Arizona Department of Education

Certification Unit

Phoenix Location

Salary: $50,000 - $52,000 

Grade: 19

Closing Date: 12/22/2024

• This position will be responsible for communicating and assisting individual applicants, IHEs, LEAs, and HR Personnel via the phone, email, and front counter. Communication will consist of interpreting, explaining, and responding to a variety of inquiries on Educator Certification issues, rules, and state statutes.

The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

• Interpreting, explaining and responding to inquiries on Educator Certification issues, rules, and statutes primarily through phone and e-mail to individual applicants, Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and Human Resources (HR) personnel
• Screening, evaluating, and processing formal evaluations for certification, including issuing certificates and issuing Administratively and Substantively Incomplete notifications
• Processing incoming mail to include verifying funds received, receipting, and scanning files for evaluation
• Auditing and reconciling daily deposits to the State Treasurer to include processing Non-sufficient Funds (NSF) checks and refunds

Knowledge in:
• Familiarity with the K-12 education system in Arizona
• Understanding of current policies and procedures of the AZ Department of Education including AZ state statutes (Title 15), AZ State Board of Education rules and regulations including Higher Education pertaining to educator certification
• Effective customer service strategies via in-person, phone and e-mail
• Office procedures and operations including filing, organization and efficient work flow

Skills in:
• Excellent customer service
• Detail oriented / attention to details
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Organization
• Prioritization
• Intermediate skill in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel

Ability to:
• Problem solve using resources and research strategies
• Prioritize in a high demand environment with varying tasks and priorities
• Perform multiple tasks with a high degree of attention to detail, accuracy, and efficiency
• Listen, empathize, and clearly communicate with a variety of customers and modes such as phone, in-person, and in writing

• Preference will be given to those applicants with an Associates or Bachelor's degree

• Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

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.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• Ten paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

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

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

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 calling (602) 542-3186 or emailing Human.Resources@azed.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.