OFFICE OF DCS DIRECTORS
3003 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85012

Salary: $29.4912 HRLY/$61,341.70 Salary 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: October 13, 2024

The Senior Program Development Specialist serves as a subject matter expert on direct client service program development and is assigned to one or more service program areas, such as substance use disorder assessment and treatment, parent skill-building, unit psychological consultation, psychological evaluations, parenting time, and counseling.

NOTE: Overnight stays are required to accomplish work with statewide DCS staff, the community, and child welfare stakeholders.

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.

• Conducts literature reviews, data analysis, interviews, and other data collection to identify target populations and needs, identify evidence-based programs and services to address those populations and needs, and evaluate the fit and feasibility of potential programs and services. Writes and maintains comprehensive program manuals for assigned programs and services.
  
• Coordinates with DCS staff who oversee the fidelity monitoring of contracted services to share and review fidelity and outcome information related to service delivery, discuss evaluation results, develop and design program manuals, and ensure DCS Field Operations staff and providers are trained to practice standards Coordinates with the Procurement and Contracts Unit to develop program manuals, write scopes of work, and support the solicitation process
  
• Supports, reviews, and responds to internal and external audits and evaluations of assigned programs or services.
  
• Stays knowledgeable about current literature, and engages with national organizations. Participates in learning opportunities to maintain expertise on the latest evidence and practices in assigned programs or services.
  
• Participates in provider meetings to give and receive information about program design, fidelity of delivery, and outcomes. Provides subject matter expert input into DCS policy and procedures, practice guidelines, training curricula, and fiscal modeling related to assigned programs and services.
  
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge of:

• Federal and state child welfare and child protection law, rules, and policies that govern permanency planning.
  
• DCS services and program models, including all direct client-serving contracted services, SAFE AZ, Team Decision Making, Fostering Sustainable Connections, and Strength-Based Supervision.
  
• Evidence-informed and evidence-supported practices and programs that support the achievement of safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes, including permanency through prevention of out-of-home care.
  
• Program implementation and change management frameworks.
  
• Federal, state and local programs and resources regarding area of assignment.
  
• DCS Contracts and Procurement policy and procedures.
  

Skills in:

• Project management (e.g. planning, organizing, coordinating, and supervising projects of varying size and magnitude).
  
• Verbal and written communication.
  
• Maintaining interpersonal relationships.
  
• Analyzing complex and detailed information.
  
• Facilitation as it pertains to area of assignment.
  
• Coaching in child welfare.
  
• Reviewing and analyzing complex case information.
  

Ability to:

• Clearly, concisely and confidently express oneself both verbally and in writing.
  
• Establish and maintain collaborative professional relationships with other employees, outside agencies, and the public.
  
• Identify problems and develop resolutions in both routine and emergency situations.
• Organize, multi-task and prioritize work load
  
• Make independent decisions and work under general supervision.
  
• Analyze proposed federal and state legislation.

Bachelor's Degree in related field such as Public Administration, Business, Public Policy, Social Work or Law.
5 or more years of experience in child welfare or related government or private/non-profit sector work that matches knowledge, skills, and abilities.

In-state travel is required.

The ability to secure and maintain clearance from the DCS Central Registry.

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, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
  
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
  
• 10 paid holidays per year
  
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
  
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
  
• Deferred compensation plan
  
• Wellness plans
  

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

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-255-3141 or by email at ADA@AZDCS.GOV.   Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.  Should you have any further questions regarding the interview process you can reach out to a member of our recruitment team at 602-255-2903 or by email at recruiting@azdcs.gov.  The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.