DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
Program Oversight and Support Administration (POSA)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

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.  

Salary: $36.8605 - $40.8654/ hourly ($76,669.84 - $85,000.03 annually) 

Grade: 23

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 a Strategic Operations Manager with the Program Oversight and Support Administration (POSA). This position is responsible for high-level leadership and complex project management under the direction of the Program Oversight and Support Administrator. The Strategic Operations Manager is a subject-matter expert on the public workforce system, ARIZONA@WORK, and is responsible for providing targeted support, coaching, and technical assistance to Local Workforce Development Boards/Areas (local boards/areas) and fostering relationships with State and Federal partners to promote workforce system alignment and improve outcomes for employers and job seekers.

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 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:

• Serving as the Administration’s subject-matter expert and lead in at least one area related to the State workforce system, such as policy and compliance; labor exchange and data visualization systems; performance and data analysis; youth advocacy and services; research and evaluation; job seeker and employer outreach and engagement.
• Developing statewide procedures and guidance documents related to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I programs to enhance local area capacity and promote compliance. Facilitating training sessions in person or through virtual platforms.
• Providing targeted support to a cohort of local areas, based on each local area’s participation data, performance levels, service trends, waiver implementation, and/or monitoring results.
• Supporting statewide activities under WIOA Title I, including strategic initiatives identified in the State Plan. Supporting research and evaluation activities, collaborating with local area and State partners to identify opportunities to enhance workforce system processes and services.

• Knowledge of Federal and State workforce law, regulations, and policies.
• Knowledge of technical assistance and project management principles, tools, and best practices.
• Skills in analytical and critical thinking, including in relation to the interpretation of statutes, regulations, or policies.
• Skills in planning, problem-solving, and independent decision-making.
• Skills in leadership, team-building, and relationship-building.
• Ability to prepare well-organized reports and other written materials.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective training and presentations, complete projects and deliverables within the specified timeframe.

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
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• 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 Theresa Sumner at (480) 679-2319 or email TSumner@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) 679-2319 or emailing TSumner@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.