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

Salary: $68,000.00 - $82,300.00 

Grade: 22

Closing Date: August 7, 2026

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that makes Arizonans thrive? At the Arizona 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 Tribal Health Nurse Liaison. 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.

The Tribal Nurse Liaison serves as a subject matter expert for information about the Division of Developmental Disabilities - Tribal Health Program (DDD-THP) and issues concerning health care and health care policies that affect the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and DDD-THP members. This position performs the following functions. Collaborates on health care delivery and care coordination for tribal members covered by subcontracted health plans and exchanges resources with tribal liaisons. Coordinates with the Enrollment Transition Team and assists with completing the Enrollment Transition Information Form for DDD-THP Members. Assists with the DDD-THP member services (therapy services, durable medical equipment, finding a clinician, referrals, etc.) as needed, including during transition between health plans. Promotes positive working relationships between DDD and the tribes. Represents DDD on community projects and work groups with tribal entities and other state agencies to improve health outcomes. Works with various divisions and government agencies to improve health outcomes.

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:
•Directly support DDD-THP members through the Complex Care Team, including coordinating and monitoring physical and behavioral health services and long term services and supports. Support DDD staff with care coordination and assessment of members’ physical, behavioral, and long-term care needs to develop comprehensive care plans for prevention, improved outcomes, reduced risk status, and increased self-care opportunities. Discharge planning from hospital and emergency department.
•Communicate electronically and telephonically with staff at tribal facilities to support the delivery of healthcare services for members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This includes discharge planning, transportation, and changes in level of care such as skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and hospice. This also includes coordinating traditional healing as applicable.
•Work with DFSM to ensure DDD-THP members receive care in a timely manner and resolve members’ issues in collaboration with AHCCCS providers and DDD vendors. Report quality of care concerns promptly.
•Travel to Tribal communities to educate and provide educational workshops on health-related topics, including intellectual and developmental disabilities and the Tribal Health Program to tribal staff and communities. Listens to the tribal communities and tribal leaders regarding their concerns and works within DDD to try to create or find solutions.
•Educate DDD staff on tribal services and programs, including Healthcare Services staff and support coordinators, to improve tribal and DDD relationships and improve health care for AI/AN and DDD-THP members.
•Prepare a variety of reports and complete special projects. Provide assistance and support to members/families in crisis. Identify and resolve problems. Represent DDD on committees for AI/AN and THP related issues and attend internal and external meetings.
•Provides DDD policy support and interpretation to tribal nations and tribal clinicians, promoting services and programs that improve the health of DDD-THP members.

Knowledge in:
•Nursing theories and practices related to individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health conditions.
•Cultural awareness of the American Indian tribes in Arizona and other Arizona cultural and racial populations.
•Service delivery and systems of Arizona tribes, including IHS, 638 and AHCCCS.
•Policies and procedures of the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
In-depth knowledge of problem-solving and technical writing.
•HIPAA and Protected Health information regulations.
Skills In:
•Acute nursing processes, including assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation.
•Highly developed interpersonal communication skills.
•Comprehensive nursing assessment and needs analysis.
•Proficient in Microsoft or Google Suites, including documents and spreadsheets.
•Developing communication plans and effective teaching tools for staff, clinicians, vendors, members, and families.
•Representing the Division in public forums and meetings.
•Developing, analyzing, and implementing health treatment plans.
•Analytical and clinical skills.
•Understanding of and experience with special health care needs populations.
•Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to:
•Respect the customs and traditions of different tribal communities.
•Work independently with minimal supervision, as well as cooperatively with others.
•Promote trust by building mutually beneficial relationships based on respect.
•Observe and assess the health status and needs of individuals.
•Make and follow through on decisions and commitments.
•Learn, interpret, and apply federal and state statutes and policies and procedures relating to developmental disabilities, tribal entities.
•Take initiative and prompt action to accomplish objectives and goals.
•Demonstrate ability for problem-solving,
decision-making and promoting continuous quality improvement.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
• 2-4 years of experience with and comprehensive knowledge of American Indian cultures. Experience communicating with Tribal Leaders and Community Members regarding the needs of American Indians.

• Required at time of appointment: possession of a current license to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Arizona.
• Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Department of Child Safety Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
• 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.
• Employee shall have a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1968 in order to work with children
and vulnerable adults.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• 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.

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 us Kari Nagler at 480-536-2513 or knagler@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 480-536-2513 or knagler@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.