DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.
DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.
DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
3221 North 16th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85016
www.azdes.gov 

Salary: $38.0769/ hourly ($79,199.95 annually) 

Grade: 23

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 an Assistant Program Manager with the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). This position is responsible for providing direct supervision to the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) field offices. This position is responsible for ensuring that policies and procedures are fully implemented, and that federal, state, and regional performance goals are met.
This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (2 days per week in the office/hoteling).
The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, 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:
• Provides supervision and oversight of VR field offices which includes direct supervision of unit supervisors. Responsible for recruiting, staffing, coaching, mentoring, evaluating, training, and reviewing performance of VR staff.
• Reviews and approves high-cost cases and policy exceptions.
• Participates in statewide management activities and program improvement initiatives.
• Analyzes and interprets reports and determines course of action.
• Represents RSA in community partnership/stakeholder meetings, forms, boards, committees, and work groups. Participates in public relations and responds to public and program inquiries.
• Responds to and researches client inquiries and appeals.
• Reviews cases for quality assurance through formal and informal case reviews. Oversees the Quality Assurance efforts of supervisory staff.

• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations for Vocational Rehabilitation, rehabilitation principles and practices, contracts and budget management, and reporting requirements. Knowledge of effective management and supervisory techniques.
• Skills in leadership and project management.
• Skills in problem solving, decision making, and negotiating.
• Skills in analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting data to implement solutions.
• Skills in oral and written communication.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Ability to complete and analyze complex assignments.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to provide leadership and teambuilding.
• Ability to manage complex situations and relationships.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
• Current or previous supervisory or management experience. Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRC) preferred.

• Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or related field.
• 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. If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then the following requirements apply. 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.C.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

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 Nicel Nerona at (480) 689.1477 or email nnerona@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) 689.1477 or emailing nnerona@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.