Veteran Workforce Specialist - Sierra Vista Arizona

Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
Workforce Solutions Administration (WSA)
2600 East Wilcox Drive, Sierra Vista,  Arizona 85635

Salary: $21.4126/ hourly ($44,538.20 annually) 

Grade: 18

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 a Veteran Workforce Specialist with the Workforce Solutions Administration (WSA). This position is responsible for providing a wide range of employment-related services to engage, advise, prepare, and match job seekers with Arizona businesses and enable job seekers to: get a job, maintain or strengthen current employment, or build a sustainable career. Services are provided through 1:1 or group interactions and will include client-facing, virtual/digital, or telephonic means. Services provided may be for one or more programs within the Administration and may focus on specialized populations depending on assignment. This position will be required to utilize a business methodology that drives continuous improvement.

Travel will be required for meetings and training, to community agencies and to provide office coverage as needed.

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).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Case Management: perform outreach and case management functions such as: assessing skills, abilities, work history, employment barriers and career interests, retention follow up; developing employment plans; determine eligibility for services; providing information on Labor Market, In-Demand industries, and occupations; and identifying and coordinating with formal and informal resources to remove barriers, develop skills, and achieve certifications.
• Record Keeping: Use databases to register & refer job seekers; complete and maintain accurate records and reports for performance and reporting requirements in accordance with quality and quantity standards mandated by various laws, rules and federal regulations.
• Customer Service: provide customer service, program information to job seekers, colleagues, and the business community; maintain positive working relationships with local partners, community organizations and other agency personnel; resolution of customer issues and complaints; and utilization of veteran priority of service (VPOS) for veteran clients (as applicable).
• Attend training required by program assignment.

Knowledge in:

• Effective recruitment, retention and workforce development methodologies applicable to businesses.
• Social, cultural and economic conditions that impact the populations and area(s) served.
• Special needs of minority groups and disadvantaged persons.
• Basic research, data gathering and interpretation and problem-solving techniques.
• Event planning and management, including communication and collaboration with key partners.

Skill in:

• Customer service, teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal communication.
• Written and verbal communication, including public speaking and presenting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google, data base systems, and computers.

Ability to:

• Learn & apply applicable Federal and State laws, regulations and procedures, to include Department of Labor (DOL), DES, Department of Corrections, and Department of Administration rules, policies, and procedures.
• Use Labor Market Information, in-demand industry, occupation and job seeker data to advise and assist businesses in meeting workforce needs.
• When assigned to highly specialized area or population, must be willing and able to work in a correctional facility or perform work in housing or farm locations and react quickly in emergency situations.
• Travel to locations within assigned area and to statewide meetings, which may include navigation in rural or otherwise difficult to locate areas.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• As required by 38 U.S.C. § 4103A(b), state agencies are required to follow a specific preference order when filling positions: First, qualified service-connected disabled veterans, as defined by 38 U.S.C. § 4211 (3). Second, qualified eligible veterans, as defined by 38 U.S.C. § 4211 (4).

• 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

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.