Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
1701 North 4th Street Flagstaff Arizona 86004

This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (minimum 2 days per week in the office/hoteling)

Salary: $27.1410/ hourly ($56453.28 annually)

Grade: 20

Closing Date: Open until sufficient resumes are received

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 ; 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 Human Services Program Development Specialist with the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). The Human Service Program Development Specialist position will expand competitive integrated employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. This position is responsible for the coordination of employer outreach and employment-related activities for clients. This includes comprehensive job placement services to individuals with disabilities and assisting businesses to identify workforce recruitment needs that can be met with individuals with disabilities that are involved with the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. This position acts as a liaison by supporting Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors Employers and Clients in understanding the current and emerging workforce needs to effectively prepare and match job seekers with employment opportunities.

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 States 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Establish and maintain professional relationships with business and community entities to expand employment for people with disabilities.
Provide public relations and outreach to employers and coordinate with VR staff.
Provide job readiness skill training to VR clients case management job search assistance placement retention facilitates client communication with partners and local stakeholders.
Document all activities in the client case file.
Assist with the design development and maintenance including ongoing consultation training and mentoring to VR counselors supervisors and employers.
Complete reporting documents and track referrals and placements.
Provide training technical assistance and coordination to Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors Supervisors support staff clients and community providers on employer relations and employment issues.
Provide market-driven individualized placement services that achieve the alignment of business needs and VR client vocational goals.
Coordinate and manage the referral process with VR staff and work with VR counselor and supervisor to coordinate the placement of clients into a competitive employment setting.
Maintain a database including employer contacts community outreach staff/client outreach current job openings and job-ready VR clients.
Partner with local area business service team members to meet local employer needs and prevent duplication of efforts utilizing partner as well as off-site visits and provide subject matter expertise and technical assistance to external partners.
Attend training required by program assignment.

Knowledge of effective job search methods job preparation techniques and accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Knowledge of labor market information and in demand industries and occupations; effective recruitment retention and workforce development methodologies applicable to businesses social cultural and economic conditions that impact the populations and area(s) served.
Knowledge of basic research data gathering and interpretation and problem-solving techniques.
Skills in customer service teamwork collaboration and interpersonal communication.
Proficiency with MS Office Google database systems and computers; and technology-based platforms that interface directly with applicants and job seekers such as Google Meets Zoom and other video conferencing technologies to meet with clients partners and peers.
Skill in eliciting information that identifies the needs of VR clients and employers.
Skill in collecting and using data developing reports using both qualitative and quantitative data problem-solving and decision-making.
Ability to provide continuous improvement for staff and team to deliver quality services.
Ability to work with diverse populations including individuals with disabilities.
Ability to negotiate positive outcomes for VR clients.
Ability to provide training and information for clients employers community partners/stakeholders and other state agencies.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

Experience working with individuals with disabilities in job placement services.

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.
Employee shall have a valid Level One Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-2758.07 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults.
Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agencys 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).
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 drivers license complete all required training and successfully pass all necessary drivers license record checks. The license must be current unexpired and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on State business are subject to drivers 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. R.11).

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
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
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 programhere. 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 Lizbeth Alarcon at or email

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