Human Services Specialist

DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY

The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) is a social and human services agency whose mission is to successfully partner with families, caregivers, and the community to strengthen families, ensure safety, and achieve permanency for all Arizona’s children through prevention, services, and support.

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

Salary: $23.2236 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, Kinship Support Agencies.

• Perform 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.
• Review and compose correspondence to clients, contracted and non-contracted vendors, and other DCS staff to address inquiries or requests for information.
• Explain agency policies, procedures, and practices to applicants, clients, representatives of other agencies or outside individuals or groups, and to new hires.
• Make recommendations to manager for adverse regulatory actions on a license (example: denial, suspension, revocation, provisional). Draft denial letters.
• Maintain database and other reports to review licensing applications through completion of action. Travel may be required to perform duties.

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

Knowledge of:

• Regulatory principles and practices, as well as 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 (example: Microsoft Office, Access, Excel, etc.).

Skills in:

• Excellent organizational skills and workload management.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) that allow communication of complex regulatory issues in a clear, concise, and effective manner 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 pertains to DCS programs and services.
• Planning, organizing, and prioritizing work.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent customer service skills.

Ability to:

• 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…