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!
If you enjoy helping people and being recognized for your efforts, a customer service career at the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) is the job for you.
As an Eligibility Interviewer, you will determine eligibility for Arizonans in need of Nutrition Assistance, Medical Assistance and/or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. This is an ideal position for an individual who is highly motivated, has decision-making skills, can work independently and multi-task in a fast-paced environment, and can provide quality interaction and communication with our clients. This is an in-person, on site-position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
● You will be working in a fast-paced office environment, assisting clients in-person and/or by telephone.
● You will be attending paid classroom training with on the job training (learning by doing).
● Provide excellent customer service by phone to individuals and families facing challenging and personal situations.
● Collect and gather information to conduct interviews to make eligibility determinations for Medical Assistance, Nutrition Assistance, and Cash Assistance.
● While talking to the individuals and families by phone, you will complete the application process and interview process, by entering data on a computer and accessing multiple screens.
● Adhere to agency standards measured by metrics, attendance, service levels, accuracy, and timeliness.
Knowledge in:
● Customer service practices.
● Computer navigation of various software applications, including but not limited to Google Suite or Microsoft.
Skills in:
● Professional written and verbal communication.
● Customer friendly, empathetic and patient.
● Computer experience; typing, navigating and using multiple computer systems on multiple screens while talking to the client by phone.
● Core math skills, including but not limited to, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Ability to:
● Evaluate and make appropriate decisions (or determinations).
● Access, maintain, review and interpret information.
● Work independently as well as interacting with others on a team.
● Review and explain eligibility requirements with applicants of diverse backgrounds and guide them to resources as part of the interview process.
The ideal candidate for this position will have:
● One (1) year of experience performing eligibility reviews or one (1) year of customer service experience.
● A High School Diploma or GED.
● 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
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
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.
Welcome to the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision that every child, adult, and family in Arizona will be safe and economically secure.
DES works to promote enhanced safety and well-being for Arizonans by focusing on three primary goals:
Whether you are an individual who needs help, a potential employee passionate about helping others, or a part of the extensive network of human service professionals throughout Arizona dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families, we look forward to working with you to create a better tomorrow by providing support today.
In 1972, The Department of Economic Security (DES) was established by consolidating multiple state agencies to provide an integrated approach to human services.
In 2014, the Arizona Legislature created the Department of Child Safety, which officially moved Child Protective Services out of DES and made it a stand-alone agency.
Today, DES invests approximately $4 billion annually to assist more than 2.9 million Arizonans. Our staff of more than 7,700 team members strive daily to provide timely, accurate and beneficial services to assist those in need.
The Department of Economic Security makes Arizona stronger by helping Arizonans reach their potential through temporary assistance for those in need, and care for the vulnerable.
All Arizonans who qualify receive timely DES services and achieve their potential.
Our work must continually demonstrate these values every day, through our interactions with the public and our fellow colleagues as we focus on building the capacity of the people we serve.
Each Division and every employee of DES must relate these values to their specific work so that they can become a meaningful part of their daily interactions. In this way, we all share ownership of these values and are able to relate them to our vision and our daily work, regardless of our position or job site within DES.
DES works with community partners statewide to administer programs and services to expand its reach to vulnerable populations. The Division of Aging and Adult Services contracts with dozens of organizations to provide homeless and domestic violence shelter services, resources for older adults, hunger relief through the state’s regional food banks, and other community action programs and services. The Office of Community Engagement collaborates with other community partners that provide similar services to the same populations to provide a comprehensive network of support to Arizonans. This collaboration includes co-locating DES staff within different community organizations to meet clients where they are already going to receive services.