PROGRAM SPECIALIST - SECTION

Arizona Department of Administration•Peoria, IL

About The Position

With the goal of providing protection and safety, this position is responsible for a variety of difficult tasks, staff training, and ensuring the reliability of data within Guardian. In addition, this position provides support to the section Program Manager, Supervisors and assists the Regional Management Analyst IV with data collection and tracking.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Federal and State laws, statutes, regulations and directives governing DCS services
Arizona's child safety model
Risk assessment practices and procedures
Developmental and behavior problems of children
Resources available in the community
Policies and procedures of the court system
Policy development and training procedures
Case management policy
Skill in: Evaluation and Decision making
Verbal and written communication
Report preparation and analyzing data
Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships as applied to contracts with families, children and representatives of court
Interviewing and supervision techniques
Ability to: Elicit information through interviews
Evaluate and make decisions on cases
Manage workload and personnel
Open discussions effectively and clarify the current situation
Remain open to all sides and stay focused on resolution
Close discussion with clear summaries
Work overtime, as needed
Maintain confidentiality
Travel in-state
Master's or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university OR- Three (3) years of combined DCS Specialist Trainee / DCS Specialist experience OR - Three (3) years of combined DCS Specialist Trainee / Investigator Sr. experience.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
The ability to secure and maintain clearance from the DCS Central Registry
This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, and the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

Nice To Haves

The selected candidate will have a combination of on-the-job experience and specialized training/education.

Responsibilities

Write detailed reports summarizing activities, transactions or production covering a specified period of time.
Complete data for scorecards, section-level huddles, and section-level accountability slides and charts.
Participate in the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) , National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS), National Youth In Transition Database (NYTD) and Semi-Annual reporting Interprets program policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
Provides orientation and training to new staff as well as continued training to all staff as appropriate and in needed area.
Complete Guardian corrections and/or elevate issues to the Management Analyst team.
Conducts locate searches.
Assist in equalization, ongoing case assignment and case aide visitation request.
Participates and contributes to team management practice, conference; and designs and/or implements special projects. Conducts special studies and research projects.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Paid sick leave.
Paid vacation that includes ten (10) holidays per year.
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Competitive health and dental insurance plans.
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
Vision coverage.
Short-term disability insurance.
Deferred compensation plans.
Supplemental life insurance.
Employee wellness plans
In an effort to better serve our communities, DCS offers a Bi-Lingual Stipend to all interested and eligible DCS Employees who successfully complete a language proficiency exam. Qualifying employees will receive a $500 annual stipend paid in equal increments.