Would you like to be part of an amazing culture that helps Arizonans reach their full potential through temporary assistance? The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork.

Under the leadership of the Director’s Office of Community Engagement (OCE) the Community Engagement Liaison speaks on behalf of the Division of Child Care (DCC) mission, meeting with officials from other state, government, and community organizations. Through child care financial assistance, building quality early learning programs, supporting the early childhood workforce, and enhancing cross-systems partnerships, DCC builds an integrated approach to early childhood care and learning, focused on supporting equal access to high quality child care for children in working families, for children and families experiencing significant stress in areas such as child safety and shelter, and for children with special physical, behavioral, or developmental needs.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, 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.

This position is responsible for:

• Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of Division initiatives in partnership with community and faith-based organizations.
• Provides weekly updates and reports about significant initiatives and/or projects. Raises awareness of OCE projects and initiatives, informing and engaging the public, stakeholders, and community partners.
• Assists in developing and implementing effective monitoring and evaluation procedures for new and ongoing programs to assure program conformance and integrity.
• Prepares proposals regarding community development and other community-based issues.
• Resolves complex technical problems in a timely and effective manner. Coordinates workflow between other sections within the Division and Agency.
• Completes and follows through with tasks assigned. Oversees the development of unit procedures in preparing Agency-related periodicals, pamphlets, and newsletters for community relations.

Knowledge of:

• DES programs, resources, policies and procedures
• Community programs and resources
• The principles, practices, and methodology of human services and how they are addressed in varying organizational structures, diverse cultures, and communities
• Political structures within State and Federal government
• Principles and practices of leadership
• Team motivation

Skill in:

• Interpersonal relationships
• Community engagement and public relations
• Effective communication techniques across various cultures
• Network development
• Public speaking
• Leadership techniques and supervision
• Effective PowerPoint and Google Slides presentations
• Google Suite, Excel Spreadsheets, Microsoft Word

Ability to:

• Set priorities, organize, and manage a complex and varied workload in fast paced work environment
• Plan, organize, and assemble resources and coordinate projects
• Gather and compile data and create general reports
• Develop effective and positive working relationships
• Effective communication, both in person and in writing
• Independently supervise a team
• Accurately analyze high volume of information
• Work with established guidelines and follow set policies and procedures
• Ability to travel statewide, work varied hours throughout the week, including weekend and evening hours
  

• Bachelor's degree and three or more years of community organizing or other related experience.

• Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify), applicable to all newly hired State employees.
• 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.
• Travel will be required for State business. Employees who drive on state business must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.) AND have an acceptable driving record in accordance with DES Fleet Management-Safety Program policy and procedures (DES 1-07-26 & DES 1-07-26-01). Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintaining valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; however, mileage will be reimbursed.
• Employee shall have a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1758.07 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Life and Disability Insurance
  
  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.

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, contact Yolanda Knori at (480) 435-0897 or email yknori@azdes.gov.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting Yolanda Knori at (480) 435-0897 or email yknori@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.