Program Specialist

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.

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 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…