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 that every child, adult, and family in Arizona will be safe and economically secure.

DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to make Arizona stronger by helping Arizonans reach their full potential through temporary assistance for those in need, and care for the vulnerable.

Address: 11279 East 24th Place, Yuma, Arizona 85365    

Salary: $40,000.00-$42,000.00  

Grade: 14

Closing Date: 4/30/2023  

Would you like to be part of an amazing culture that helps Arizonans reach their full potential through providing services to support them? The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork.

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Direct Care Worker. This position is similar to work done by a Home Health Aide, Personal Care Aide, or Patient Care Technician. This position requires an individual to coach, teach, mentor, and provide direct support including personal care to members who have Developmental Disabilities (i.e., autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, or epilepsy) ranging from mild to profound. Care is provided at a 1:1 or 1:3 ratio and is designed to meet personal needs of members.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. This position offers flexibility in schedule (i.e., work different shift, overtime, and change work locations) as these are 24-hour residential settings. Most schedules work nights, weekends and holidays. Requires lifting/carrying at least 50 lbs. and pushing/pulling at least 50 I bs.

• Supports and encourages members in mealtime preparation, technique and service in accordance with specialized diets and engages and interacts with members during mealtime. Occasionally prepares and cooks meals. 
• Implements Individual Support Plan {ISP) programs and strategies, records and occasionally compiles data, writes progress and communication notes. Encourages development of new skills while maintaining present skills. 
• Implements therapeutic recommendations that may include positioning, sensory activities and exercises. 
• Provides recreational, medical and leisure opportunities at home and in the community. 
• Drives a transport vehicle, operates a lift, if needed, assists members with safety requirements including seat belts and shoulder belts. Ensures safety and stability of a wheelchair in the vehicle using tie downs. 
• Completes incident reports and notifies the member's guardian of the incident, if needed. Responds to members emergency situations by calling for assistance and providing emergency intervention until medical help arrives; assists in coordinating the emergency response plan and follows the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the member. 
• Orders, logs, dispenses, administers and stores medications of members according to doctor's orders upon successful completion of the appropriate 16-hour medication technician or medication administration course. 
• When assigned, perform shift lead responsibilities which may include organizing and implementing shift tasks, staff assignments, and members schedules. 
• Occasionally completes assigned light housekeeping duties ( e.g., sweeping, mopping, dusting, bedmaking, empty trash, wash dishes, clothes washing, disinfecting therapy equipment and wheelchairs). 
• Maintains on-going inventory of each member's personal belongings. 
• Supports members with purchases and accounting for their funds. 
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

• Knowledge of human rights 
• Knowledge of providing personal care 
• Knowledge or planning processes 
• Skills in communicating with members verbally and/or through sign language 
• Skills in using a computer, including email 
• Skills in participating and implementing Individual Support Plans 
• Ability to read and write in English 
• Ability to attend staff training and apply the basic principles of program training and data collection designed to meet the specific needs of members including medication administration 
• Ability to learn and perform proper lifting techniques and general body mechanics 
• Ability to learn and use nutritional principles and special mealtime techniques 
• Ability to learn and apply behavior support techniques

• Applicant must be 18 years of age to apply and read and write English. Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, overtime, and change work locations, when necessary.
  

• In-state travel is required. This position requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-I0-207.12.). Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintaining valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; however, mileage will be reimbursed. 
• Employee shall have a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 4 l-27S8.07 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults. 
• Employment may be contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination 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.RS. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
  

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

- Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
- Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
- 10 paid holidays per year
- Infant at Work Program
- RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
- Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Life and Disability Insurance

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 Dimakatso Achioso at 480-338-1996 or Dachioso@azdes.gov. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 480-338-1996. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.