DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
1789 W. Jefferson - Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $65,000 - $71,000 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: July 24, 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 who 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 Performance Improvement Specialist. 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.

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 spouse or close family with 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:
• Working on high priority projects that impact DDD members; managing improvement planning and process flow; providing oversight and collaborating with DDD leaders on activities and projects ensuring understanding, continuous improvement activities and adherence to the standards that are in place
• Serving as a Subject Matter Expert and leading research activities related to quality initiatives; ensuring continuous improvement; providing actionable insights for managerial decision-making to drive improvements in the delivery of support and services to DDD members
• Collaborating with Division Leaders to use strategic plan management and performance management practices to make informed program and process improvements; analyzing and implementing operational efficiency and effectiveness in all areas of the Division; implementing the change management structure to support the change activities across the Division
• Performing complex and diverse activities involving organization-level initiatives, systems and performance; coordinating quality improvement education and training for staff; ensuring measures for use and updates to standard of work are in place; assisting in building a culture of continuous improvement; engaging colleagues at all levels of the organization; drafting correspondence; tracking time lines; analyzing data and trends

Knowledge of:
• Delivering of training on continuous improvement tools and principles, including coaching and mentoring in problem solving methodology, development of metrics, and the facilitation or supporting of Kaizen events
• Facilitating and processing redesign and implementation
• Leading small to mid-scale projects directed at improving outcomes
• Using various data tracking, visualization, and presentation software
Skill in:
• Coordination and implementation of complex problem solving
• Problem solving, considering all potential outcomes for each potential solution and recommending the solution that best fits the Division, and stakeholders’ needs
• Oral and written communication
• Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and foster a culture of cooperation and continuous improvement
Ability to:
• Expedite several initiatives simultaneously
• Effectively prepare and present information and respond to questions from management, and other employees of the organization
• Pay attention to detail; coach and influence individual to implement and lead changes
• Multi-task in a fast paced environment

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
• A degree in business administration, or a technical field is desired. In lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, three (3) years related experience will be considered. Knowledgeable in all phases of the Arizona Management System, Lean or Six Sigma, with White or Green Belt preferred.

• 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
• 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 Pio Guillen 602-402-6411 or email ElpidioGuillen@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 Pio Guillen at 602-402-6411 or elpidioguillen@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.