DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Address:  Location Based on Successful Candidate's Arizona Residence*

Salary: $50,000 - $56,000 annually 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: Open Until Filled 

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services, seeks an analytical, collaborative, highly motivated individual to join our team as a Program Specialist with Aging and Disability Services. DAAS supports at-risk Arizonans to meet their basic needs and to live safely, with dignity and independence. Services and programs reach a diverse population of Arizonans.

Under direction, you provide oversight for your assigned program and undertake a broad range of functions and responsibilities. You research best practices, monitor performance data, and provide overall guidance to providers who serve clients. You track and analyze complex data in preparing a variety of reports. You review all applicable statutes, regulations, and policies to maintain a comprehensive working knowledge of the program. You develop, propose, write, and implement program policy and procedures and create manuals. May attend out-of-state conferences. In-state travel is required.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and 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.

*This position works primarily from the successful candidate’s Arizona home office but occasional in-state and out-of-state travel as well as in-person attendance at the worksite location for mandatory meetings, training, etc. may be required. Worksite location: 1789 W. Jefferson, Phoenix, Arizona 85007.

● Provide technical guidance and direction to statewide contractors administering the program. Facilitate the development of strategic objectives. Monitor statewide contractors along with other Program and Contract staff for compliance with federal program regulations. Prepare the programmatic sections of the monitoring report. Review corrective action plans and its implementation and communicate results of statewide compliance to funding agencies.
● Interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and codes in all aspects of work activities. Develop, propose, write, implement, and update program policy and procedures, reports, and administrative operating procedures. Confer with other agency personnel in order to plan and carry out joint actions or activities to achieve work system objectives.
● Track and analyze complex statistical and financial data in preparing a variety of reports. Develop and maintain annual reports and data analysis of assigned programs. Responsible for meeting program goals and objectives on schedule. Compose correspondence replying to inquiries.
● Participate in various committees or community groups, meetings, attend in- and out-of-state conferences and training sessions. Provide education and information to contractors, stakeholders, and others.

Knowledge of:
● Principles of policy formation, analysis and evaluation, service delivery practices, and needs of clientele
● Contracts and grants preparation and management
● Applicable human service programs

Skill in:
● Oral & written communication (including public speaking and creating formal presentations)
● Compiling, analyzing, and interpreting programmatic data
● Establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships with program related organizations, staff, and community members
● Problem solving techniques and conflict resolution

Ability to:
● Conduct oral and written presentations to various groups clearly communicating program related information
● Write clear, concise, and accurate reports and other documents
● Develop, test, and implement changes essential for continuous improvement
● Multi-task, work independently and contribute to a positive team environment

Bachelor's degree in Public or Business Administration, Engineering, Economics, Gerontology, Social Work, or related field from an accredited college or university and one (1) year of experience in project coordination (e.g., writing policy/procedure, managing the day-to-day operations/activities of a project, tracking projects, preparing and making formal presentations to partners, management, entities, etc.) or public policy development.

● In-state travel is required. The position will require the 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 driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.11). Individuals may be required to use their personal motor vehicle.
● Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify), applicable to all newly hired State employees.
● 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.

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 the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) 
• 10 paid holidays per year 
• Stipend Opportunities 
• Infant to Work Program 
• RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision 
• Life and Disability Insurance 

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. As agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion. 

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.

Apply through www.azstatejobs.gov. For questions about this career opportunity, please call Mary Hernandez-Navarrette at (480) 364-3457 or email DAASHR@azdes.gov.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting (602) 542-0400. 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.