DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME)
Family Assistance Administration (FAA)
Benefits Support Team (BST)
Address: 8620 North 22nd  Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85021

Salary: $21.1449 - $29.6109 Hourly 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: April 17, 2025

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that makes 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!

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME), Benefits Support Team is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Tribal Liaison.

The Tribal Liaison supports the Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME) and the Office of Tribal Relations with Tribal community initiatives and collaborates with Tribes and community organizations.

This liaison will support implementations of the Division of Benefits & Medical Eligibility (DBME) Tribal programs and initiatives. The liaison will strengthen and develop relationships between FAA and Arizona’s 22 federally recognized Tribes. To accomplish this, the liaison will conduct meetings, visits, presentations, and speak to Tribal partners about DMBE services. They will assist the Office of Tribal Relations with Tribal Consultations and facilitate Tribal Informational Forums.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona with frequent travel.

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:

● Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of division initiatives.
● Communicates and collaborates with diverse members of the community, specifically with tribal (rural and urban) communities/members, speaking on behalf of DBME.
● Acts as facilitator in support of the DBME initiatives, provides resource navigation, and participates in speaking engagements.
● Determine program feasibility and goals for community outreach, develop and implement effective monitoring and evaluation procedures for new and ongoing programs to assure program conformance and integrity, and provide expertise knowledge when working with community partners.
● Assists Tribal Ombudsman with DBME program information to resolve statewide, internal, and external complaints or concerns that are presented to the DES Director's Office, Governor's Office, AZ Ombudsman Citizens Aide, and Legislators, and Tribal Leaders, Tribal department staff, tribal members, other state entities, and out of state inquiries.
● Resolves complex technical problems in a timely and effective manner.
● Coordinate workflow between other sections within DBME and DES.

Knowledge In:

• Division policies, procedures and processes Federal and State laws, rules, and regulations.
• Federal tribal requirements.
• Public relations and training/presentation techniques.
• Mediation techniques, group facilitation and problem resolution techniques.


Skills In:

• Oral presentation and writing skills.
• Planning, organizing, prioritizing, multi-tasking, & time management of numerous high-level projects at one time.
• Developing and promoting relationship building with federal, state, non-profit, Tribal, and private agencies.
• Report development and writing using various computer equipment and software applications {e.g., databases, Excel, etc.)

Ability to:

• Read, comprehend and apply policies and procedures, etc. with commitment to continuous improvement.
• Understand the concerns of Tribal members and capably assist in resolving issues
• Set high work standards and consistently maintain high levels of activity or productivity.
• Address large groups, conduct presentations, and attend outreach events with customers/community partners.
• Comprehend complex Tribal, Federal and State program guidelines.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Minimum of two (2) years combined experience in Tribal or State government or advocacy experience.
• Minimum of one (1) year administering Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) programs and/or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) programs.
• Minimum of one (1) year administering Medicaid Eligibility.

● 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 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 Angelina Clerry at 928-606-3823 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 928-606-3823 or at AngelinaClerry@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.