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 Aging and Adult Services (DAAS)
Adult Protective Services (APS)
Address: 1455 South Alvernon Way, Tucson, Arizona 85711

Salary: $79,199.95 / Annually 

Grade: 22

Closing Date: 3/26/2024

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!

Adult Protective Services is in search of a critical thinking, strategic and solutions-focused leader to manage multiple units of team members who investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults.

You will oversee a group of supervisors who are in charge of units investigating these allegations. This includes ensuring investigative timeframes are met, cases are worked according to statute and policy, and team members at all levels are productive and engaged in this critical work. You will also be part of the management group and lead problem solving initiatives, present on the performance of your units daily, and represent APS in communication with outside parties, including the Attorney General’s office. The ideal candidate will be data focused, be a strong leader who can focus on both the nuances of cases and the bigger picture, and someone who brings a solution-focused mindset to all activities.

All qualified applicants will be required to take and pass an electronic skills assessment.

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.

Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: 
• Direct, instruct, counsel, and provide technical assistance to subordinate professional and support staff according to DES/APS policies; complete personnel actions pertaining to hiring, annual performance reviews and clearly document any deficiencies in performance.
• Monitor workloads, identify needs and available resources; identify problem areas and implement corrective action. When needed, arrange for and ensure staff receive additional training and support. Conduct quality assurance reviews and conduct local office visits.
• Complete monthly reports and provide feedback and input regarding policies and procedures; compile and track data for assigned units; implement strategies to ensure Program and District goals are met.
• Collaborate with stakeholders including police departments, medical and long-term care facilities and the Attorney General’s Office on case-specific escalations.
• Participate in management-level meetings to present performance and trends of the assigned area. Problem solve and execute solutions with urgency. Participate in cross-agency and multi-disciplinary teams to solve broader issues that affect vulnerable adults. In-state travel required.

Knowledge of:
• Applicable federal and state statutes, DES and Adult Protective Services policies and procedures, ADOA personnel rules and regulations
• Social work and casework practices and principles
• Local resources in the aging, mental health, and disabilities network
• Principles and practices of administration, management and supervisory techniques

Skills in:
• Oral and written communication and active listening
• Analyzing and assessing statistical data and reports
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with members of the community
• Program evaluation, policy development, and interpretation

Ability to:
• Oversee and consult on casework and investigative activities performed by staff
• Work with adults at risk
• Resolve conflicts
• Use computer software packages (e.g., Word, Excel, Access, Google Suite, etc.)

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
• Prefer a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Gerontology, Healthcare, Public Administration or closely related field.
• Requires two years' work experience in social services programs, human services field, field of aging, or law enforcement; OR One (1) year experience in Adult Protective Service (APS).
• Requires supervisory experience.

● In-state travel is required. Driver’s License Requirements: 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).
● 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.
● Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
● A.R.S. 41-1968 Each employee of the department who has contact with children or vulnerable adults shall have a valid, unrestricted Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to section A.R.S. 41-1758.07.
● All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
● Flexibility in willingness to work longer shift hours or after-hours coverage, if necessary.

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
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot 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.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Brenda Cruz at 480-493-9033 or daashr@azdes.gov.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting Brenda Cruz at 480-493-9033 or daashr@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.