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.

WORKFORCE SPECIALIST

Job Location:

Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
Workforce Development Administration (WDA) 
400 West Congress Street, Tucson, AZ 85701
www.azdes.gov

Posting Details:

Salary: $20.0449/ hourly ($41,639.39 annually) 

Grade: 18

Closing Date: Open until sufficient resumes 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 in employment and independence.

DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Workforce Specialist with the Workforce Development Administration (WDA). 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.

This position may require travel to various locations for off-site meetings, training, or conferences.

Travel will be required for State business. 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).

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. 

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, determining eligibility for services, providing information on the 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 and 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, and 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 needs, and working with interruptions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google, database systems, 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 and apply applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures, including Department of Labor, Department of Economic Security, and Department of Administration rules, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to plan and organize work in accordance with Division priorities and time management methodology.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as a member of diverse teams.
• 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 of public contact or customer service work experience, employment counseling, or recruitment.
• Depending on assignment: experience working with farmworkers, refugees, and veterans; service-connected disabled veteran with other than a dishonorable discharge.

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

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 Theresa Sumner at 480-679-2319 or email TSumner@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 480-679-2319 or email TSumner@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

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