DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
Quality Assurance and Integrity Administration (QAIA)
1924 East University Drive, Phoenix, Arizona 85034

Salary: $18.6159 – $20.0449/ hourly ($38,721.07 – $41,693.39 annually) 

Grade: 18

Closing Date: Open until sufficient resumes are received

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. 

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 a Benefits and Eligibility Specialist (BES) with the Quality Assurance and Integrity Administration (QAIA). This position is responsible for reviewing applications for various public assistance programs and determining the eligibility of applicants and recipients for public assistance programs through interactive interviewing and fact gathering.

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:

• Perform interactive interviews to elicit eligibility information to determine eligibility for government programs based on income levels, household composition, etc. Review applications for eligibility to ensure they meet all program requirements.
• Initiate and process applications through automated systems; determine the level of benefits to which the client is entitled by making complex computations and/or computer entries and then analyzing the results; enter and retrieve numerical and narrative data and issue benefits from an automated computer system.
• Interact with clients to provide information about program eligibility requirements, program rules and regulations, and application procedures; assist clients in completing applications for program eligibility; identify needs and make appropriate referrals for health, social, and/or employment services.
• Monitor ongoing eligibility by obtaining periodic updated information of eligibility factors and take appropriate actions on changes.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, presentations, and orientations.
• Respond to questions and complaints of clients in person, by telephone, mail and/or email communication.

• Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing eligibility for diverse public assistance programs and related case administrative techniques.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of effective customer service.
• Knowledge of computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
• Skill in written and verbal communication to explain and interpret federal and state laws, statutes, rules, regulations, and guidelines applicable to the area of the assignment.
• Skill in time management, organization, and problem solving.
• Ability to apply the policies, procedures, and programs.
• Ability to apply the laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility for multiple public assistance programs and the case administration of these programs.
• Ability to use fact finding techniques and perform in-depth and interactive interviewing.
• Ability to review a variety of tax documents to obtain needed household filing information.
• Ability to explain complex rules and programs so they can be understood by people of diverse socio-economic, cultural, and educational backgrounds.
• Ability to detect and evaluate potential fraudulent situations.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• High School diploma or GED and one (1) year of experience performing eligibility reviews or one (1) year of customer service experience.

• 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
• 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 Liz 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.