Program Specialist Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Job No: 543130
Work Type: Full-time
Location: REMOTE OPTIONS, PHOENIX
Categories: Social Work/Human Services, Program Management, Misc/Other/Not Applicable, Health and Nutrition Services
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.
PROGRAM SPECIALIST
(Hunger Relief Program Specialist)
Job Location:
Child and Community Services Division (CCSD)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Posting Details:
Annual Salary: $43,981 - $61,341
Grade: 21
Closing Date: 08/24/2026
Job Summary:
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 (DES), Child and Community Service Division (CCSD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated professional to join our team as a Program Specialist. This position will serve as the Hunger Relief Program Specialist. The individual in this role provides administration, coordination, and oversight of multiple programs that support the agency's Hunger Relief initiatives. Ensures hunger programs are effectively implemented and operated in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and requirements. Coordinates with internal and external partners and assists with the development and implementation of strategies to strengthen Hunger Relief services and maximize resources.
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:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Create, implement, and oversee various State and Project Plans.
• Compile data and approve budget narratives for project design and evaluation plan.
• Review, assess and approve budgets, scopes of work, and budget expenditures for compliance with federal and state OMB circulars for reasonable and allowable costs.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures and conduct monitoring and evaluation to ensure compliance with various State and Project Plans.
• Review and approve monthly invoices and reports for contractors and sub-recipients' accuracy and allowable expenditures.
• Track and prepare statistical, financial and other reports on a necessary basis.
• Develops and conducts ongoing statewide training on programmatic requirements in support of the various coordination programs.
• Lead and participate in meetings and committees as needed. In-state travel.
• This position may have contact with vulnerable adults.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:
• Federal, State Rules and Regulations relating to Hunger Relief.
• Financial programmatic and operational requirements.
• Administrative practices for implementing a federal grant program.
• Principles of cost objectives and reasonable and allowable costs related to the federal and state funding sources
• General administrative services pertaining to planning, fiscal, budget control, contract management, and procurement process.
• Appropriate data gathering, summarization methods, and report preparation.
• Program resources services across DES and how the programs relate to one another.
• Customer service relations and monitoring community-based contracts.
Skills In:
• Oral and written communication, presenting information and ideas clearly and effectively.
• Interpretation of laws, regulations, policies and procedures; work management and leadership.
• Review, understand, analyze and monitor complex operational and fiscal systems and programs.
• Maintaining complex record-keeping systems and development of associated forms.
• Negotiating outcomes and persuading others to courses of action in sensitive and complex areas.
• Developing methodologies and strategies to meet specific issues in planning and directing operations.
• Creating and tracking fiscal spreadsheets and analysis of data.
• Using a variety of computer software packages (e.g., Excel, Word, databases, PowerPoint, Google Suite, etc.)
Ability to:
• Write clear, concise, and accurate reports, policies, and procedures; set relevant, necessary, and
achievable goals.
• Identify, coordinate, and/or present services to customers and community organizations and resolve issues
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with external and internal partners, listen to others as well as make suggestions.
• Analyze operations and develop effective plans and methods for providing services.
• Provide technical assistance and training for community organizations/contractors; develop, test, and implement changes essential for continuous improvement.
• Interpret, apply, and implement federal and state statutes, program policies, and procedures.
• Develop program goals, set priorities, and manage a widely varied workload.
• Resolve complex problems and work effectively in high-pressure situations and analyze statistical/fiscal data and technical concepts.
• Assess needs and opportunities, and take initiative to meet program goals
• Identify and effectively address critical issues in a timely fashion and follow projects through completion
• Evaluate and continuously improve the quality of work
Selective Preference(s):
This ideal candidate for this position will have:
• A bachelor's degree or 2 years of exp related to federal programming (e.g., aging, hunger, homelessness, domestic violence, refugee, or community action); OR 1 year as a Program Specialist or 2 years as a Prog Project Specialist 2 working in programmatic implementation in AZ state gov't.; OR 1 year as a Human Services Program Development Specialist or 2 years as a Human Services Unit Supervisor in AZ state gov't.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
• The employee will obtain and maintain a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card that meets DES requirements for a Level One card pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1969.
• The ability to secure and maintain clearance from the Department of Child Safety (DCS) Central Registry and the Adult Protective Services (APS) Registry.
• 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.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business; Follow requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.
Benefits:
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
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
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 program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Retirement:
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 lifelong 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.
Contact Us:
For questions about this career opportunity, please get in touch with Shannon Anguiano at (480) 876-0851or at my email ShannonAnguiano@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 OODHRStaffing@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
Advertised: 18 Aug 2026 US Mountain Standard Time
Applications close: 24 Aug 2026 US Mountain Standard Time
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