Arizona Department of Education

ESS Operations Unit

Phoenix Location

Salary: $49,000 - $55,000 

Grade: 19

Closing Date: 08/31/2025

• This provides administrative and programmatic support to the Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Operations team at the Arizona Department of Education (ADE). The public and private special education programs include residential treatment center (RTC) placement, approved private special education schools, emotional disabilities-public (ED-P) programs, state institutional vouchers, head start programs, and secondary transition programs.
• Occasional in-state travel is required for this position.

The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

• Review the initial program applications submitted by State Placing Agencies (SPAs) in the ESS Vouchers system
• Flag applications after review by the Home School District (HSD), approve extension requests, and follow up on pending applications not yet accepted by the HSD
• Serve as the first-level reviewer for RTC applications submitted by HSDs, private school applications, and ED-P Program applications
• Verify documentation accuracy, data consistency, and alignment of requirements, determinations and dates with application content
• Review and approve all institutional applications
• Manage exit dates and provide general information to state institutions
• Provides support to the ESS Program Specialists
• Manage incoming calls and emails; direct them to the appropriate specialist or other program areas
• Track timelines and coordinate weekly team meetings
• Track and audit private and public special education program entities using application reports, the Arizona Education Data Standards (AzeDS) reports, and the Education Organization System (EOS)
• Manage approved lists and ADEConnect access for private and public special education program entities
• Monitor AzEDS reports to ensure PEAs are reporting data correctly

Knowledge in:
• Experience working in an educational environment
• Computer systems and telephone hardware and software
• Time management strategies
• Previous administrative support experience

Skills in:
• Project and task management
• Analysis and problem solving
• Organization
• Attention to detail
• Oral and written communication
• Multi-tasking
• Organization
• Scheduling and coordination
• Transcribing document
• Advanced skills in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Ability to:
• Partner and work collaboratively
• Develop and maintain interpersonal and professional relationships
• Instill trust and confidence
• Develop rapport with a variety of stakeholders

• Preference will be given to those applicants with an understanding of special education processes and required documentation

• Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

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, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• Ten paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

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 calling (602) 542-3186 or emailing Human.Resources@azed.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.