DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.
DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.
DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

Division of Child Care (DCC)
3150 East Union Hills Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85050
www.azdes.gov

Salary: $18.63-$20.21 Hourly 

Grade: 17

Closing Date: 5/12/2024
This position is 100% an in office setting

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 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• 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 childcare services.
• Research and prepare case histories.
• Counsel clients about the availability of different types of child care providers.

Knowledge of:
• Operating automated equipment and how to navigate through multiple computer operating systems.
• Effective case management, including time management, priority setting.
• Local demographics Including community programs and resources.
Skill in:
• Conducting interviews in a time efficient manner while eliciting information needed.
• Listening, communication, written and oral skills.
• Diffusing hostile or angry customers.
Ability to:
• Absorb, interpret and assimilate large quantities of technical written material.
• Manage multiple responsibilities within time-frames.
• Exercise sound judgment within established guidelines.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
• Case management experience; direct contact with clients/public assistance, experience in interviewing techniques.

• This position may require driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

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

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 us at (480) 356-2946 or email avallone@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 Anthony Vallone at (480) 356-2946. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.