public agencies, school districts, and public and private enterprises. Provides support and technical assistance to Qualified Vendors of employment supports and services. Conducts Home and Community-Based compliance visits as well as quality assurance reviews with Qualified Vendors.
• Attends member planning meetings, providing the planning team with ideas and support related to the member’s employment journey. Provides information to families and members on employment supports and services.
• Provides guidance, technical assistance, and education to DDD support coordinators on employment, incorporating the AZ Disability Benefits 101 resource tool into employment goal discussions, Employment First principles, and on employment supports and services. Develops resources regarding employment supports and services, opportunities, and programs.
• Approves selected employment services authorizations on behalf of the District Program Manager. Reviews and approves employment training curricula. Processes and submits Vocational Rehabilitation referrals for members.
• Provides information, training, and technical assistance to Division staff, community groups, employers, and organizations by participating in community-wide efforts to increase employment rates for DDD members, including communities of practice, outreach, and transition fairs. Provides technical assistance to schools and community partners.
• Participates in regular team meetings and discussions with the member, support coordinator, VR counselor, and other employment providers.
• Develops community resources for employment support. Creates, monitors, and tracks reports of DDD members receiving employment services.
  

Knowledge in:

• Person-centered planning and supported employment models, resources available in the community.
• Service delivery for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Employment programs and best practices for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Federal and state laws, statutes, rules, and regulations pertaining to the provision of integrated supported employment services for persons with cognitive/intellectual disabilities.
• Principles and practices related to Employment First and competitive integrated employment
• School to adult life transition.

Skills In:

• Write in a professional manner, communicate effectively with others
• Advocacy skills to represent and support individuals in achieving employment goals and outcomes.
• Utilize a computer and software applications for the generation of information and communication, specifically Google Workspace and Adobe.
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills in the workplace and team settings.
• Teaching and training others.
• Preparing presentations, records, and reports.

Ability to:

• Manage complex situations and relationships.
• Effectively prioritize tasks and multitask.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Collaborate across systems(members, families, schools, VR, and other agencies).
• Be sensitive to the specialized needs of members.
• Solution-focused in challenging situations.
• Promote values and philosophy that support the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workforce.
  

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Bachelor's degree in a field of study reasonably related to vocational rehabilitation (VR), such as VR counseling, SW, psychology, disability studies, business administration, human resources, special education, supported employment, customized employment, economics, or another field & two years of paid or unpaid experience working with individuals with disabilities.

• If 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. 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 operated a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) (R2-10-201.11).
• Successfully pass background and reference check; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the Agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• Employee shall have a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes 41-1968 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults.
• Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Department of Child Safety Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
• 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

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 Laura Kaspar at 602-390-5549 or LKaspar@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 602-390-5549 or LKaspar@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.