Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $33.6538/ hourly ($69,999.90 annually) 

Grade: 22

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 Special Projects Liaison with the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). This position will serve as a statewide single point of contact to administer, manage, and provide technical assistance to stakeholders, partners, and field staff involved with inter-agency agreements.

Travel will be required for State business. If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then the following requirements apply. 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).

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, 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.

• Implements large and complex agreements. Provides leadership in development, implementation, funding, monitoring, and administering of agreements. Monitors and evaluates contractors and agreements.
• Represents the State in a professional manner. Provides technical assistance to all stakeholders, partners, and RSA staff to ensure compliance with all State and Federal Regulations and rules. Serves as a single point of contact for all information dissemination regarding agreements. Produces written policies and procedures.
• Provides supervision and oversight to Project Specialist. Coordinates, provides leadership and technical assistance for the design and implementation of program that are not customary or typical services provided by agency engaged in cooperative agreements, interprets various rules, regulations, and policies.
• Monitors and provides service delivery verification for budget expenditures. Monitors program budgets; Assists with coordination of funding of program. Prepare information reports for purpose of evidence of adhering to Federal and State regulations and effective law-abiding distribution of federal dollars.
• Assists with the development of training to all participants to ensure programs operate within parameters written into agreements.
• Actively participates and attends all meetings that discuss or provide information to RSA and to community partners that promote open communication and information sharing.

• Must have an extensive understanding and knowledge of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) program's needs and goals.
• Must be familiar with RSA federal and state rules and regulations particularly those sections that apply to 34 CFR 361.28 Third Party Cooperative Arrangements involving funds from other Public Agencies.
• Must understand the RSA service delivery system, case management data information system.
• Skills related to leadership, communication, problem-solving, public relations, marketing, and decision making.
• Skills in program coordination/direction and implementation.
• Skills in recognizing innovative and unique ideas.
• Ability to communicate effectively using various methods of communication.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to build strong teams that complete a project per specification.

• Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or related degree.
• Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) preferred.

• 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 Maritza Duffy at 602-679-5360 or email maritzaduffy@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 (602) 679-5360 or emailing maritzaduffy@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.