DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Address:  Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
1789 W. JEFFERSON STREET PHOENIX, AZ 85007

Salary: $61,590.67 - $65,000.00

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 4/21/2025

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that makes Arizonans thrive? At the Arizona 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 Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Policy Analyst. DDD provides individuals with developmental disabilities, and their families, services and supports that are flexible, high quality, and member driven. These services provide individuals with opportunities to exercise their rights and responsibilities of independent decision-making and engagement in the community.

The general direction from the DDD Policy Manager, this position is responsible for acting as the lead worker to the DDD Policy Specialists by providing mentorship and support to DDD Policy Specialists and other Division (DDD) staff to assist them in appropriately completing policy and procedure development within the parameters of DDD expectations. Functioning as a significant team member, this position monitors changes in Federal and State legislation, identifies changes which may impact current policies and procedures. Tracks and ensures existing operational policies and procedures are current and relevant. Consults with the Policy Manager, subject matter experts (SMEs), and other partner DDD 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 DDD and the division. Implements new or revised administrative policies and procedures. Works with and trains division managers and staff in the proper implementation of new or revised policies and procedures. Answers questions from DDD staff regarding administrative policies and procedures. Participates in cross-divisional and agency-wide special projects as assigned by the Policy Manager.

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 employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and 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:
• Develops and drafts policy and procedures with SMEs, Division staff, and Executive Management to ensure compliance with AHCCCS contract/policy and Federal and State regulations. Assist w/dissemination of information to personnel. Participate in policy and procedure implementation workgroups. Assisting DDD functional areas in structuring implementation of DDD policies and procedures.
• Analyzing/compiling information from various sources, including, Federal and local law and regulations in order to prepare report, or utilize in various work activities and determine their impact on Division policy and procedures. Compares data from several sources to assure accuracy of technical specifications, rules, or other technical documents using judgment and relying upon considerable knowledge of the subject matter.
• Assisting with and coordinating the needs for policy and procedure in the context of large-scale projects within DDD. Communicating and coordinating with various internal and external stakeholders, tracking development of policies and procedures, compiling information received from sources.
• Confers with management, staff, and stakeholders and attends meetings to determine the most effective and efficient method of incorporating Federal and State rules and regulations into policy, and to develop new or improve existing policies and procedures in order to agree on decisions and clarify information and resolve common barriers.
• Facilitate workgroups and the PRT at the direction of the Policy Manager. Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts, and participate in annual and special projects of the Division including Annual Policy Review and Operational Reviews.
• Act as a lead, mentor and provides support for DDD Policy Specialists to assist the DDD Policy Specialists in ensuring policies and procedures are developed or revised timely and within the requirements of DDD policy.
• Act as a liaison with the Training Unit, Legislative Unit, and Rules Unit to monitor any new State and Federal legislation or amendments to existing legislation with potential impact on DDD operational policies or procedures. Research Federal and State legislation, analyze new legislation and determine DDD impact. Work with the units to write analysis of new Federal or State legislation, or impact of revisions on existing legislation.
• Assist in developing and maintaining tracking processes as required by the AHCCCS contract. Assist in ensuring Policy and procedure is reviewed on an annual basis. Assist in monitoring Standard work compliance from all DDD functional areas.

Knowledge Of:
• Division of Developmental Disabilities and its purpose, program and services, functional areas, and policies and processes.
• AHCCCS Medicaid ALTCS programs, services, policies, and processes. 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
• Project Management. Maintain organization of digital files.
Ability To:
• Work independently, take direction from multiple sources, initiate work activities, interpret and organizing large volumes of information and data.
• 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.
• Lead, mentor and provide support for DDD Policy Specialists.
• Review and provide guidance on policy and procedure development.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
Two (2) or more years’ experience writing policy or, Three (3) or more years’ experience as a technical writer, or experience editing policy or legal documents and knowledge of the ACOM, and A.R.S in relation to the division.

• N/A
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 Alyssa Figueroa at 602-653-9837 or alyssafigueroa@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 602-653-9837 or alyssafigueroa@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.