Program Specialist

Permacnacy and Youth Services Supervisor

Job Location: 3003 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85012

Salary: $64,408.45 per year (Hourly $30.9656)

Grade: 21 |
Closing Date: January 20, 2026

This position serves as the liaison between the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to ensure compliance with Chafee Foster Care Independence federal law. The role provides supervision, coaching, and training for Chafee H. Foster Care Program staff and oversees program implementation of the Youth Thrive Framework.

• Write, update, monitor, and negotiate Arizona’s State Plan for the Chafee H. Foster Care Program. Supervise staff, provide 1:1 coaching, complete MAPs, and manage supervisory tasks.
• Develop state policies for foster youth services, including transition services for youth moving from foster care to adulthood.
• Collaborate with Learning and Development to deliver workshops and training on the Youth Thrive Framework to field staff, community partners, CASAs, and state agencies. Lead youth board activities and annual youth conference.
• Respond to federal and state legislation and information requests from the State Legislature, participating in work groups focused on youth transition needs.
• Facilitate meetings, committees, and work groups with internal and external stakeholders on YTP legislative proposals, high‑profile cases, and program development, ensuring policy fidelity for young adult services.
• Ensure Arizona’s compliance with programmatic and fiscal requirements, including the National Youth in Transition Database. Prepare programmatic reports for DHHS, develop multi‑year plans, and monitor outcomes.
• Perform additional duties as assigned related to the role.

• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local child welfare programs and resources.
• Terminology and processes of Arizona’s child welfare system, including the Youth Thrive Framework.
• Child welfare policies and investigation procedures for abuse/neglect.
• Trauma‑informed practice and group facilitation.
• Program planning, group dynamics, and evaluation processes.
• Supervision and coaching techniques.
• Understanding of DHHS Arizona State Plan and the Chafee H. Foster Care Program.

• Verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.
• Interviewing and eliciting information.
• Organization and workload management.
• Problem identification and solution development.
• Decision making and conflict resolution.
• Follow program policies and procedures.
• Group processes and evaluation.
• Risk assessment and safety evaluation.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with young adults, DCS specialists, and partner agencies.
• Write and speak with clarity and effectiveness.
• Represent DCS in liaison interactions with staff, other agencies, and community partners.
• Analyze complex detailed information.
• Organize, multi‑task, and prioritize workload.
• Make independent decisions and work under general supervision.
• Collect, enter, and interpret data.

Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field. 3–5 years of experience working directly with young people in Arizona’s foster care system.

• Valid Arizona driver’s license and acceptable driving record. Mileage may be reimbursed.
• Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card and clearance from DCS Central Registry.
• Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification (E‑Verify) completion for all newly hired state employees.

• Medical, dental, life, and short‑term disability insurance plans.
• Top‑ranked retirement and long‑term disability plans.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Vacation time accrued at 4:00 hours bi‑weekly for the first 3 years.
• Sick time accrued at 3:42 hours bi‑weekly.
• Deferred compensation plan.
• Wellness plans.

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) after 27 weeks of employment.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation. Contact 602‑255‑3141 or ADA. For interview process questions, reach recruiting or 602‑255‑2903. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.