HUMAN SERVICES SPECIALIST 3

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that makes Arizona stronger by helping Arizonans reach their full potential through temporary assistance for those in need, and care for the vulnerable? The Arizona Department of Economic Security (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 Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Human Services Specialist 3. DDD provides individuals with developmental disabilities, and their families, services and supports that are flexible, high quality, and member-driven. These services provide individuals with opportunities to exercise their rights and responsibilities of independent decision-making and engagement in the community. 
Applicants for this position cannot be licensed or certified by the DDD Office of Licensing Certification and Regulation, cannot have a principal interest in or have a spouse or close family with principal interest in a DDD Qualified Vendor Agreement, and cannot be employed or subcontracted by a DDD Qualified Vendor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• In compliance with requirements (including mandated timelines), drive vehicle to conduct home visits and meet with individuals/families to develop relationships and become familiar with family dynamics/priorities/resources/ concerns/supports and make appropriate referrals to community agencies.
• Convene and facilitate multi-disciplinary Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meetings (a minimum of every 6 months for every child) to support children with developmental disabilities and their families to work toward successful acquisition of outcomes within the child's natural environment.
• Offer the family (at the IFSP) the AzEIP surveys; educate parents of their rights and responsibilities and procedural safeguards. Teach parent advocacy skills. Assist families with the grieving process when applicable. Collaborate directly with Child Protective Services (CPS) in meeting a child's needs while in the CPS system. Assess each child's progress on a regular basis.

Knowledge in:

• Methods, procedures, and techniques used in the development of Individualized Family Service Plans.
• Federal and State statutes and agency policies and procedures relating to the care and assistance of individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Skills in:

• Oral and written communication.
• Conflict resolution.
• Developing, evaluating, and maintaining member service plans.

Ability to:

• Work independently and within diverse work teams.
• Organize and manage caseload.
• Lead a group of Support Coordinators in the absence of the supervisor.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• One year of experience working with people with Developmental Disabilities is required.
• Bilingual preferred.

• If this position requires 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.) R2-10-201.11).
• BA/BS degree in Early Childhood (EC), EC Special Education, Family Studies, SLP, PT or OT; OR BA/BS degree in a closely related field with a review of coursework & approval by (AzEIP) & 1-year experience working with people with Developmental Disabilities; OR Development Specialist or Service Coordinator hired in AzEIP system before 7/1/01, documentation of continued satisfactory work in AzEIP system for hire date. 3 years' Service Coordinator experience including 1-year experience working with people with Developmental Disabilities required.
• Employee shall have a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-2758.07 to work with children and vulnerable adults.
• Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
• Successfully pass background and reference check; 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

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 Laura Kaspar at (602)390-5549 or lkaspar@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)390-5549 or lkaspar@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.