Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility
Family Assistance Administration
8620 North 22nd Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85021

Salary: $22.8671 - $32.4840 

Grade: 22

Closing Date: August 25, 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 who 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 Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Policy Unit Manager, will supervise a staff of professionals in the review, interpretation, development, and implementation of new or modified policy necessary to operate the Nutrition Assistance (NA), Medical Assistance (MA),Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and State Programs administered by the Family Assistance Administration (FAA). This includes the development of internal policy and procedures, and guidelines for monitoring the successes of these procedures in compliance with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations. The position improves communication throughout the administration through the issuance of various publications that enhance the tools for field staff. Development of policy and procedures requires creation of applicable forms, notices, posters, pamphlets, and numerous other types of informational materials, necessary to administer the social service programs noted above, and to educate both staff and customers.

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.

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:

• Supervise a staff of professional employees, utilizing innovative and existing management practices and principles. Assign work of considerable difficulty to staff to analyze, assess, and develop appropriate responses that require extensive knowledge, ability to apply judgement, while focusing on the integrity of the agency mission, and identifying the impact to the programmatic operation of FAA programs.
• Review Federal and State statutes, laws, and regulations and agency policies and procedures to make decisions of considerable difficulty regarding assignments, workload, complexity of tasks involved, and required outcomes. Insure more efficient and effective changes to improve services to the public, reduce costs, and improve the programmatic standards of the administration.
• Attend, participate, and lead work groups, involving local office, customer care center, regional office, and/or section-specific staff for specific purposes related to the process improvements of programmatic and operational issues related to the delivery of the services administered by FAA.
• Responsible to hire, train, coach, counsel, and mentor policy staff through one-on-one and group sessions, and continuous on the job training and leadership, along with performing all the other supervisory functions.
• Collaborates with the partnering Divisions of the Department of Economic Security for streamlining operations, coordination of development or modification of policy, procedures, systems interfaces, and changes or enhancements for improving services to our mutual customers.

Knowledge in:
● Federal regulations governing Nutrition and Medical Assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and other Public Assistance programs
● Policies and procedures established for the work unit including administrative procedures and protocol
● Computer systems utilized by FAA for eligibility determinations such as AZTECS, HEAPlus, OnBase, etc.

Skills in:
● Communication of very complex issues verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
● Performing technical, complex, and difficult work using independent judgment
● Organizational and interpersonal skills including prioritization of projects and tasks

Ability to:
● Read, understand, and interpret complex issues, laws, policies, and procedures in order to communicate the correct application
● Coach, counsel, listen, and communicate in a fast-paced environment
● Establish and maintain professional working relationships with staff and management

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
● One (1) to two (2) years of experience in professional supervision of a unit within a Benefits and Medical Eligibility program.

● If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.
● 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).

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 us Cristal Rodriguez at Crirodriguez@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 Crirodriguez@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.