DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS)
Adult Protective Services (APS)
Address: 1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $88,000.00 - $92,000.00 / Annually 

Grade: 23

Closing Date: 11/7/2025

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 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!

DAAS is seeking an organized, detail-oriented, critical thinker to serve as the Deputy Policy Administrator. The successful candidate must be comfortable as both a leader and an individual contributor. Strong analysis and writing skills are necessary. With direction from the Policy Administrator, the Deputy Policy Administrator will be responsible for the development and maintenance of division administrative policies and program policies for Adult Protective Services, Aging and Disability Services, and the Refugee Resettlement Program. This position will lead others in performing work of considerable complexity, including but not limited to legislative analysis, report writing, and special projects. The position will work collaboratively with other divisions and administrations and will represent DAAS as appropriate. 

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:

• Responsible for overseeing teams assigned to the development and continued maintenance of policy, ensuring effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of the programs supported.
• Assists the Policy Administrator to develop, plan and implement statewide policies, goals objectives, strategic action and performance standards, communicating and conferring with Division and Department Senior Leadership. Makes recommendations for corrective actions. Research and analyze expenditure and revenue trends for the purpose of reporting fiscal position, preparing external and internal reports, and preparing forecasts.
• Applies continuous improvement practices, conducts meetings to resolve issues, provide progress reports and set priorities within the administration. Ensure uniform interpretations, practices and procedures. Actively seek out best practices from other states and entities to better inform and innovate division practices.
• Works with programs to gather, research, analyze, and present data; provide policy direction and oversight to ensure programmatic issues are addressed and implemented appropriately in accordance with required laws and regulations; actively seek out best practices from other states and entities to better inform and innovate Department practices; hire, evaluate, train, coach, supervise, discipline, and develop subordinate staff.
• Create and maintain environments that reinforce appropriate behavior and positive morale; build efficiency through process improvement and innovation; attends meetings, seminars, and training as required and acts/speaks on behalf of the DAAS Policy Administrator

Knowledge of:
• Knowledge of federal and state laws governing ADS, APS, and RRP.
• Comprehensive knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of research, methodology, project planning, development, organization and workflow techniques.
• Knowledge of leadership and team building methodologies, supervisory and evaluation practices relevant to professional and administrative staff.

Skill in:
• Skill in managing and balancing various management and administrative functions and presenting information on complex issues and ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in reading, understanding, and interpreting complex federal, state, department, and legislative rules, laws, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in gathering, organizing, and summarizing information and data from varied sources, creating, and maintaining comprehensive reports.
• Skill in performing a full range of complex administrative, managerial, and supervisory functions in a responsible, professional manner.

Ability to:
• Ability to manage a diverse group of employees; direct, motivate, and instill confidence in subordinates' employees; delegate, train and evaluate.
• Ability to identify and analyze organizational and/or procedural problems and determine effective solutions.
• Ability to analyze federal regulations for development of policy and procedures.
• Ability to create, maintain, and complete special projects and reports with accuracy and timeliness.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.

• This position may require 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 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).
• 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).

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 Brenda Cruz at 480-493-9033 or daashr@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 Brenda Cruz at 480-493-9033 or daashr@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.