Developmental Disability 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.

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY SPECIALIST

Job Location:

Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85009
www.azdes.gov

Posting Details:

Salary: $24.0384 - $27.8846/hourly ($50,000.00 - $58,000.00 Annually) 

Grade: 20

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 Developmental Disability Specialist with the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). This position is responsible for providing technical assistance and training to staff of the Rehabilitation Services Administration and Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) in relation to employment services and best practices for working with individuals with developmental disabilities with competitive integrated employment. Working as part of a team to develop and implement programs, policies, and best practices to continually enhance the employment services to individuals with developmental disabilities in the state of Arizona. Participates in public relations and outreach concerning employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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, and 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.

Job Duties:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provides technical assistance, training, and guidance to Vocational Rehabilitation staff and Division of Developmental Disabilities staff regarding employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Travel is required.
• Participates in public relations and outreach concerning employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. May be required to work evenings and weekends to attend community events.
• Participation in committees and work groups representing Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Works as part of a team to develop and implement programs, policies, and best practices to continually enhance the employment services to individuals with developmental disabilities in the state of Arizona.
• Tracking, reporting, and data analysis related to employment services and outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Works as part of a team to establish, enhance, and maintain agreements with VR, DDD, and local educational programs.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of service delivery for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge of employment programs and best practices leading to competitive Integrated Employment for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge of Employment First principles and how they are applied in assisting individuals with developmental disabilities in achieving competitive integrated employment.
• Skills in analyzing, tracking, and explaining data to evaluate and influence progress.
• Skills in communicating effectively to others.
• Ability to manage complex situations and relationships.
• Ability to effectively prioritize tasks, multi-task.
• Ability to travel periodically through the state of Arizona.

Selective Preference(s):

• Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or a closely related field; or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification.
• At least one year experience providing rehabilitation or employment services to individuals with disabilities.
• Experience working as a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor and/or Experience working in or with the Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in rehabilitation or related field and at least One year in rehabilitation or employment services to individuals with disabilities.
• 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.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

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

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

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 Xavier Martinez at (480) 952-5930 or email xmartinez@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) 952-5930 or email xmartinez@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

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