VETERANS WORKFORCE SPECIALIST

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.

VETERANS WORKFORCE SPECIALIST

Job Location

Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)

Workforce Solutions Administration (WSA)

340 North Commerce Park Loop, Tucson, Arizona 85745

www.azdes.gov

Posting Details

Salary: $21.4126/ hourly ($44,538.20 annually)

Grade: 18

Closing Date: Open until sufficient resumes are received

Job Summary

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 Veterans Workforce Specialist 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 will be required to utilize a business methodology that drives continuous improvement.

Depending on population served, must be willing and able to work in places of client gathering; housing or farm locations; rural remote areas of the state; correctional facilities; and working outside of traditional 8-5 work hours.

Job Duties

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Perform outreach and case management functions such as: assessing skills, abilities, work history, employment barriers and career interests, retention follow up; developing employment plans; determine eligibility for services; providing information on Labor Market, In-Demand industries, and occupations; and identifying and coordinating with formal and informal resources to remove barriers, develop skills, and achieve certifications.
• 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 customer service, 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 (as applicable).
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• 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 work 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 assess and communicate business workforce needs to the ARIZONA@WORK or applicable system talent pipelines, including employment counselors, career counselors, and educational organizations, such as those Eligible Training Providers List (ETPL).
• Ability to use Labor Market Information, in-demand industry, occupation and job seeker data to advise and assist businesses in meeting workforce needs.
• Ability to work with clients of diverse backgrounds.
  
  

Selective Preference(s)

The ideal candidate for this position will have

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two (2) years public contact or customer service work experience, employment counseling or recruitment.
• As required by 38 U.S.C. Â
• 4103A(b), state agencies are required to follow a specific preference order when filling positions: First, qualified service-connected disabled veterans, as defined by 38 U.S.C. Â
• 4211 (3). Second, qualified eligible veterans, as defined by 38 U.S.C. Â
• 4211(4).
  
  

Pre-Employment Requirements

• 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).
  
  

Benefits

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

Retirement

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.

Contact Us

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.