WORKFORCE POLICY SPECIALIST

Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
Policy Administration
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007
This position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangement)

Salary: $27.1410/ hourly ($56,453.28 annually) 

Grade: 20

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 Workforce Policy Specialist with the Policy Administration. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining comprehensive policy manuals and user guides for program staff; responsible for implementing the various employment and training programs; reviewing proposed legislation and completing analysis for impact on the programs; writing detailed reports, issue papers, and correspondence; developing or assisting in the development of various state plans for federal approval;
developing programmatic forms, pamphlets, and brochures; providing technical assistance to internal and external customers; researching federal initiatives and national research for policy review and comparison; and assisting with the design of evaluation tools and programmatic training curriculum.
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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Analyze and interpret federal and state laws governing various Workforce programs; develop and maintain comprehensive policy and user guides for program staff; or assist in the development of various state plans for federal approval.
• Provide technical assistance, policy interpretation, and guidance (including final determinations regarding Quality Assurance monitoring case review items) to program staff, training staff, and other stakeholders, both public and private.
• Develop, redesign, and revise programmatic forms, pamphlets, and brochures.
• Review federal and state legislation, completing analysis for impact on the programs, and provide recommendations.
• Participate and contribute to special projects that may require learning and developing new program policies and procedures based on legislative or political changes.
• Participate in meetings, work groups, committees, and conferences related to the various programs within Employment Services.

Knowledge in:
• State and federal laws, regulations, and policies and procedures governing DERS programs, in particular, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Jobs Program, TANF Refugee Program, and the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).
• Federal and State legislative and rulemaking processes.
• Departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Principles of policy formulation, analysis, and evaluation.
Skill in:
• Written and oral communication to convey a wide variety of information.
• Problem-solving, research, and analytical skills.
• Gathering, organizing, and summarizing information and data from varied sources, creating and maintaining comprehensive reports.
• Interpersonal/relationship, time management, organizational, and planning.
Ability to:
• Manage multiple time-sensitive, complex projects effectively and with attention to detail.
• Provide clear and effective guidance and direction regarding policies and procedures.
• Critically analyze program activities and develop effective plans and methods for program improvement.
• Effectively use a personal computer and related software for communication, word processing, spreadsheet creation and maintenance, and project management.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
• Three (3) years of programmatic work experience in the field of TANF Jobs, or TANF Refugee. 
• SCSEP or in any of the programs administered by the Division of Employment & Rehabilitation Services (DERS).

• 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. 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
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

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 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.