Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
4000 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85012

Salary: $51,000.00 - $61,000.00 

Grade: 19

Closing Date: March 15, 2026

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 Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Clinical Care Specialist. DDD provides individuals with developmental disabilities, and their families, services and supports that are flexible, high quality, and member driven. These services provide individuals with opportunities to exercise their rights and responsibilities of independent decision-making and engagement in the community.

Applicants for this position cannot be licensed or certified by the DDD Office of Licensing Certification and Regulation, cannot have a principal interest in or have a spouse or close family with principal interest in a DDD Qualified Vendor Agreement, and cannot be employed or subcontracted by a DDD Qualified Vendor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Analyzes therapy authorization requests and completes proactive outreach to Qualified Vendors, DDD support coordinators, and DDD members/responsible persons for required clinical documentation, as appropriate. Follows requirements in ACOM 414 and AMPM 820 and 1020.
• Ensures that all necessary documentation is provided before releasing clinical review records to the discipline-specific clinician (Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), and Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)). Follows requirements in ACOM 414 and AMPM 310-X, 820 and 1020.
• Completes necessary forms, reports, and correspondence, including prior authorization drafts, notice of extension requests, additional documentation requests, and utilization reports. Ensures that all timelines are met.
• Liaises with the Division Therapies department and members, Division Qualified Vendors, qualified healthcare providers, and other Division stakeholders.
• Conducts needs assessments for therapy services for members with Developmental Disabilities. Provides technical assistance in the development of the member's Planning Document.
• Maintains updated, accurate, secure, and timely databases for Division Therapies, including service utilization, convenient access, Notice of Adverse Benefit Determination, grievances, appeals, etc., to enable real-time inquiries..

Knowledge in:
• DES/DDD policies, procedures, and practices; State/DES/DDD contracting, authorization, and billing processes.
• Parameters of therapy disciplines; skills and challenges of individuals with developmental disabilities; Care and assistance of individuals with developmental disabilities; therapy service methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Understanding of the overall clinical therapy process, from point of referral to therapy service authorization.
• Professional state licensure requirements, with emphasis on supervision requirements for discipline-specific therapy assistants; Principles and practices of support coordination, community resources, and medical issues.
• Cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional factors and their effect on the strengths and limitation of individuals.
• Stages, processes, and milestones of normal physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of individuals and for children in order to examine Therapy documentation.
• Understanding of typical CPT codes for the authorization of therapies.

Skills in:
• Oral and written communication; Conducting needs assessments for therapy services for members with Developmental Disabilities.
• Independent, critical thinking in problem identification, analysis, and resolution of sensitive, complex situations.
• Providing technical assistance in the development of the member Planning Document.
• Interpersonal relations as applied to contacts with members, families, representatives of governmental agencies, community organizations, and the public.
• Negotiation and conflict resolution; Efficient time management and timeliness.
• Organization and attention to detail; Development and continuous improvement of systems.

Ability to:
• Use computer software (e.g., Google platform, Microsoft Suite, Tableau, database systems).
• Work collaboratively and within diverse work teams; Work independently and within diverse work teams.
• Access and accurately maintain files and data bases; Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Be flexible with work schedules to accommodate the needs of members and participants; Make sound judgments.
• Analyze and validate therapy clinical documentation for authorization of therapy services.
• Willingness to accept constructive feedback and direction to improve performance and program integrity.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
• Licensed and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (OR) 
• Licensed and Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (OR)
• ASHA-Certified and Arizona-Licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

• 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. 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 operated a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) (R2-10-201.11).
• Successfully pass background and reference check; 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.

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
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave 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 Shobana Jeyaraj at 480-915-7157 or shjeyaraj@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 480-915-7157 or shjeyaraj@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.