HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
3003 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85012

Salary: $26.0608 HRLY/$54,206.46 Salary  

Grade: 20

Closing Date: March 22, 2025

The Policy Specialist works as part of the team within the Policy Unit and coordinates with other Department program and units. This position engaged with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement new policy and procedures for the Department. The Policy Specialist is responsible for researching and writing policy, developing policy in a team environment, facilitating meetings, providing technical assistance, working with intern and external stakeholders, reviewing federal regulation and state laws, and developing recommendations for continuous improvement. The Policy Specialist assists DCS staff and partners to implement DCS policies and procedures. The position also provides policy guidance and presentations using multiple formats including virtual and in-person deliver, email and memos.

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.

• Analyze, develop, write and publish DCS policies and procedures, ensuring written materials are professional and adhere to DCS standards. Review and revise forms and related information for policy.
  
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings and discussions to develop and implement policies, procedures, forms and related information.
  
• Review and revise existing policy in conjunction with new federal and state laws. Ensure alignment of DCS policy and procedures with law and regulatory rules.
  
• Provide regular policy technical assistance and updates to internal and external stakeholders using a variety of methods. Includes in-person presentations, virtual presentations, email assistance and reports.
  
• Participate in the planning, development and implementation of statewide initiatives including tools and measures to monitor and evaluate implementation of DCS policies and procedures.
  
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge of:

• Policy development and implementation
• Child welfare and related federal and state laws, rules and regulations
• Coordination and facilitation strategies
• Current child welfare best practices, principles and emerging issues
• Department's organization, policies, procedures, practice, mission, vision, values and the interrelationship to the various program areas
  

Skills in:

• Researching, analyzing and applying federal and state laws, rules and regulations to policy
• Analyzing proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals
• Technical writing to develop and write policy and procedure
• Effective communication, both oral and written
• Organizational skill
• Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, email, calendar and teleconferencing
• Reviewing proposed legislation for potential Department policy impact

Ability to:

• Work independently and as part of a team
• Manage time and handle multiple time-sensitive projects
• Complete work in a timely, accurate and professional manner
• Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with groups and individuals inside and outside of the Department
• Support and encourage active participation in policy development, planning and implementation with stakeholders
• Communicate effectively in various formats including written and orally
• Deliver presentations to groups of 30 or more
• Provide strong customer service, leadership, integrity, initiative, resourcefulness, self-motivation and innovation

Graduate Degree in a related field; or Bachelor's Degree in a field that requires strong writing and research skill (i.e. political science, social work, communications, etc.) and two years of child welfare experience.

Must be able to secure and maintain clearance from DCS Central Registry.

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, 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.