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.

LEGAL ASSISTANT 2

Office of Inspector General
1789 West Jefferson Street Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $38,844-$42,394 

Grade: 17

Closing Date: April 28, 2025

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!

DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Legal Assistant 2. This position works with The Appellate Services Administration (ASA) provides an administrative hearing and review process for approximately 45 programs administered by DES. Subject matter generally falls into three main categories: benefit eligibility and overpayment, licensing and certification of service providers, and claimant fraud. This position functions as a Validator, Legal Assistant, and Docket Officer to provide support to the Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) at the Office of Appeals. This function is mission critical, as ASA requires this journeyman level legal assistant position to provide daily advice to parties regarding the status of their Public Assistance (PA) appeals, answer process questions and provide assistance consistent with due process requirements. The Docket Officer responsibilities include communication to and from the ALJs with parties, which is required to prevent prohibited "ex-parte" communications. Direct communication with parties allows Docket Officers to assist in timely scheduling of PA hearings and enables parties to be more knowledgeable about the process and to prepare for, and participate in, their hearings.

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 flexibility, autonomy and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Answers elevated calls, Inquiries and concerns that could not be resolved by subordinates. Performs complex research in multiple databases and systems required to assist Validators and respond to inquiries and status of appeal calls. Registers parties for hearings utilizing designated computer programs. Explains appeal procedures and policies to parties and the public. Communicates with parties on behalf of Administrative Law Judges (ALJs)
• Analyzes jurisdiction, issues, etc. by reviewing imaged and paper documents per case.. Identifies and corrects errors and virtually prints missing documents. Uses PC to research related issues elevated by legal support staff or referred by ALJs, ASA management or other DES Departments.
• Timely and accurately processes requests for postponements, withdrawals, and other requests by parties and ALJs. Uses PC to input prompt and accurate notes regarding docket calls and processing requests on the Appeals Processing System (APS) regarding any party contacts on appeal cases, as well as include additional exhibits submitted by parties in the case file.
• Ensures incoming appeals meet noticing deadlines mandated by Federal and State laws. Researches appeal for potential to set aside and remand in order to expedite process for customers. Researches complex issues for case file in Healthy Arizona Plus (HEA+), AZTECS, and DBME OnBase to choose exhibits for a hearing.
• Elevates appeals to the Board for Appeals as necessary. Uploads Administrative Law Judge decisions, dispositions, and orders into HEA+ and AZTECS for department