DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
Workforce Solutions Administration (WSA)
1800 East Palo Verde Street, Yuma, Arizona 85364
www.azdes.gov

Salary: $22.2112 hourly ($46,199.29 annually) 

Grade: 19

Closing Date: Open until sufficient resumes are received

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 Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) strengthens Arizona communities by bridging and minimizing gaps to employment and independence.

DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Workforce Specialist Senior with the Workforce Solutions Administration (WSA). This position is responsible for providing a wide range of employment-related services to engage, advise, prepare, and match job seekers with Arizona businesses and enable job seekers to: get a job, maintain or strengthen current employment, or build a sustainable career. Services are provided through 1:1 or group interactions and will include client-facing, virtual/digital or telephonic means. Services provided may be for one or more programs within the Administration and may focus on specialized populations depending on assignment.

This position performs tasks similar capacity to the Employment Counselor but performs more complex work in nature; handling the most complex or sensitive employment services issues. This position performs senior-level professional work and serves as a lead worker over other employment services subordinates. This position consults with and advises staff members of their own work system, applying knowledge and skills of their own technical specialty. Instruct staff members in proper data collection in a complex system of methods, procedures, rules or regulations utilized by the work system.

This position will be required to utilize a business methodology that drives continuous improvement.

Depending on population served, must be willing and able to work in correctional facilities such as: state/federal prison, parole/probation offices, and/or post release residential centers; housing or farm locations; rural remote areas of the state; and working outside of traditional 8-5 work hours.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assess skills, abilities, work history, employment barriers and career interests, retention follow-up; develop employment plans; determine eligibility for services; provide information on the Labor Market, In-Demand industries, and occupations; and identify and coordinate with formal and informal resources to remove barriers, develop skills, and achieve certifications.
• Provide customer service, and program information to job seekers, colleagues, and the business community; maintain positive working relationships with local partners, community organizations, and other agency personnel; resolution of customer issues and complaints; and utilization of veteran priority of service (VPOS) for veteran clients.
• Use databases to register & refer job seekers; complete and maintain accurate records and reports for performance and reporting requirements in accordance with quality and quantity standards mandated by various laws, rules and federal regulations.
• Provide leadership in absence of supervisor and acts on behalf of the supervisor, including on-boarding, training, and technical assistance. Lead worker and subject matter expertise and technical assistance to staff.
• Travel varies according to specific assignments.
• Attend training required by program assignment.
• Assist in the development and implementation of office and program operations.

• Knowledge of Labor Market Information and In-demand Industries and Occupations.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques, assessment tools and strategies, and transferable skills.
• Knowledge of social, cultural, and economic conditions that impact the populations and area(s) served.
• Skill in customer service, teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal communication, including de-escalation and conflict resolution.
• Skill in written and verbal communication, including public speaking, presentation, and interviewing.
• Skill in adapting to changing circumstances, staff, and client’s needs, and working with interruptions.
• Proficiency Microsoft Office, Google, data base systems, and computers, and technology-based platforms that interface directly with applicants and job seekers such as Google Meets, Zoom, and other video conferencing technologies to interview participants, elicit information, assess skills, knowledge, ability, work history and interest while maintaining client confidentiality.
• Ability to learn & apply applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures, to include Department of Labor, Department of Economic Security, and Department of Administration rules, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to plan and organize work in accordance with Division priorities and time management methodology.
• Ability to work with clients of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to travel to locations within assigned area and to statewide meetings, which may include navigation in rural or otherwise difficult to locate area.
• Ability to remain professional, calm and adapt communication style with diverse customer needs or customers that are frustrated.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three (3) years of experience in public contact or customer service work experience, employment counseling, or recruitment.
• Depending on assignment: experience working with farmworkers, refugees, and veterans; service-connected disabled veteran with other than a dishonorable discharge. 

• 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.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• Travel will be required for State business. 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).

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

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 Maritza Duffy at (602) 679-5360 or email maritzaduffy@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 (602) 679-5360 or emailing maritzaduffy@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.