Program Specialist

Position: 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 HOMELESS PROGRAM SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Child and Community Services Division 1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Salary: $43,981.39 - $61,341.28
Grade: 21
Closing Date:
Sunday, October 25, 2026

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. The Department of Economic Security (DES), Child and Community Services Division (CCSD), seeks an experienced, highly motivated professional to join our team as a Program Specialist. This position will serve as a Homeless Program Support Specialist and will provide ongoing oversight and monitoring of assigned DES-funded Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs, services, and initiatives through numerous program contractors, community organizations, and other groups.

This role will develop and implement service provisions for qualifying individuals, addressing their needs, and attaining the goals of the program, which includes the long-term effects facing groups experiencing homelessness throughout Arizona. This position will also coordinate and monitor existing community initiatives, providing technical assistance and understanding where community initiatives intersect with programmatic efforts. Develop operating procedures, plans, and manuals at management direction.

Coordinates resources within and outside the Department. This position serves as the subject matter expert (SME) for assigned areas within DES Statewide Homeless Coordination Office.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona only and is 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:

• Oversee, manage, and monitor ESG grant, program, and service coordination activities.
• Develop and maintain annual reports and data analysis of the program.
• Monitor program contracts regularly to ensure compliance with the specific programmatic scope of work and federal regulations.
• Lead efforts to build and strengthen sustainable community partnerships. Coordinate solution-focused task forces, working groups, targeted and regular community consultations, and meetings around particular program areas and needs.
• Engage and network with relevant community partners. Field questions and requests to provide accurate information, maintaining program integrity.
• Will have contact with survivors of sexual violence.
• Track and prepare complex statistical, financial, and other data as necessary. Analyze and prepare reports on a regular basis to report on groups experiencing homelessness in Arizona.
• Maintain grant data and send update reports to the Governor's Office and federal funders to satisfy programmatic requirements.
• Write funding and resource proposals and submit timely and accurate reports for grant-funded efforts according to priorities.
• Work closely with senior management to ensure initiatives comply with federal and state laws, regulations, and administrative rules.
• Conduct analysis, develop and make recommendations, implement and monitor process improvements benefiting the agency and its customer base.
• Attend and represent the State of Arizona at various national conferences and meetings.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal and state statutes, regulations, administrative rules, DES Division of Community Assistance and Development policies, procedures, and programs
• Delivery of human services, programs and systems, including contemporary service programs and delivery systems in public agencies
• National,…