DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Address:  Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $65,544.75 - $84,157.00 

Grade: 23

Closing Date: August 4, 2025

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 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 Grievance Appeals Office Manager. 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.

Applicants for this position cannot be licensed or certified by the DDD Office of Licensing Certification and Regulation (OLCR), cannot have a principal interest in or have a spouse or close family with principal interest in a DDD Qualified Vendor Agreement, and cannot be employed or subcontracted by a DDD Qualified Vendor.

• Monitors the program, the claim disputes, appeals, the legal and court system processes to ensure timeliness, and all requests governed by applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and policies. The position’s responsibility provides oversight to respond to inquiries on high-level confidential issues, guidance for executive leadership on appeals and disputes, legal requests, subpoenas, and Attorney General (AG) information requests.
• This position is responsible for reviewing and approving proposed actions with the Attorney General's Office, responding to and summarizing legal questions across all departments within the Division, and must understand federal and state laws and understand Attorney-Client Privilege requirements to carry out the primary purposes of this position
• The Grievance Appeals Office Manager will direct the staff’s day-to-day work and cross-divisional coordination as needed. The position will continuously identify, improve, and resolve system issues, proposing and participating in implementing regulatory requirements relevant to the operational area, including training and reporting.
• This position is responsible for reviewing and approving proposed actions with the Attorney General's Office, responding to and summarizing legal questions across all departments within the Division, and must understand federal and state laws and understand Attorney-Client Privilege requirements to carry out the primary purposes of this position.
• Key Position as identified in the contract with AHCCCS and is responsible for duties and deliverables as described in the contract as well as special projects as may be assigned.

Knowledge in:

• Procedure analysis and policy development
• Creation, development, writing and editing of high level business communications (i.e., letters, memos, email and reports)
• Methods of qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
• Dispute and Appeal practices
• Compliance Programs and the 7 elements of compliance
• Open Meeting Law
• Legal interpretation and application of the rules

Skills In:

• System and Google Suites administration
• Troubleshooting and coordinating system issue resolution
• Written and verbal communication
• Research and analysis
• Maintaining positive interpersonal relationships
• Time management, planning and prioritizing work
• Engaging with leadership on high level confidential issues

Ability to:

• Perform difficult and complex work
• Read, evaluate and interpret complex legislation and rules affecting programs decisions and assisting leadership with decisions impacted by hearing outcomes
• Resolve challenging problems
• Prioritize and organize complex tasks with short deadlines
• Work effectively with all levels of agency personnel and external stakeholders
• Lead and supervise
• Work independently and multitask
• Mentor, coach, and counsel subordinates

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• 1-2 years of management, appeals resolution responsibility, or a combination of education and work experience in Compliance
• Experience in State government

• 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. 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 operated a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) (R2-10-201.11).
• 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 hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• In accordance with the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System contract as defined in 42 CFR 455,104, SMDL #09-001) a search for the incumbent will be conducted monthly using the List of Excluded Individuals and Entities (LEIE) and the System for Award Management (SAM).

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 Jared Dechantigny at 480-486-8723 or jdechantigny@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 480-486-8723 or jdechantigny@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.