LEAD ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST

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 DES Child Care Administration has recently become its own Division within DES, and 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. The Division of Child Care (DCC) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Lead Eligibility Specialist (Human Services Specialist 3). This position is responsible for conducting case management over complex cases and providing technical support in rules and policies interpretation in order to facilitate efficient, effective processing of eligibility determinations.

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.

Job Duties:

• Provide technical support to ensure staff are in compliance with Division eligibility rules, policies, standards and processes.
• Assist with mentoring, coaching of peers to ensure case accuracy.
• Create, update and provide training on standard work, processes and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of Department policy, State statues, Federal law and rules pertaining to multiple Child Care eligibility programs.
• Knowledge of local demographics including community programs and resources for clients/providers.
• Strong understanding of effective case management techniques, including time management, priority setting, and policy controls.
• Skilled in conducting interviews.
• Experience providing high-volume customer service.
• Proficient in operating mainframe and web-based computer systems.
• Ability to analytically and logically resolve issues and interpret findings.
• Ability to absorb, interpret and assimilate large quantities of technical written material.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment within established guidelines.
• Ability to 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’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• The position will require a current, valid Arizona Driver’s 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: We offer a competitive benefits package that is unmatched by the private sector and a culture that encourages team success and advocates for personal advancement.

• Affordable Health, Dental, Vision and Life and Disability Insurance
• 10 holidays per year

-Paid Vacation and Sick time off - start earning it your 1st day

• Eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must meet qualifications)
• Contribute to, and participate in the Arizona State Retirement System
• Ride Share and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Opportunity to work remotely (home office) on an ad-hoc basis

• Critical Services Premium Pay Stipend

This position may be eligible to receive a temporary stipend of 10% in addition to base pay beginning in December 2021. If eligible, the temporary stipend amount will be calculated using the employee's base rate of pay and will be reflected in each paycheck. It is anticipated that this temporary stipend will be available through June 24, 2022.

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

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 Yolanda Knori at 602-542-4532 or yknori@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.