Workforce Policy Specialist

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 ; 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 States 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 agencys 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 drivers license complete all required training and successfully pass all necessary drivers license record checks. The license must be current unexpired and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on State business are subject to drivers 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. R.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 programhere. 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 Liz Alarcon at or email

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 or emailing Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.