Services Specialist

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.

DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.

DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SPECIALIST Job Location:
Division of Developmental Disability (DDD)

8620 North 22nd Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85021 Posting Details:
Salary: $45,000 - $47,000 Grade: 18 Closing Date:
March 9, 2026

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 des.az.gov or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video.

Come join the DES Team!

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Rehabilitation Program Representative. The position is responsible for providing information, technical assistance, and guidance to Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) support coordinators, members, Qualified Vendors, and families to determine member needs and interests in employment services and supports.

Applicants for this position cannot be licensed or certified by the DDD Office of Licensing, Certification and Regulation, cannot have a principal interest in or have a spouse or close family with a principal interest in a DDD Qualified Vendor Agreement, and cannot be employed or subcontracted by a DDD Qualified Vendor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Maintains collaborative relationships across programs within the Department of Economic Security as well as external state and local government entities, public agencies, school districts, and public and private enterprises. Provides support and technical assistance to Qualified Vendors of employment supports and services. Conducts Home and Community-Based compliance visits as well as quality assurance reviews with Qualified Vendors.
• Attends member planning meetings, providing the planning team with ideas and support related to the member’s employment journey. Provides information to families and members on employment supports and services.
• Provides guidance, technical assistance, and education to DDD support coordinators on employment, incorporating the AZ Disability Benefits 101 resource tool into employment goal discussions, Employment First principles, and on employment supports and services. Develops resources regarding employment supports and services, opportunities, and programs.
• Approves selected employment services authorizations on behalf of the District Program Manager. Reviews and approves employment training curricula. Processes and submits Vocational Rehabilitation referrals for members.
• Provides information, training, and technical assistance to Division staff, community groups, employers, and organizations by participating in community-wide efforts to increase employment rates for DDD members, including communities of practice, outreach, and transition fairs. Provides technical assistance to schools and community partners.
• Participates in regular team meetings and discussions with the member, support coordinator, VR counselor, and other employment providers.
• Develops community resources for employment support. Creates, monitors, and tracks reports of DDD members receiving employment services.

Knowledge in:

• Person-centered planning and supported employment models, resources available in the community.
• Service delivery for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Employment programs and best practices for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Federal and state laws, statutes, rules, and regulations pertaining to the provision of integrated supported employment services for persons with…