DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY

The Arizona Department of child Safety (DCS) is a social and human services agency whose mission is to successfully partner with families, caregivers, and the community to strengthen families, ensure safety, and achieve permanency for all Arizona’s children through prevention, services, and support.

PROGRAM POLICY SPECIALIST

Job Location:

HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
3003 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85012

Posting Details:

Salary: $26.0608 HRLY/$54,206.46 Salary  

Grade: 20

Closing Date: March 22, 2025

Job Summary:

The Policy Specialist works as part of the team within the Policy Unit and coordinates with other Department program and units. This position engaged with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement new policy and procedures for the Department. The Policy Specialist is responsible for researching and writing policy, developing policy in a team environment, facilitating meetings, providing technical assistance, working with intern and external stakeholders, reviewing federal regulation and state laws, and developing recommendations for continuous improvement. The Policy Specialist assists DCS staff and partners to implement DCS policies and procedures. The position also provides policy guidance and presentations using multiple formats including virtual and in-person deliver, email and memos.

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.

Job Duties:

• Analyze, develop, write and publish DCS policies and procedures, ensuring written materials are professional and adhere to DCS standards. Review and revise forms and related information for policy.
  
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings and discussions to develop and implement policies, procedures, forms and related information.
  
• Review and revise existing policy in conjunction with new federal and state laws. Ensure alignment of DCS policy and procedures with law and regulatory rules.
  
• Provide regular policy technical assistance and updates to internal and external stakeholders using a variety of methods. Includes in-person presentations, virtual presentations, email assistance and reports.
  
• Participate in the planning, development and implementation of statewide initiatives including tools and measures to monitor and evaluate implementation of DCS policies and procedures.
  
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Policy development and implementation
• Child welfare and related federal and state laws, rules and regulations
• Coordination and facilitation strategies
• Current child welfare best practices, principles and emerging issues
• Department's organization, policies, procedures, practice, mission, vision, values and the interrelationship to the various program areas
  

Skills in:

• Researching, analyzing and applying federal and state laws, rules and regulations to policy
• Analyzing proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals
• Technical writing to develop and write policy and procedure
• Effective communication, both oral and written
• Organizational skill
• Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, email, calendar and teleconferencing
• Reviewing proposed legislation for potential Department policy impact

Ability to:

• Work independently and as part of a team
• Manage time and handle multiple time-sensitive projects
• Complete work in a timely, accurate and professional manner
• Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with