DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
Workforce Solutions Administration (WSA)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $25.8786/ hourly ($53,827.48 annually) 

Grade: 19

Closing Date: Open until sufficient resumes are received

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 Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) strengthens Arizona communities by bridging and minimizing gaps to employment and independence.

DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Employer Outreach Specialist Senior with the Workforce Solutions Administration (WSA). This position is responsible for providing a wide range of recruitment-related services to engage, assess, advise, and assist Arizona businesses in meeting their workforce needs to effectively prepare and match job seekers with the business clients’ employment opportunities. Services are provided through 1:1 or group interactions and will include client-facing, virtual/digital, or telephonic means. Services provided are tailored to each clients’ unique needs and may include one or more programs within the Administration and may focus on specialized populations depending on assignment. This position performs tasks with similar capacity to the Employer Outreach Specialist but performs more complex work in nature, handling the most complex or sensitive employment services issues. Performs senior-level professional work, serves as a lead worker over other employment services subordinates. This position will be required to utilize a business methodology that drives continuous improvement. Must be willing and able to work in correctional facilities as state/federal prisons, parole/probation offices, and/or post-release residential centers; housing or farm locations; rural remote areas of the state; and working outside of traditional 8-5 work hours.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide a wide range of recruitment-related services to engage, assess, advise, and assist Arizona businesses in meeting their workforce needs utilizing on-site employer visits.
• Partner with local area business service team members to meet local employer needs and prevent duplication of efforts utilizing partner as well as off-site visits. Provide subject matter expertise and technical assistance to external partners.
• Act as the voice of the business customer by supporting employment counselors and career advisors with an understanding of current and emerging workforce needs to effectively prepare and match job seekers with our business client’s employment opportunities utilizing in-person meetings.
• Use databases to document the continuous client relationship management services in detail. Evaluate and filter data to identify trends, gaps, and best practices.
• Provide leadership in absence of supervisor, subject matter expertise and technical staff assistance.
• Assist in the design and development of office and program operations.
• Attend training required by program assignment.

• Knowledge of Labor Market Information and In-demand Industries and Occupations.
• Knowledge of effective recruitment, retention and workforce development methodologies applicable to businesses.
• Knowledge of social, cultural, and economic conditions that impact the populations and area(s) served.
• Skill in customer service, teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal communication, including de-escalation and conflict resolution.
• Skill in written and verbal communication, including public speaking, presentation, and interviewing.
• Skill in adapting to changing circumstances, staff and client’s needs, and work with interruptions.
• Proficiency Microsoft Office, Google, data base systems, and computers, and technology-based platforms that interface directly with applicants and job seekers such as Google Meets, Zoom, and other video conferencing technologies to interview participants, elicit information, assess skills, knowledge, ability, work history and interest while maintaining client confidentiality.
• Ability to learn & apply applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures, to include Department of Labor, Department of Economic Security, Department of Corrections, and Department of Administration rules, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to strictly adhere to Correctional department policies and procedures.
• Ability to plan and organize work in accordance with Division priorities and time management methodology.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as a member of diverse teams.
• Ability to work in a correctional facility and react quickly in emergency situations.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of experience in the private sector, business-to-business, or human resources experience.
• Experience in a correctional facility.

• Must complete all corrections designated training within 1 month of hire and remain current with all corrections required training.
• Employee shall have a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-2758.07.
• Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
• 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).
• Travel will be required for State business. 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).

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

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 Lizbeth Alarcon at (480) 521-0391 or email lizbethalarcon@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) 521-0391 or emailing LizbethAlarcon@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.