HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Arizona Department of Administration•Flagstaff, AZ

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Economic Security (DES) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join their team as a Human Services Program Development Specialist with the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). This role focuses on expanding competitive integrated employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. The specialist will coordinate employer outreach and employment-related activities for clients, providing comprehensive job placement services and assisting businesses in identifying workforce recruitment needs that can be met by individuals with disabilities involved in the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. This position serves as a liaison, supporting Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Employers, and Clients in understanding current and emerging workforce needs to effectively prepare and match job seekers with employment opportunities. The position may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona, based on business needs and performance.

Requirements

Effective job search methods, job preparation techniques, and accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
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.
Basic research, data gathering and interpretation and problem-solving techniques.
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.
Eliciting information that identifies the needs of VR clients and employers.
Collecting and using data, developing reports using both qualitative and quantitative data, problem-solving and decision-making.
Provide continuous improvement for staff and team to deliver quality services.
Work with diverse populations including individuals with disabilities.
Negotiate positive outcomes for VR clients.
Provide training and information for clients, employers, community, partners/stakeholders, and other state agencies.
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 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).
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).

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with disabilities in job placement services.

Responsibilities

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 coordinates 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 tracks 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 works 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.

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
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