DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (minimum 2 days per week in the office/hoteling)

Salary: $78,543.00 - $88,000.00 annually 

Grade: 24

Closing Date: Open until sufficient resumes are received 

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 that 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 Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) strengthens Arizona communities by bridging and minimizing gaps to employment and independence.

DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Senior Program Manager with the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). This position is responsible for high-level leadership of considerable complexity in planning, organizing, staffing, directing, monitoring or coordinating multiple programs, direct client service programs within the Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS), Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). This position is responsible for administering Region 3 Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Independent Living Older Blind (ILOB), and Business Enterprise Program (BEP). In addition, this position is responsible for overseeing a team to coordinate and enhance statewide access to client services as well as developing and maintaining comprehensive resource support for RSA team members across the state.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, commissions, many State employees participate in the State Remote Work Programand 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. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Direct and monitor the development and sustainability of key strategic projects to improve client outcomes and access to services.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive resources to support the team members across all three programs.
• Monitor and coach direct reports in carrying out a variety of tasks, including the development of policies and procedures, budgets, fiscal analysis, service specifications, and involvement in client appeals.
• Develop, implement, and monitor Key Performance Indicators and metrics and standard work for each area of oversight; develop, implement, and monitor countermeasures as appropriate.
• Coach, teach staff regarding effective problem solving, root cause identification, process flow evaluation, and metric management.
• Review and analyze data outcomes from statistical data gathering; ensure protocols are followed, and outcomes identified are corroborated with established sampling techniques and supportive data related to program administration and evaluations.
• Prepares and delivers presentations, responds to external stakeholders and Governor Council inquiries, and coordinates with the Public Information Office as needed.
• Represent the Administration, division and/or the department at local, state and national meetings as requested.
• Represent the Administration, division or Department on various boards and advisory councils, as requested.
• Perform supervisory activities such as oversight and management of work product and output, preparation of staff evaluations, identification of problem areas and generation and implementation of sustainable solutions.

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and professional standards in programs and services that serve individuals with disabilities and specialty populations.
• Knowledge of Community organizations, social service resources, setting goals, planning and staff development.
• Knowledge of budget development, policies and procedures, strategic planning and personnel management.
• Skills in written and oral communication to convey a wide variety of information.
• Skills in interpersonal relationships, organization structure, and management techniques.
• Skills in program development, program evaluation, strategic planning, policy development, interpretation of data, and statistical analysis.
• Ability to give public presentations, providing clear and concise information on Arizona's programs to community, state, and national groups.
• Ability to effectively manage teams, motivate staff, meet performance measures, while providing excellent customer service.
• Ability to build and maintain working relationships with members of the community and staff.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Master’s degree from an accredited university in Rehabilitation Counseling or a closely related field.
• Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) 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).
• Travel will be required for State business. If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on State business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on State business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code [A.A.C.] R2-10-207.11).

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
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

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

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

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 Lizbeth Alarcon at (480) 521-0391 or email LizbethAlarcon@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 (480) 521-0391 or emailing LizbethAlarcon@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.