SERVICE APPROVAL UNIT
3003 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85012

Salary: $24.6569 HRLY/$51,286.35 Salary 

Grade: 19

Closing Date: September 1, 2026

Under the general supervision of the Department of Child Safety (DCS) Service Approval Program Manager, processes service approvals for out-of-home placements for children in care, resolve service approval issues preventing payment, process Service Approvals for Foster Home Licensing Agencies and DDD Agencies, support Foster Home Licensing Agencies and DDD Agencies with any Service Approval issues. This position works with Placement Administration, field staff and contracted providers for matching, extending and ending service approvals in Guardian.

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, and 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.

• Cooperates with agency staff, contracted providers, caregivers (licensed and unlicensed) and facilitates in the design, development, modification and implementation of agency programs. Overseeing and compiling weekly metrics, including but not limited to visual management, scorecard, weekly huddle board and end of month report. Researches and completes multi-faceted Service Approval fixes (Placement related) by gathering information from a variety of sources
  
• Provide support to FAS and DDD agencies, including: creating Service Requests and matching Service Approvals for all contracted pay points, service approval fixes, portal support, and additional issues or concerns; Process Service Requests and match Service Approvals for FAS Licensing Agencies and Group Homes that receive a contracted incentive; Process Service Requests and match Service Approvals for kinship families who have completed the licensing process, issuing a Special Rate if there is a sibling set of 3 or more.
  
• Serves as Lead with training of unit staff and assists with development of training materials and procedures as needed. Provides technical support to staff; assists unit staff in completing Service Approvals, based on volume received. May monitor the SRSA mailbox and send correspondence to providers; assign work to the unit, as needed.
  
• Maintains, enters, updates and tracks Service Approvals in Guardian as requested by Program Manager. Oversees updating tracking logs and completing special projects as assigned by leadership.
  
• Provides technical assistance either in person, by telephone, or email to team members, field staff or caregivers. Participates in statewide provider meetings, as needed.
  
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge of:

• Federal and state laws, regulations and directives governing child protective services
  
• Conflict resolution techniques
  
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  
• Guardian
  
• DCS business processes as it relates to Services and Payments

Skills in:

• Eliciting and gathering information-
• De-escalating situations
  
• Managing own time and arranging work
  
• Verbal and written communication
  
• Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
  
• Performing general clerical functions such as, reception, filing, mailing, data entry

Ability to:

• Sit for long periods of time
  
• Maintain professional boundaries
  
• Work as a team member and team lead
  
• Maintain a tracking system to ensure follow up and timely resolution of tasks
  
• Accept responsibility for work product and outcomes

The preferred candidate will have DCS experience and knowledge of service approval process in Guardian.

Requires the possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.11). Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintain valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration. Mileage may be reimbursed, if applicable.
(Arizona Administrative Code Revised 1/29/2020)

For valid Arizona Driver's License holder, a copy of your three (3) year Motor Vehicle Report will be required.

The ability to secure and maintain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card. The ability to secure and maintain clearance from the DCS Central Registry.

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.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
● Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
● Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
● 10 paid holidays per year
● Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
● Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
● Deferred compensation plan
● Wellness plans

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 pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-255-3141 or by email at ADA@AZDCS.GOV.   Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.  Should you have any further questions regarding the interview process you can reach out to a member of our recruitment team at 602-255-2903 or by email at recruiting@azdcs.gov.  The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.