Job Description

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) is looking for highly skilled individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork to be part of our amazing culture of helping Arizonans reach their full potential through temporary assistance.

The Division of Child Care (DCC) is responsible for the development, oversight, and implementation of the Child Care and Development Fund State Plan, and additional federal child care relief investments which require states to ensure equitable access to high quality child care, focused on child development and well-being. DCC is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Eligibility Specialist (Human Services Specialist II). This position is responsible for determining financial and programmatic eligibility for child care services and managing an ongoing caseload.
Job Duties:

• Conduct client interviews for intakes and reviews on assigned caseload.
• Approve or deny applications following state and federal statutes.
• Direct contact with contracted providers to authorize, change or stop child care services.
• Research and prepare case histories.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Department policy, State statutes, Federal law and rules pertaining to multiple Child Care eligibility programs.
• Local demographics including community programs and resources for clients/providers.

Skilled in:

• Mediating, prioritizing, planning and organizing case management activities.
• Conducting interviews.
• Experience providing high-volume customer service.
• Proficient in operating mainframe and web-based computer systems.

Ability to:

• Absorb, interpret and assimilate large quantities of technical written material.
• Exercise sound judgment within established guidelines.
• Adapt to an array of changing priorities, policies, procedures and timelines.

Selective Preference(s):

• Case management experience; direct contact with clients/public assistance, experience in interviewing techniques.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• 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\xe2\x80\x99s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• The position will require a current, valid Arizona Driver\xe2\x80\x99s License. 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.
• Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
• Candidate shall have or meet the requirements to obtain prior to their first day of employment, a valid Level One Arizona fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1758.07 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Benefits:

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 at Work Program
• RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Life and Disability Insurance

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Retirement:
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.
Contact Us:
For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Brenda Vega at 520-279-4525 or BVega@azdes.gov
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting (602) 542-8900. 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.