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 Public Health - Dental Director. 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, 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.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 
 
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Provides oversight of dental services. Oversees the key performance metrics, policies, procedures, workflows, training, and auditing. Monitors and evaluates to ensure services meet professional and agency standards. Works closely with the Maternal Child Health (MCH) and Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) coordinators to submit deliverables related to dental and oversees the subcontracted health plans and operational reviews.  
 
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Provide clinical expertise in dental policy interpretation and communicate changes in AHCCCS policy, ADA codes and standards of care to members, subcontractor dental directors, dental vendors and providers. Attends and participates in all AHCCCS dental director meetings.   
 
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Leading and coordinating the dental activities the Division oversees, including review and denial of dental services, provider consultation, utilization review, and participation in tracking/trending of Quality of Concern (QOC) concerns related to dental services. Provide dental oversight and clinical guidance regarding appropriateness and medical necessity of dental care services to members, subcontractor dental directors, dental vendors and providers.  
 
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Oversees the Tribal Health Program and with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) develops and implements key initiatives. Oversees the key performance metrics, policies, procedures, workflows, training, and auditing. Monitors and evaluates to ensure services meet professional and agency standards. Works closely with the tribal health nurse and tribal health coordinator to strengthen the program for our members with developmental disabilities.  
 
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Provides leadership, mentoring, coaching and direct supervision of Tribal Health Program (THP) staff and supports their ability to improve care for members with I/DD. Supports their individual roles/ responsibilities under the AHCCCS contract and supports their growth and development. Completes Performance Appraisals, authorizes leave, and approves employee timecards. Holds huddles,1:1s.  
 
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Supports the CMO by representation in Committee meetings and work groups with DDD, State Agencies, Contractors, and other stakeholders. Develops communication plans with external providers such as sub-contracted health plans, vendors, and other organizations to facilitate plan goals and objectives. Strengthen and build relationships with stakeholders throughout the state and tribal lands.  
 
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Review and/or approve all provider and member disseminated dental and THP related materials by the Division and its subcontracted health plans. Assist with oversight of subcontracted vendor provider credentialing processes, related to dentists, along with the medical director/CMO, in adherence with AMPM Policy 950.  
 
 
The ideal candidate for this position will have: 
 
 
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
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 Joseph Deserio at 480-589-4222 or JDeserio@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 480-589-4222 or JDeserio@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.