DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Address:  4000 N. Central Avenue - Phoenix, Arizona 85012

Salary: $36,778.77 - $66,008.80 

Grade: 19

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.

Would you like to be part of an amazing culture that helps Arizonans reach their full potential through temporary assistance? 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 individual to join our team as a Therapy Coordinator. 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.

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'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.

• Analyzing therapy authorization requests and completes proactive outreach to Qualified Vendors, DOD Support Coordinators, and DOD members/responsible persons for required clinical documentation, as appropriate
• Ensuring all necessary documentation is provided before releasing clinical review records to the discipline-specific clinician
• Completing necessary forms, reports, and correspondence including prior authorization drafts, notice of extension requests, additional documentation requests, and utilization reports
• Liaising with the Division Therapies department and members, Division Qualified Members, qualified healthcare providers, and other Division stakeholders; conducting needs assessments for therapy services for members with developmental disabilities

Knowledge of:
• Parameters of therapy disciplines, skills, and challenges of individuals with developmental disabilities
• The overall understanding of the clinical therapy process, from point of referral to therapy service authorization
• Principles and practices of support coordination, community resources, and medical issues
• Stages, processes, and milestones of normal physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of individuals and for children in order to examine therapy documentation; understanding typical CPT codes for the authorization of therapies
Skill in:
• Conducting needs assessments for therapy services for members with developmental disabilities
• Providing technical assistance in the development of the member Planning Document
• Interpersonal relations as applied to contacts with members, families, representatives of governmental agencies, community organizations, and the public
• The development and continuous improvement of systems
Ability to:
• Analyze and validate therapy clinical documentation for authorization of therapy services
• Access and accurately maintain files
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality
• Willingly accept constructive feedback and direction to improve performance and program integrity

• The ideal candidate will be a certified Therapy Assistant (OTA, PTA, or SLPA); possess current certification with the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, the Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy, or current licensure with the Arizona Department of Health Services.

• Travel may be required for State business. Employees who drive on state business must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12) AND have an acceptable driving record in accordance with DES Fleet Management-Safety Program Policy and Procedures (DES 1-07-26 & DES 1-07-26-01). 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.
• 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
• 10 holidays per year
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Ride Share and Public Transit Subsidy
• Affordable Health, Dental, Vision and Life and Disability Insurance
• 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. An 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.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Pio Guillen 602-402-6411 or email ElpidioGuillen@azdes.gov.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting (602) 402-6411. 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.