DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Office of Director (OOD)
Office of the General Counsel
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007
www.azdes.gov

Salary: $143,000-$156,000 Annually

Grade: E4

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

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 is seeking highly motivated and well qualified candidates for the position of the Inspector General. This position will lead and oversee activities of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) which is responsible for reporting and conducting investigations into a wide variety of alleged waste, fraud, and abuse by its employees, contractors, clients, and affiliates related to its programs and operations.

The Inspector General informs and advises the DES Director and other agency leadership as applicable on deficiencies and investigations and recommends corrective action plans to improve and protect the integrity of DES programs and services. This position will provide oversight, authority, and guidance on the performance, and accountability of DES programs and services.

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:

• Oversees the Office of the Inspector General and its associated activities, including performance, operational, and compliance audits; administrative and criminal investigations; inspections and evaluations; physical security programs; and emergency management operations.
• Provides policy direction to OIG operations. Reviews existing regulations and proposed legislation relating to DES programs regarding their impact on the economy and efficiency of operations. Reviews existing rules, regulations, and policies, as well as proposed legislation to determine their impact on the prevention, detection, investigation, and mitigation of fraud, waste, and abuse
• Oversees the identification, review, and discussion of areas of deficiency, risk, and vulnerability within DES programs and contracts. Oversees the development of plans for coordinated statewide activities related to the management of risk, fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement.
• Coordinates and leads partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to conduct audit, investigation, inspection, and evaluation programs and projects, which are designed to effectively and efficiently manage fraud, waste, and abuse when the scope exceeds the capability or jurisdiction of DES.
• Provides policy direction and coordination for agency physical security programs to include facility security assessments and threats to the safety and security of individuals in DES facilities.
• Advises DES management on the development of performance measures, standards, and procedures for the evaluation of programs and processes. Reviews actions taken by Programs to improve performance and meet standards and makes recommendations for improvement.

Knowledge of:

• Understanding of the laws and techniques applicable to the conduct of investigative activities, with emphasis on rules of evidence, investigative procedures, with an ability to manage the Inspector General investigative function or similar types of investigative oversight work, including multidisciplinary work forces and leadership.
• Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards, issued by the US Government Accountability Office.
• Quality Standards for Investigators, issued by the Council of Inspectors General for Integrity and Efficiency; Internal and external politics as they impact the work of OIG and DES.
• Principles and methods of managing fraud, waste, and abuse.
• Knowledge of physical security, security systems, and security risk mitigation.
• Key components and tools of strategic planning.

Skill in:

• Evaluating the efficiency, economy, and effectiveness of program performance within the OIG's area of responsibility; Effecting strategic change, within and outside the OIG, to meet organizational goals.
• Identifying and evaluation of the significance of threats to OIG independence and applying preventive safeguards; Directing work and holding staff accountable for successful outcomes.
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local statutes; rules, codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Exercise superior judgment and analytical skills, and be able to communicate effectively and accurately, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships; Mentoring and coaching staff; Manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.
• Develop networks and collaborate across boundaries to build strategic relationships with other federal, state, and local organizations to achieve common goals.

• Master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited institution. Juris Doctor degree preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of management experience, to include minimum of five (5) years in leadership roles.
• Preferred experience in Lean, Six Sigma, Baldridge Criteria for Performance Excellence, Total Quality Management, ISO Standards, or similar methodologies and standards.
• Preferred Certified Internal Auditor; or Certified Fraud Examiner; or Certified Inspector.

• 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. 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).
• 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.
• Applicants for this position will be required to apply for and show proof of receipt of a valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card that meets DES requirements for a Level One card pursuant to § 41-1758.07 or provide to the department documentation of the person's application for a fingerprint clearance card.
• Must obtain ACJIS access prior to employment and maintain certification throughout the course of this assignment with the unit.
• 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
• 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 call Anthony Vallone at (480) 356-2946 or email avallone@azdes.gov
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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 Anthony Vallone at (480) 356 - 2946 or email avallone@azdes.gov Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.