DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES

Address: 150 N 18th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $58,500  

Grade: 21

Under supervision of the Local Agency Program Integrity Manager, performs biannual WIC Management Evaluations and quality assurance sites of local agencies evaluating in accordance with Federal regulations and State policies and procedures regarding the following: certification, nutrition education, participant services, civil rights compliance and accountability; applies all policies and procedures effectively. This position assists with the implementation of the WIC/CSFP Program's Integrity Plan for 21 local agencies, 520 WIC vendors, and 145,000 WIC participants annually; collaborates with peers to improve services to participants. Serves as a mentor to local agency staff, create a stimulating learning environment for local agency staff, and possess the ability to build enthusiasm for participant centered services. Reviews and analyzes computer generated reports and other data deemed necessary to identify WIC participants, staff, and vendors at a high risk of committing fraud and abuse of the WIC Program. Receives and tracks complaints received against WIC participants, vendors, and staff where allegations have been made referencing Program Fraud and Abuse. The employee will also have a critical role in conducting overt and covert investigations to identify fraud and misuse of government benefits. Provide technical assistance to incoming callers on the complaint hotline in various areas to include but not limited to program policies and procedures, food package, food benefit redemption process, point of sale concerns, basic infant formula concerns, foster care, child custody, verification of certification, and requests for confidential records. Provide technical assistance to state staff, local agencies and others to ensure their correct interpretation of program regulations and Arizona WIC Policies and Procedures. In addition, the employee will have the ability to use sound analytical reasoning to solve difficult problems for local agencies and clients.

Responsibilities include:
• Under supervision, perform biannual WIC/CSFP Management Evaluations and quality assurance sites of local agencies evaluating in accordance with Federal regulations and State policies and procedures regarding the following: Certification, nutrition education, participant services, civil rights compliance and accountability.
• Receives and tracks complaints received against WIC participants and staff where allegations have been made referencing Program Fraud and Abuse. The employee will research complaints through varied means (electronic data base, oral communication, detailed written reports and financial records). Create investigative cases based on the research results, maintains accurate records in the complaint application, and electronic case flies.
• Reviews and analyzes computer generated reports and other data deemed necessary to identify WIC participants and vendors at a high risk of committing fraud and abuse of the WIC Program. Prepares complex recommendations/spreadsheets for potential investigations and/or audits deemed necessary. Monitors status of investigations and sanction actions and monitors collection of claims/complaints against staff and participants.
• Provides technical assistance to incoming callers on the complaint hot line in various areas to include but not limited to program policies and procedures, food package, food instrument cashing process, point of sale concerns, basic infant formula concerns, foster care, child custody, verification of certification, and requests for confidential records.
• Provides technical assistance to state staff, local agencies and others to ensure their correct interpretation of program regulations and Arizona WIC Policies and Procedures. Provide suggestions about policy and procedures revisions based on observed best practices.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge of:
• Federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
• Mentoring peers.
• Providing participant centered services.
• WIC approved education materials such as "Touching Hearts, Touching Minds" and "Breastfeeding Keep it Simple”.
• Purpose of nutrition assessment, risk assignment, nutrients in WIC foods, and food package in the WIC program.
• Performance Management (PM), and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Lean methodologies.

Skilled in:
• Oral and written communication skills including good interpersonal and listening skills.
• Customer service and conflict resolution management principles.
• Meeting deadlines.
• Coordinating and implementing projects, project management, work scheduling and the management of investigative caseloads.
• Advanced skills in computer software for word processing; and management of and participation in a cohesive team environment.

Ability to:
• Complete a thorough nutrition and breastfeeding assessment.
• Support a diverse multi-cultural workforce that reflects the community, promotes equal opportunity at all levels of public employment, and creates an inclusive work environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination.

• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition or nutrition-related degree and 3 years’ work experience in federal nutrition programs such as WIC as a nutritionist, education specialist or program manager. Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for 1 year of experience. Preference will be given to candidates with direct experience in an Arizona WIC clinic and fluency in Spanish.

• Driver's License

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.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
• Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Wellness program and plans
• Life insurance
• Short/long-term disability insurance
• Defined retirement plan
• Award winning infant at work program
• Credit union membership
• Transit subsidy
• ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

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

To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will contribute to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27-week wait period for contributions to begin.

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 emailing steven.santiago@azdhs.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.