Office of the Director (OOD)
1717 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $55,225.04- $61,591 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: November 25, 2024

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 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!

DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Civil Rights Compliance Officer 3. This position is responsible for investigating discrimination complaints from employees and service recipients which allege violations of federal and state civil rights laws including, but not limited to, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Titles I and II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Equal Pay Act, the Arizona Civil Rights Act, and other applicable civil rights laws. Analyzes complaints, allegations, documentation, and data related to each complaint of discrimination and determines whether there is a prima facie complaint of discrimination to be investigated. Conducts highly technical and in-depth investigations and equal opportunity monitoring to determine unlawful discrimination and or functions as a specialist (expert) who provides consultant services to other CRCOs and investigates the most difficult cases. Interviews complainants, determines jurisdiction, prepares reports and findings of fact, participates in mediations, negotiations, and conciliations to bring about compliance with federal and state laws. Prepares department position statements in response to charges of discrimination filed with federal agencies. Mentors and assists in training and supervising Civil Rights Compliance Officer I and II (CRCO I and II) staff. May be assigned to conduct activities which ensure equal opportunity compliance with federal mandates and processes in the areas of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Limited English Proficiency (LEP), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Conducts equal opportunity and civil rights training.

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 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Plans, coordinates, and conducts activities to ensure compliance and adherence with federal and state
nondiscrimination laws, including conducting in-depth investigations in compliance with federal and state
requirements. Performs equal opportunity monitoring and evaluation.
• Detects incidents of noncompliance and prepares comprehensive investigative reports of findings. Provides
recommendations for corrective action as required by federal and state laws, the Arizona Administrative
Personnel Rules, Article 9, Section R2-5A-901 Complaints, and the DES Employee Complaint Policy (DES
1-01-07) and DES Client Complaint Policy (DES 1-01-14).
• Prepares responses to charges of discrimination filed against DES with federal agencies, including the U.S.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department
of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other federal agencies. Partners with
DES administrations to ensure program adherence to state and federal requirements.
• Develops and conducts equal opportunity and civil rights training to promote nondiscrimination in the delivery of
department and program services.
• Participates in the development of agency-level plans in the areas of equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, language assistance, and the ADA.

Knowledge of:
• Federal and State laws pertaining to Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as
amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; the Age Discrimination
in Employment Act of 1973, as amended; the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
• Federal and State laws, regulations, and executive orders pertaining to civil rights requirements
State personnel rules, DES program requirements, and administrative processes
• Reporting methodology to ensure clear, concise, and credible report of findings

Skills In:
• Conducting investigations, documenting investigative findings, and developing recommendations
• Preparing effective verbal and written communications
• Working independently, and demonstrating work management, planning, analytical research, time management and organizational skills
• Establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships to enhance collaboration at various levels within and with external partners
• Developing and or presenting training to various size groups, either in person or virtually
• Mediating and negotiating

Ability to:
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and written, with individuals at diverse levels, both in public and private sector
• Pay attention to detail, identifying issues, developing fully supported recommendations and action items for implementation of recommendations
• Analyze and produce administrative data and assessing metrics for office and agency level reports
• Establish priorities and effectively completing multiple tasks
• Coordinate and prioritize multiple projects and assignments and effectively managing time

This ideal candidate for this position will have:

• The ideal/preferred candidate will have two years of experience in fact-finding, report writing, equal opportunity investigative experience, and the formulation of investigative determinations and recommendations.

• This position may require 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. 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).
• 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 us at 520-235-3174 or OODHRstaffing@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 at 520-235-3174 or OODHRStaffing@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.