Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME)
Family Assistance Administration (FAA)
Benefits Support Team (BST)
8620 North 22nd Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85021

Salary: $47,563.57 to $71,829.68 Annually 

Grade: 22

Closing Date: 04/03/2025

Would you like to 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!

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Legal & Administrative Rules Analyst (Junior Legislative Analyst) with the FAA Benefit Support Team. The person in this position under direction of the Division’s Assistant Director and Deputy Assistant Directors, will serve as an integral member for the Division’s legislative efforts. Responsible for supporting the development of the Division’s annual legislative agenda and provides strategic and tactical counsel to executive leadership on legislative matters. Will serve as the direct contact for the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), the National Associations of State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the National Association of State TANF Administrators (NASTA), the National Association for Program Information and Performance Measurement (NAPIPM), American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) committees, and various other of public service research and policy institutes and advisory groups, on behalf of the programs administered by the Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME). Represent the Division with DES Legislative Services, the DES Rules Attorney, and the Office of the Arizona Attorney General.

Specializes in research, analysis, and interpretation of existing and proposed Federal and State statutes and regulations and collaborates extensively with the Assistant Attorney General to resolve regulatory and legislative issues affecting the Division and its Stakeholders.

This position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements).

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:

• Provides strategic and tactical counsel to executive leadership on legislative matters. Researches, analyzes, and interprets existing and proposed Federal and State statutes and regulations and composes Division Internal Bill Analysis and Position Papers for legislative impact to Division programs. Collaborates with Senior Division Leaders to compile finalized analysis to DES legislative services on behalf of DBME.
• Develops Legislative proposals and drafts legislation, utilizing a ‘Best Practices’ approach. Collaborates extensively with the Assistant Attorney General to resolve regulatory and legislative issues affecting the Division and its Stakeholders. The position will coordinate the implementation of state and federal statutes and regulations within the Division’s programs.
• Develops division rule-making documents in collaboration with the DES Rules Attorney for compliance with the Arizona Administrative Procedures Act. Collaborate with all DES Divisions and other internal and external stakeholders on legislative, regulatory, and policy-related functions.
• Conducts special projects/studies as assigned by the Division Assistant Director. The position will research policies and procedures utilized by other Human Services agencies to develop a Best Practices approach to implementing streamlined policies and procedures.
• Attends, participates in, and leads work groups, involving Division staff and internal and external stakeholders for purposes related to the delivery of the services administered by the Division and to further the goal of integrated and streamlined service delivery.
• Trains and mentors Division staff in all aspects of the legislative and rule-making process. Makes presentations at executive management meetings and represents the Division Assistant Director on department and community work groups and forms, as appropriate.

Knowledge in:

• Federal and State rules and regulations governing Public Assistance programs.
• Research methodology.
• DES program services and how programs across divisions are inter-related.

Skills in:

• Research, analysis, and comprehension of legal and regulatory issues.
• Communication of various complex issues verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner.
• Performing technical, complex, and difficult work using independent judgment and problem solving techniques.

Ability to:

• Read, understand, and interpret complex issues, laws, and policies.
• Establish and maintain professional working relationships with staff and outside entities, including responding to internal and external customers with tact, diplomacy, accuracy, and appropriate and timely information.

This ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Extensive experience in writing and coordinating legislation.
• Professional level experience in fiscal and policy analysis relevant to local government administration.
• Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, communications or related field or three or more years of extensive experience and knowledge in the legislative and regulatory operations of a social service agency.

• 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.
• 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 Elaine Felix at 520-483-7996 or EFelix@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 520-483-7996 or EFelix@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.