DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.

DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.

DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $53,300.11 – $60,000.00 Annually 

Grade: 22

Closing Date:  June 14, 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 Developmental Disabilities is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Employee Relations (ER) Specialist. This position will be responsible for the communication, guidance and education of core and common Employee Relations, Operations, Human Resource policies, as well as possess a working knowledge of Talent Acquisition. This position acts as an independent, confidential resource providing analysis of facts, conclusions and recommendations as appropriate researching and evaluating complex and sensitive human resource related issues/cases, recommends solutions or best practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing front-line support in the prevention, investigation, resolution, and referral of ER problems, recommends or takes appropriate actions to address concerns as needed.
• Conducting on-site internal investigations often involving complex employment matters and prepare comprehensive investigation reports with recommended findings.
• Investigating employee, management and or applicant complaints/issues and problems to allegations of unequal treatment, discrimination, harassment and other violations of federal and state laws regarding human resources personnel policy, program guidelines and records.
• Delivering counsel and assistance to staff and all levels of management on ER issues.

Knowledge in:

• Federal and State laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to Human Resources.
• Arizona Department of Administration Personnel Rules, American with Disabilities Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
• Current principles, practices and methods used in the administration of an HR program to include: Employee Relations, Operations, Talent Acquisition and Classification & Compensation.
• Administrative investigative techniques, interviewing techniques, and report writing/formatting.

Skilled in:

• Cultivating interpersonal relationships, establishing, and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse group of staff and various levels of management, other state agencies, community resources, vendors, and the public.
• Researching, collecting, and analyzing data and reports.
• Effective oral and written communication, public speaking, investigative and interviewing techniques.
• Establishing priorities and time management among conflicting needs.
• Google, AZ360, Case Management software, Performance Management software and various software to monitor and track Human Resources actions.

Ability to:

• Analyze specific problem situations and determine acceptable solutions within the framework of laws, rules, and regulations.
• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Coll