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 Medical and Benefits Eligibility (DBME)
Operations Unit
400 West Congress Street, Tucson, Arizona 85701
www.azdes.gov

Salary: $40,496.00 - $56,453.00 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: May 30, 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 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, Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Operations Specialist. Under the direction of the DBME HR Supervisor, this position performs work of considerable difficulty dealing with complex, sensitive, and highly confidential personnel related issues. This position has accountability for ongoing activities and may lead or participate in special projects.
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, 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:
• Serves as the primary personnel liaison for one or more regions with in-depth knowledge in Human Resources, with specialized breadth of expertise in the Operations area.
• Prepare all personnel and classification actions in accordance with ADOA personnel rules, DES policies, and procedures.
• Access the HRIS system and related databases for employee information to prepare and complete appropriate action items to ensure a smooth transition to position and access to information.
• Analyze information and data to initiate and process action items, tracks, and suspends to ensure action is submitted correctly and completed timely.
• Respond to employees and customers on a variety of inquiries and personnel actions, vacancies, state hire dates, salaries, payroll and paycheck issues, benefit issues, etc.
• Prepare for on-boarding, follows-up with notifications/updates and facilitates, conducts, and assists with New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new hires and external agency transfers.
• Orders and prepares packets, completes I-9 E-Verify process, identification badges, explains forms/benefit options, and DBME policies and procedures.
• Monitor and maintain the position control report, staffing charts and cost center organizational charts for all positions assigned including vacancies and under-fill promotions.

Knowledge of:
• Federal and State laws, rules, regulations and procedures.
• General understanding of the various programs administered and services provided by the Division.
• Computer programs and computer software -Resources to use when seeking guidance/assistance.
Skills in:
• Reading, interpreting, understanding and implementing department and administrative policies and procedures.
• Researching, collecting, analyzing, editing data and reporting information.
• Independent problem-solving and decision making in the area of assignment.
• Establishing priorities amongst conflicting needs.
Ability to:
• Work independently while functioning as an integral part of the unit's structure.
• Provide professional customer service to both management and customers.
• Listen attentively to customer needs and provide appropriate and timely responses.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential information.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or closely related field and two year’s experience as a Human Resources Analyst or equivalent experience.
• Relevant HR Certification.

• This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, 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.
• 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 contact Margaret Guerra at 480.601.1445 or email mguerra@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 480.601.1445. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.