Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
Human Resources (HR) Unit
1789 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85007

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

Salary: $28.0000 - $32.6827/ hourly ($58,240.00 - $67,980.01 annually) 

Grade: 22

Closing Date: Open until sufficient resumes are received

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 Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) strengthens Arizona communities by bridging and minimizing gaps to employment and independence.

DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Employee Relations Lead Specialist with the Human Resources (HR) Unit. This position is responsible for serving as a team leader to the DERS Employee Relations team to provide support and consultation that champions agency policy, vision and values, while maintaining focus on risk mitigation and compliance. This position acts as an independent, confidential resource providing analysis of facts, conclusions, and recommendations as appropriate after researching and evaluating complex and sensitive human resource-related issues/cases, and recommending solutions or best practices.

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Senior lead subject matter expert for employee relations matters for the division. Provides expert-level technical analysis and review, guidance, and training to other professionals within the division. Confers with management and other stakeholders to discuss and clarify project requests and associated issues. Completes high-level projects with time-sensitive deadlines. Provides updates and reports on a full range of HR topics to the HR Business Partner and Executive Leadership Team.
• Conducts quality assurance reviews for all employee relations actions completed by staff. Supports team members with their assigned HR functions through coaching and mentoring division management to create a fostering team culture. Provides training, including but not limited to HR processes and procedures. Responds to information requests from managers, employees, and citizens.
• Conducts in-depth analysis of project data and impact, identifying problem areas and determining how to resolve them. Interprets policies, procedures, and federal and state employment laws and advises managers and employees on specific situations. Conducts internal investigations often involving complex employment matters and prepares comprehensive investigation reports with recommended findings. Formulates a course of corrective action and prepares comprehensive written recommendations for executive review. Maintains detailed and confidential records. Maintains a good working relationship with and obtains guidance/advice from the Human Resources Administration, Assistant Attorney General, Department-level staff and other department personnel.
• Monitors team performance and reports metrics, discovers training needs and provides coaching. Establishes operational standards and procedures that are leveraged to respond to employee and manager questions, ensures actions are processed accurately and processes are administered effectively and efficiently.
• Serves as back up to the supervisor. Attends meetings in absence of supervisor.

Knowledge in:
• Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) and DES rules, policies, and procedures related to work assignments.
• The Human Resources Information System (HRIS) screens and their uses, AZ360.
• Salesforce
• Personnel process and procedures

Skill in:
• Prioritizing among conflicting needs and organizational skills with emphasis on follow through.
• Solving complex problems, taking a broader perspective to identify solutions
• Excellent written and oral communications
• Analyzing personnel documentation for accuracy and completion

Ability to:
• Establish priorities and complete actions timely and correctly.
• Promote consistency in the use of the progressive disciplinary process.
• Interpret and explain policies and procedures.
• Perform research, collect and analyze data and report information.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or closely related field and two years of experience as an Intermediate Human Resources Analyst or equivalent experience.
• Relevant HR Certifications.

• 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).

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

• 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

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.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. 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, please contact HR Analyst Brian Hemminger at (480) 202-3850 or email Brianhemminger@azdes.gov.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting (480) 202-3850 or emailing Brianhemminger@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.