Human Services Specialist

Human Services Specialist 3

Job Location:

OFFICE OF FOSTER CARE SUPPORTS 3003 N Central Ave Phoenix AZ 85012

Salary: $23,223.6 HRLY/$48,305.09 Salary
Grade: 18
Closing Date:
July 6, 2026

Under the general supervision of the State Licensing Supervisor and Foster Supports Manager, this position licenses foster homes and provides support to non‑contracted and contracted vendors, Foster and Adoptive Support agencies, and Kinship Support Agencies.

• Performs an administrative and substantive licensing review to include the OLR database application, all required documents, background checks, previous or current concerns, life safety inspection results and recommendations, and compliance with rules and regulations.
• Reviews and composes correspondence to clients, contracted and non‑contracted vendors, and other DCS staff to address inquiries or requests for information.
• Explains agency policies, procedures, and practices to applicants, clients, representatives of other agencies or outside individuals or groups, and to new hires.
• Makes recommendations to manager for adverse regulatory actions on a license (example: denial, suspension, revocation, provisional) and drafts denial letters.
• Maintains database and other reports to review licensing applications through completion of action; travel may be required to perform duties.

• Processes initial, renewal and amendment applications within associated requirements and required time frames for licensing, utilizing unit tools (checklist, application guide, rules and policies). Provides technical assistance and training to providers related to licensing statutes, rules, policies and procedures.
• Evaluates and assesses applicants for licensure and/or adverse regulatory actions, makes recommendations to manager as required, and enters all issued licenses into the Department database.
• Attends a variety of meetings such as meetings with management, agency staff, coworkers, current or prospective licensees, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned related to the position.

• Regulatory principles and practices, and Federal and State laws and regulations regarding licensing, renewal, and safety inspection requirements; state and agency policy and procedures governing licensing, licensing amendments and renewals, and monitoring and safety inspections.
• DCS organizational structure and agency human resource policies and procedures.
• DCS Management system including Visual Management, problem‑solving techniques, and setting countermeasures.
• Problem‑solving techniques.
• Operating a motor vehicle.
• Personal computer and software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Access, Excel, etc.).

• Excellent organizational skills and workload management.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) that allow clear, concise, and effective communication of complex regulatory issues to licensing agency staff.
• Excellent interpersonal relations, including conflict resolution.
• Strong computer skills, which include, but are not limited to, Microsoft Office, Quick‑Connect, Guardian, and database management software programs.
• Understanding and interpreting State and Federal laws and proposed legislation as it pertains to DCS programs and services.
• Planning, organizing, and prioritizing work.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent customer service skills.

• Work without direct supervision.
• Mentor and guide staff.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with colleagues, staff, and other departments and the public at large.
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy in representing the Department.
• Understand and address the concerns of individuals regulated by the Office of Licensing and Regulation.
• Multi‑task with accuracy.
• Communicate effectively (both oral and written).
• Analyze complex problems or issues.
• Interpret state and federal laws and rules.
• Display sound judgment.
• Work as a member of a team as well as independently.
• Be flexible and adaptable.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, social work, psychology, counseling, or another…