DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Child and Community Services Division (CCSD)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $43,981 - $61,400 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: November 11, 2024  

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 who 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!

DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Policy Analyst. This position with general direction from the Policy Manager, develops and drafts DES division administrative and operational policies and procedures applicable to the Child and Community Services Division. Monitors changes in Federal and State legislation. Identifies changes which may impact current policies and procedures. Tracks and ensures existing administrative and operational policies and procedures are current and relevant. Consults with the Policy Manager, CCSD community services programs, subject matter experts (SME), and other partner DES agencies and personnel when drafting or revising policies and procedures. Revises administrative and operational policies and procedures based on changes to statutes, regulations, rules, and the needs of DES and the division. Implements new or revised administrative policies and procedures. Works with and trains managers and staff in the proper implementation of new or revised policies and procedures. Participates in cross-divisional and agency-wide special projects as assigned by the Policy Manager. This position may require driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords 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:

• Analyzing and compiling information from various sources, including State and Federal laws, Federal regulations, State administrative rules, stakeholder communities and other governmental entities, and any relevant historical information from the same sources.
• Developing administrative policies and procedures in coordination with subject matter experts (SME), CCSD community services programs, and other partner DES agencies and personnel. Communicating and coordinating with various internal and external stakeholders, tracking development of policies and procedures, compiling information received from sources.
• Ensuring policies and procedures comply with applicable law, regulation, existing policy and other applicable guidance, while meeting needs of the Division, leadership, and clients. Assisting in tracking and conducting regularly scheduled internal policy review, compliance audits, and revisions.
• With direction from the Policy Manager, implementing new Division administrative operational policies and procedures, including assisting with dissemination of information to personnel.
• Monitoring and analyzing new Federal and State legislation and amendments, and their impacts on existing legislation, policies or procedures. Working with the Policy Manager to draft analysis of new Federal or State legislation or impacts of revisions on existing legislation.
• Reporting status of and changes to administrative and operational policies and procedures to leadership and staff through various formats, including email, presentations, position papers, comparative analysis, and spreadsheets.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal and state statutes, legal codes, rules, regulations, and executive orders, and departmental policies and procedures
• Principles and practices of research, planning and analysis
• Concepts of policy development and design
• Database updating and structuring

Skills In:

• Oral and written communication
• Research and policy analysis
• Interpersonal workplace relationships
• Development of policy to meet diverse needs of internal and external stakeholders
• Coordinating and structuring complex concepts into understandable, cohesive, and effective formats
• Using a variety of computer software packages, including Google Suite (e.g. Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Meet), Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and Adobe

Ability to:

• Write clear, concise, and accurate reports
• Communicate complex ideas and prepare and present information to diverse audiences in person and virtually
• Accept, organize and prioritize direction from various points of contact
• Work cooperatively and effectively as a team member
• Review and provide guidance on policy and procedure development

This ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Bachelor's Degree in Public or Business Administration, Political Science, or Public Policy or closely related field and 2 years' experience researching, analyzing, coordinating, and writing policy documents; OR 4 years of experience as noted above.

• 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: Driver’s License Requirements. 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).
• In-state travel is required. Driver’s License Requirements 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).
• 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).

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

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 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 Yolanda Knori at 480-435-0897 or OODHRstaffing@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 Yolanda Knori at 480-435-0897 or OODHRStaffing@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.