APPELLATE SERVICES ADMINISTRATIVE COUNSEL

Arizona Department of Economic Security; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a leading state department focused on strengthening families and communities in Arizona. The Administrative Counsel for Appellate Services will oversee operations, manage staff, and ensure compliance with legal standards. This role offers opportunities for remote work and a supportive work culture.

Benefits

Health insurance

Retirement

Paid holidays

Vacation

Parental leave

Sick leave

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible schedules

Qualifications

• Seven+ years of legal practice, including litigation or administrative tribunal experience.
• Five+ years in supervision or management, preferably with diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Managing ASA operations, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.
• Supervising staff, including coaching and performance evaluations.
• Developing and implementing policies and procedures.

Skills

Analyzing complex issues

Clear and effective writing

Leading and motivating teams

Planning and delegating work

Performance evaluation

Drafting legal statutes

Presenting legal issues

Interpreting complex documents

Education

Arizona State Bar licensure

Job description

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.

APPELLATE SERVICES ADMINISTRATIVE COUNSEL

Job Location: Office of the Inspector General (OIG)

2200 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Posting Details: Salary: $110,000-$120,000

Grade: 26

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

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. We are seeking individuals committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES, visit des.az.gov or watch ‘Our DES' video. Join the DES team!

DES is looking for an experienced, highly motivated attorney licensed in Arizona to serve as Administrative Counsel of the Appellate Services Administration (ASA). This role involves managing all aspects of ASA, including the Office of Appeals and the Appeals Board, and supervising key staff members.

This position may offer remote work within Arizona, based on department needs and performance.

The State of Arizona promotes a flexible, autonomous, and trusting work culture. Employees may participate in the State's Remote Work Program, working remotely or in offices, within Arizona, unless an exception is approved.

Job Duties:

Essential responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Managing ASA operations, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local reporting requirements.
• Understanding DES programs related to appeals and analyzing relevant data.
• Supervising staff, including coaching, disciplining, and performance evaluations.
• Participating in meetings with various stakeholders.
• Handling personnel matters such as hiring and performance management.
• Developing and implementing policies and procedures.
• Managing ASA budget expenditures.
• Responding to inquiries from supervisors, agencies, and stakeholders.
• Proposing changes to statutes, rules, and policies.
• Ensuring quality and timeliness of appeal decisions.
• Managing external communications and reporting.
• Coordinating with ASA units to ensure operational efficiency.
• Addressing systemic issues through root cause analysis and technological solutions.

Knowledge of:

• Federal and state laws, regulations, and court decisions related to DES programs.
• Legal authority concerning evidence, administrative law, and ethics.
• English grammar and composition.
• Psychology, body language, and behavior.
• Supervision, public management, and government organization.
• Personnel policies and procedures.

Skills in:

• Analyzing complex issues and applying legal principles.
• Clear and effective writing.
• Leading and motivating teams.
• Planning and delegating work.
• Performance evaluation and discipline.
• Drafting legal statutes and rules.
• Presenting legal and managerial issues.
• Interpreting complex documents and data.

Ability to:

• Unite diverse groups toward common goals.
• Communicate clearly and diplomatically.
• Reason logically and deductively.
• Listen attentively to complex matters.
• Objectively evaluate and resolve conflicts.
• Inspire loyalty and trust.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Seven+ years of legal practice, including litigation or administrative tribunal experience.
• Five+ years in supervision or management, preferably with diverse teams.
• Experience with unemployment insurance, nutrition, assistance programs, or developmental disabilities.
• Experience drafting legal pleadings and memoranda.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Arizona State Bar licensure, in good standing.
• Valid driver's license and compliance with vehicle use policies.
• Successful background and reference checks.
• Completion of E-Verify process.

Benefits:

The department offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement, paid holidays, vacation, parental leave, sick leave, deferred compensation, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and flexible schedules. Remote work options are available but managed at the department's discretion.

Retirement:

Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after 27 weeks. Additional details provided upon employment.

Contact:

Questions? Contact Jessica Grover at 520-235-3174 or [emailprotected].

The Arizona Department of Economic Security is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Persons with disabilities may request accommodations by contacting Jessica Grover.