Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $53,450.00 - $56,500.00 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: September 23, 2025

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 Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Policy Specialist. 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 are not limited to:
● Writes policy and operating procedures for the Division to ensure compliance with AHCCCS contract, AHCCCS policy, and Federal and State rules and regulations.
● Provides written analysis of and recommends changes to existing policy and operating procedures by memorandum, email or oral presentation to improve efficiency and effectiveness and to comply with changes and/or additions to AHCCCS contract, AHCCCS policy, and Federal regulations and State statutes.
● Responds to and composes correspondence dealing with subject matter in ways that call for considerable discretion and analytical skills that involve some judgment or negotiation; replying to inquiries; presenting complex information in a simplified manner; requesting information to resolve difficult and/or complex problems.
● Read and interpret State, Federal and local codes, law and regulations in order to prepare reports, or utilize in various work activities and determine their impact on Division policy and procedures. Compares data from several sources to assure accuracy of technical specifications, rules, or other technical documents using judgment and relying upon considerable knowledge of the subject matter.

Knowledge in:
● Division of Developmental Disabilities and its purpose, program and services, functional areas, and policies and processes.
● AHCCCS Medicaid ALTCS programs, services, policies, and processes.
● Principles of policy, procedure writing and Arizona Management System (AMS) principles.
Skills In:
● Excellent oral and written communication skills.
● Proficiency in computer applications including web-based tools, office applications, and formatting.
● Researching, problem solving, and analysis.
Ability to:
● Work independently, take direction from multiple sources, initiate work activities, interpret and organize large volumes of information and data.
● Facilitate meetings, organize and prioritize.
● Research and interpret policy, rules, and regulations.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
● Previous experience being employed with the Division of Developmental Disabilities; Two years experience in researching and writing technical or legal documents.

● 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 operated 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).
● 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 Wendy Browning at wbrowning@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 wbrowning@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.