Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
1789 W. Jefferson - Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $53,000 - $56,000 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: July 10, 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 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 Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Contracts Management Specialist 3. 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 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:
• Advising managers and staff on procedures for developing contracts or parts of contracts; working with program staff to develop scope of work that meets the Division’s needs, writing solicitation components, service specifications and contract forms, preparing contracts and amendments, evaluating proposals; managing contracts, and providing technical assistance to program staff, contractors and applicants
• Conferring, advising, and providing technical assistance to management, statewide program staff and contractors on contract related issues; attending unit staff and statewide program staff meetings, leading discussions, giving instructions and making suggestions to resolve issues/problems
• Meeting with representatives of other division sections, state agencies and federal/local agencies to resolve contractual related issues and making decisions based on Division policy and input from Senior Management
• Researching, reviewing, and interpreting federal and state laws, regulations, policies and procedures related to administration of DDD Contracts; asking questions, listening, identifying and suggesting resolutions to issues/problems to assist with the development of DDD Contract Administration policies as needed; instructing unit staff and developing manuals related to contract administration policies and procedures for DDD statewide staff

Knowledge of:
• Federal and state laws and statutes pertaining to contracting including Title XIX Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
• Arizona Procurement Code and DES-DDD policies and procedures pertaining to Contract Compliance
• Business administration and procurement practices
• Contract Management for human services
Skill in:
• Program design, planning, development and maintenance of documents, forms and service specifications
• Interpersonal relations applied to communications between District and other organization personnel, other agencies and service providers
• Negotiations, problem resolution, good decision making, listening, logical and creative reasoning
• Contractual data development, analysis and evaluation; using computer applications (e.g. full Microsoft Office Suite and Google Docs)
Ability to:
• Work independently and collectively with colleagues and team members
• Multi-task and prioritize large quantities of work
• Detail oriented; highly retentive memory; train staff
• Organize work projects; led statewide meetings

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
• Two (2) years work experience in a contracts related field including drafting scopes of work and writing contract or agreement amendments or extensions. Full proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite and Google Docs is highly desirable. Experience in negotiating and interpreting various contracting concepts is preferred as well as project management, research, and analysis.

• 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.
• 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
• 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
• 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 Pio Guillen 602-402-6411 or email ElpidioGuillen@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 Pio Guillen at 602-402-6411 or elpidioguillen@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.