Address: 

150 North 18th Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: 57,200

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 

Under the direction of the WIC Vendor Manager, the position manages the retail grocer authorization processing of executed contracts; is responsible for effective operations; coordinates initial retailer site visits, point of sale certifications, and training to vendors throughout Arizona. The position will also be responsible for their content areas of the annual WIC State Plan. They will provide statistical analysis of pricing data to effectively assess the program's competitive pricing component for all applicants.

Manage the retail grocer program authorization processing to include, but not limited to: mailing of application packages to interested retailers; tracking of all returned applications; verification of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) authorization status through the Store Tracking and Redemption System (STARS) automation system; screening for incomplete information; evaluate competitive price data.

Assists in the coordination and conducting of on-site evaluation and point-of-sale certification of applicants for compliance with the program's minimum stock requirements, sanitation, and eWIC readiness; coordinates contract execution; assembles and mails out approved vendor packets; coordinates applicant denial notifications with Program Integrity Manager.

Prepare documents for retailer applicant appeals, as needed; develop, coordinate, and manage the printing of enrollment materials and forms; facilitate changes to the vendor application and evaluation process to include the option of online shopping.

Facilitates data entry and quality control of vendor information into the HANDS computer system; maintains the integrity of vendor records and contract files. Interprets documents submitted by vendor applicants to determine vendor authorization approval in consultation with the WIC Vendor manager.

Conducts ongoing analysis and design for system improvement and develops processes to adapt to emerging technology to allow the vendor authorization process to become more electronic-based rather than paper-based as regulations and statutes allow. This includes assisting in Joint Application Development sessions, cooperating in the review of business requirement documents, conducting testing, and updating standard works as needed.
Conduct UPC collection in stores during designated periods and provide assistance and backup to the vendor trainer for vendor-related training.

Represents the Arizona WIC program when providing technical assistance to retailer representatives throughout Arizona as well as HANDS Consortium Partners.

Develops WIC policies and procedures that include EBT regulations as well as updated HANDS and vendor Web functionality regarding the WIC retailer authorization and prepares assigned chapters of the annual WIC State Plan.

Leads and interprets an annual assessment of current vendors and a six-month assessment of newly authorized vendors to verify or determine appropriate status (Regular or Above 50 Percent Vendor). Other duties as assigned as related to the position (typically 5% - 10%)

Knowledge of:
- Retail grocery operations, WIC federal regulations, objectives, standards, and
guidelines as they pertain to program operations and activities.
- Principles and practices of administration.
- Performance Management (PM), and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and
Lean methodologies.

Skill in:
- Good analytical skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent computer skills in Microsoft office products and Google Suite.
- Familiar with mapping of locations.
- Examining intricate legal and financial documents.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Problem solving skills.
- Planning activities.

Ability to:
- Read and interpret WIC regulations so that they can meet their job responsibilities.
- Develop and follow procedures.
- Review and design effective plans for program improvement in line with federal and
program guidelines.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, vendors, and others
to effectively manage communications distribute information and ensure comprehension of materials and other information provided.
- Support a diverse multicultural workforce that reflects the community, and promotes equal
opportunity at all levels of public employment, and creates an inclusive work
an environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination.

Experience in WIC or retail grocery system including two years of applying and interpreting federal or state regulations and program/ business operations.

Experience in WIC or retail grocery system including two years of applying and interpreting federal or state regulations and program/ business operations.

If this position requires 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.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
− Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
− Paid vacation and sick time
− Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
− 10 paid holidays per year
− Wellness program and plans
− Life insurance
− Short/long-term disability insurance
− Defined retirement plan
− Award winning Infant at Work program
− Credit union membership
− Transit subsidy
− ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

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

- To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will make a contribution to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of the total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27 week wait period for contributions to begin.

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 calling (602) 542-1085. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.