ADJUDICATOR

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

2d • $39,324 - $41,693 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS), Unemployment Insurance Administration (UIA), is hiring an Adjudicator to review applications for public assistance programs and determine applicant and recipient eligibility through interactive interviewing and fact gathering. The position is based at 1789 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, Arizona. It is a full-time temporary assignment, limited to no more than 1,500 hours in a calendar year. Temporary positions are benefits eligible and receive pay for state-observed holidays.

The position may allow remote work from within Arizona depending on business needs and continued performance, but requires an initial in-office training period of at least one year. The role involves applying program rules and regulations, explaining eligibility and application procedures, processing applications and benefits through automated systems, monitoring ongoing eligibility, and responding to client questions and complaints. Travel may be required for State business.

The posted hourly salary range is $18.9059–$20.0449, equivalent to $39,324.27–$41,693.39 annually. The posting remains open until sufficient resumes are received.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and one year of experience performing eligibility reviews or one year of customer service experience (the stated ideal-candidate preference).
• Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and case-administration techniques governing eligibility for diverse public assistance programs.
• Knowledge of effective customer-service principles and practices.
• Knowledge of computers and software, including Microsoft applications, for research, assessment, and documentation.
• Written and verbal communication skills to explain and interpret applicable federal and state laws, statutes, rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Time-management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to apply policies, procedures, and programs, and laws and regulations governing eligibility for multiple public assistance programs and their case administration.
• Ability to use fact-finding techniques and conduct in-depth interactive interviews.
• Ability to review tax documents to obtain household filing information.
• Ability to explain complex rules and programs to people from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and educational backgrounds.
• Ability to detect and evaluate potential fraud.
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent on completing the process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify), as required of newly hired State employees.
• If operating a motor vehicle on State business, possess and maintain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver’s license; complete required training and pass applicable driving-record checks. Employees driving on State business must maintain an acceptable driving record, and employees using a personally owned vehicle must maintain required liability insurance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interactive interviews and gather information to determine eligibility for government programs, including consideration of income and household composition; review applications against program requirements.
• Initiate and process applications using automated systems; calculate and determine benefit levels, analyze results, enter and retrieve numerical and narrative data, and issue benefits through an automated computer system.
• Explain program eligibility requirements, rules, regulations, and application procedures to clients; assist with applications and identify needs for appropriate health, social, or employment-service referrals.
• Monitor ongoing eligibility by obtaining updated information about eligibility factors and taking appropriate action when circumstances change.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, presentations, and orientations.
• Respond to client questions and complaints in person, by telephone, mail, or email.

Benefits

• 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.
• Rideshare and public transit subsidy.
• Career advancement and employee development opportunities.
• Paid parental leave pilot program information is provided.
• Voluntary deferred compensation program for tax-deferred retirement investments.
• Temporary positions receive pay for State-observed holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED