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

Salary: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00 

Grade: N2

Closing Date: September 1, 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 Nurse Director- Direct Care Setting. 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:
● Monitor medical services provided by nurses for regulatory compliance and quality of care standards. Driving to the ICF to provide nursing services to members. Ensure nursing ratios are being met to include schedules and on-call rotation to meet the needs of the residents in the facilities.
● Facilitate and attend various meetings in person and virtually, including facility meetings, staff meetings, special committee meeting, meetings with health care professionals, families and administration.
● Review and implement medically-related in service programs, specialty clinics and preventative health programs. Develop agenda/chair monthly Health Service staff meeting.
● Monitor and complete employees performance evaluations. Initiate personnel actions. Confer with subordinate supervisors regarding personnel issues. Develop and promote a nurse recruitment program. Interview and recommend hiring of nursing personnel.
● Compile data and monitoring of Health Services Quality Improvement Program and integration with facility QA Review Committee. Review incident reports, assisting investigations as directed by QA, and recommend action when needed.
● Develop and review policies, guidelines and procedures regarding the provision of health care by nursing staff to ensure continuity of care. Participates in Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Survey related activities while acting as a Subject Matter Expert in regard to nursing care in the facilities.
● Monitoring and approval of invoices related to the health and medical needs of the program, review contracts, participate in contract negotiations, oversee inventory for health services.
● Serve as the liaison between SORS Executive Leadership, hospitals, community physicians, ICF, specialty clinics, dental services and pharmacy services.

Knowledge in:
● Principles of nursing care
● Methods of curriculum development and instruction
● Department of Health Services (DHS) licensing requirements as a medical clinic
● Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) residential licensure standards
● Quality improvement practices
● Agency and DDD mission and value statement; federal, state and local laws and policies and procedures and other related governing documentation surrounding DDD practices
● Emergency Care/Preventative Health Care

Skills In:
● Effective and professional oral and written communication, listening and problem solving
● Planning, organizing, and administering a health program specializing in the needs of people with developmental disabilities including those who are medically fragile, sensory impaired, severely physically handicapped and with mental health and behavioral problems.
● Developing, implementing and evaluating an on-going training program for nursing staff
● Leading and directing health care staff
● Prioritizing needs of resident care
● Assessing, reviewing, and/or analyzing situations and/or data, i.e. critical thinking skills
● Decision making, continuous improvement and financial accountability

Ability to:
● Evaluate program performance and resolve problems of non-compliance
● Manage emergency situations in an effective and professional manner
● Provide nursing care and support, as needed
● Monitor the provision of nursing care, identify issues and devise recommended solutions
● Develop goals and teamwork within the department to accomplish those goals
● Work independently
● Analyze situations accurately and take effective action

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
● A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); a minimum of five (5) years of nursing experience which includes the care of individuals with developmental disabilities; a minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience in a nursing position which includes supervision of RN's and other health care staff.

● 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.
● Employee shall have a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes 41-1968 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults.
● 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.
● All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
● Possession of a current license to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Arizona.

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.