DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Address:  Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $46,000 - $56,000 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: November 28, 2024

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 Contracts Management Specialist 3 in the Contract Action Unit. 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 Contract Action Unit is dedicated to supporting the Division of Developmental Disabilities by ensuring the meticulous adherence to established contractual agreements, policies, and compliance standards. This position will actively engage in discussions with contractors, offering clarification on Division of Developmental Disabilities-related policies, and actively contributing to the resolution of any contract violations.

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.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conducts extensive research into federal and state laws, regulations, policies and procedures, and contract requirements
• Plans and coordinates joint efforts statewide, facilitates discussions, provides clarification and citations for contract violations, resolves problems, and makes decisions based on contract requirements, DOD policy, and input from senior management
• Interacts with contractors, DOD Contract staff, representatives of other federal/state/local agencies by conferring, questioning, listening, advising, and providing technical assistance on contract-related issues
• Works directly with the Arizona Attorney General (AG) office during contract actions and in all aspects of contract management.
• Gathers, receives, and tracks documents and evidence required by contract or demanded by contract action
• Conducts and confirms background checks; inputs data; develops systems to improve processes and procedures related to the administration of DOD contracts
• Assists with the development of DOD contract administration policy; provides instruction for Contract staff
• Develops manuals related to contract compliance and administration; trains DOD and contractor personnel on contract-related topics

Knowledge in:

• Policies and Procedures for the State of Arizona
• Department Economic Security (ADES)/ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DOD)
• Contract management for human services
• State laws/statutes, including Title 36 of Arizona Revised Statutes and Title 6, Chapter 6 of the Arizona Administrative Code
• Federal laws including the Code of Federal Regulations
• Title XIX, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

Skills in:

• Concept design, planning, development and maintenance of documents, forms and service specifications
• Interpersonal relations applied to communications between DOD and other organization personnel, agencies and services providers
• Problem resolution, decision making, listening, logical and creative reasoning
• Contractual data development, analysis and evaluation
• Maintenance of automated record keeping and tracking systems
• Oral and written communication using computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and databases)

Ability to:

• Work independently and collectively with colleagues and team members
• Multi-task, prioritize, and organize large quantities of work
• Be detail oriented and highly accurate Coordinate projects and manage due dates Organize and lead state-wide meetings
• Conduct research on federal and state laws, licensing and contract requirements
• Be flexible and change priorities on short notice
• Train others

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in human services, public administration, investigations, legal research, or a related field

• 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 operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• 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

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
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

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

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 Jared Dechantigny at 480-486-8723 or jdechantigny@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 480-486-8723 or jdechantigny@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.