DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Address:  6401 South 22nd Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85041

Compensation: $40,840.80 - $42,052.00*
*This includes the Critical Service Premium Pay Stipend.
Base Salary: $37,128.00 - $38,220.00 - 10% Critical Services Stipend

Grade: 17

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Would you like to be part of an amazing culture that helps Arizonans reach their full potential through providing services to support them? The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork.

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individuals to join our team as a Mental Health Program Specialist 3. DDD provides individuals with developmental disabilities, and their families, services and supports that are flexible, high quality, and member driven. These services provide individuals with opportunities to exercise their rights and responsibilities of independent decision-making and engagement in the community.

Flexibility in schedule (i.e., work different shift, overtime, and change work locations) as these are 24-hour residential settings. Most schedules work nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Teaches transitional living skills (personal hygiene, home maintenance, utilization of public transportation, etc.) both implements the Planning Document objectives & programs. Motivates member groups & coordinates educational & recreational activities for members. Provides direct personal care & assistance w/daily living skills as needed.
• Functions as a Lead staff and acts in the absence of a supervisor in coordinating and directing the activities of assigned staff, scheduling and prioritizing work activities and providing technical advice and assistance. Discusses the concerns expressed by members and family members and listens and offers suggestions in accordance with program goals and objectives.
• Monitors & assesses member behaviors & reports potential problems for members residing in the facility or in the family's home. May restrain a member who is aggressive or violent, utilizing approved physical management techniques. Accounts for objects in the facility & in the family's home, which may present a danger to member or others. Follows & ensures staff compliance with policy regarding safety procedures.
• Attends Planning/Treatment Plan team meetings as an active member for clients in the facility and as needed, for members residing in a family setting or other residential setting. Develops Behavioral Treatment Plans and other program strategies. Confers with and advises lower-level staff on the on-going Treatment Plans for members.
• Assesses member needs and prepares progress reports. Collects member-related data and compiles and documents in required format. Notes other information pertinent to each individual. Conducts individuals and/or group facilitation and/or assist in specialized therapy programs. Participates in providing therapeutic treatment. Interacts on a one-to one-basis with members in problem solving.

• Knowledge of mental health principles and techniques involved in treatment.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques used in teaching people with developmental disabilities in daily living skills.
• Knowledge of the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Knowledge of the methods/procedures and techniques used in developing Individual Treatment Plans for clients with developmental disabilities and significant behavioral/psychiatric issues.
• Skilled in teaching and learning principles and applying behavior-building and re-motivation techniques.
• Skilled in recognizing client disorientation, aggressiveness, and combative behavior.
• Skilled in methods of techniques in crisis intervention.
• Skilled in applying knowledge of body mechanics and interactions with the client when the client is out of control.
• Ability to implement and develop behavior plans.
• Ability to provide specialized care, treatment and behavioral intervention and security for individuals with developmental disabilities and psychiatric/behavioral issues.
• Ability to delegate responsibilities, prioritize tasks, resolve problems, and handle emergency staffing situations.
• Ability to build interpersonal relations with staff, clients, the community and client families.

• 2 years of experience in care & treatment of individuals with an intellectual and/or developmental disability and behavioral health; OR 2 years’ experience in Behavioral Health; OR Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling with an emphasis in clinical work or rehabilitation substitutes for the required experience; OR Bachelor's degree in above fields and emphasis substitutes for 2 years of required experience.

• Requires lifting/carrying at least 50 lbs. and pushing/pulling at least 50 lbs.
• In-state travel is required. This position requires possession of and 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 maintaining valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; however, mileage will be reimbursed.
• Employee 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.
• Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify), applicable to all newly hired state employees
• 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
• Employment may be contingent upon completion of 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
-Participation in Arizona State Retirement (ASRS)
-10 paid holidays per year
-Stipend Opportunities
-Infant at Work Program
-RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
-Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision
-Life and Disability Insurance

Critical Services Premium Pay Stipend

This position may be eligible to receive a temporary stipend of 10% in addition to base pay beginning in December 2021. If eligible, the temporary stipend amount will be calculated using the employee's base rate of pay and will be reflected in each paycheck. It is anticipated that this temporary stipend

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 call Valerie Rice at (480) 673-0624 or email vrice@azdes.gov.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting Valerie Rice at 480-673-0624 or vrice@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.