LEGISLATIVE 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.

LEGISLATIVE SPECIALIST

Job Location : Address : Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

1789 W. Jefferson - Phoenix, AZ 85007 Posting Details : Salary : $56,000 - $61,000

Grade : 22

Closing Date : August 27, 2024 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 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!

DES, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Legislative 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 spouse or close family with principal interest in a DDD Qualified Vendor Agreement, and cannot be employed or subcontracted by a DDD Qualified Vendor.

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 :

Proactively researching and tracking all federal and state legislation to ensure DDD compliance with new legislation, analyzing the impact of new legislation, and orchestrating a response in coordination with the DES Office of Legislative Services (OLS) and in accordance with all DES policy requirements;

regularly communicating with state or federal regulators, stakeholders, and subject matter experts (SME's) to evaluate the impact of proposed changes in response to legislative / regulatory changes

• Researching, tracking, and reporting changes and trends in all levels of legislation and policy that impact DDD
• Conducting legal and factual research, analyzing issues, cross-checking, and validating information, preparing written correspondence, and interpreting statutes, rules, and policy for their applicability for specific situations
• Leading information and discussion sessions during the State of Arizona Legislative Sessions with cross functional DDD representative and leadership to ensure awareness of upcoming and impactful legislation and to promote discussion of potential impacts

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) :

Knowledge of :

• Federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and policies relating to the Division of Developmental Disabilities
• Concepts and current practices of state government and government management, including legislative and administrative processes
• Translating data trends into usable information for non-technical audiences
• Systems and programs

Skill in :

• Oral and written communication
• Performing detailed analysis and making recommendations
• Using computer systems (e.g., Google Workspace, Gmail, Google Suite, Microsoft Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and Outlook)

Ability to :

• Adapt and be responsive to multiple / changing goals and priorities
• Work under pressure to meet work product timelines; produce clear and concise documents and reports
• Work in dynamic team environment and across organizations as well as independently
• Interpret and accurately explain federal and state laws, policies, and administrative regulations to others

Selective Preference(s) :

The ideal candidate for this position will have :

A Bachelor's degree in Public Policy or a related field and experience with legislative and policy analysis

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.
• 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.
• 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 Pio Guillen 602-402-6411 or email [email protected].

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 Pio Guillen at 602-402-6411 or elpidioguillen@azdes.

gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.