DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Division of  Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME)

Family Assistance Administration (FAA)

Center of Opportunity

Address: 4550 South Palo Verde Road, Tucson, Arizona 85714

Salary: $16.3500 hourly 

Grade: 15

Closing Date: April 3, 2025

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strength 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!

If you enjoy helping people and being recognized for your efforts, a customer service career at the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) is the job for you.

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Customer Service Representative 2 at the Center of Opportunity office. This position is the first point of contact in the office. This position, under general supervision, will screen Medical Assistance (MA), Nutritional Assistance (NA), and Cash Assistance (CA) applications. The member will use the state system to record details of customer interactions, complaints, or comments as well as details on actions taken to assist the customer. This is an in-person, on site-position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• In person interaction with customers to determine what steps to follow in the appropriate Standard Work and place customer in the correct workflow.
• Screen applications for NA Expedite criteria as well as data entering applications.
• Educate customers on Rights and Responsibilities, Change Reporting, Self Service options and interviewing requirements/process.
• Scan and upload documents into the FAA's Document Management System and FAA's Eligibility System into the appropriate document type.
• May translate or submit translation when appropriate.
• Ordering and storing office supplies and equipment.
• Issue Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
  
• Ensure the NVRA process is followed.
• Open and date stamp incoming mail.
• Resolve client issues.
• Respond to difficult, time sensitive complaints and feedback.
• Refer customers to upper management for unresolved issues.
• Provide conflict de-escalation in dealing with irate clients.
• Troubleshooting equipment by contacting the Helpdesk or Resolution center.

Knowledge of:

• Computer service practices and techniques.
• Administrative, office, and clerical procedures.
• Problem resolution techniques using logic and reasoning.
• English language for sentence structure, composition, content, spelling, and grammar.
• Computer skills.

Skills in:

• Active listening.
• Negotiation and problem resolution.
• Use of Google Workspace.
• Identifying alternative solutions.
• Good written and oral communication to convey information effectively.
• Effective time management, organization and prioritizing tasks.

Ability to:

• Work at least 40 hours per week and maintain satisfactory attendance and punctuality standards.
• Work independently or collaboratively with a group.
• Adapt to changing environments and new technologies.
  
• Measure and meet productivity and quality standards.
• Professionally interact with all levels of personnel and customers.
• Engage critical thinking using logic and reasoning.
• Multi-task and work under competing priorities.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• At least one year experience in a direct contact, customer service environment.

• If this position requires 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.
• Successfully pass background and reference check; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the Agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hire State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment 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 to 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 Angelina Clerry at 928-637-0963 or at AngelinaClerry@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 Angelina Clerry at 928-637-0963 or at AngelinaClerry@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.