CERTIFICATION PROJECT SPECIALIST

Arizona State Government; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arizona Department of Education invites applications for a Certification Project Specialist in the Phoenix area. The role focuses on communicating with applicants, IHEs, LEAs and HR staff to interpret and respond to Educator Certification inquiries and state statutes.

Hybrid work is available, with candidates able to work remotely up to two days per week, while in-office presence may be required up to five days depending on business needs.

Qualifications

• This role requires interpreting, explaining, and responding to Educator Certification inquiries.
• Experience handling inquiries from applicants, IHEs, LEAs and HR via phone, email, and in person.
• Familiarity with AZ education policies and certification rules is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and respond to inquiries about Educator Certification issues and statutes.
• Process certifications and issue notifications for Administratively and Substantively Incomplete cases.
• Handle incoming mail, verify funds, receipting, and file scanning for evaluation.
• Audit daily deposits and manage NSF checks and refunds.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

In-person support

Phone and email handling

Multitasking

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Arizona Department of Education

The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents.

CERTIFICATION PROJECT SPECIALIST

Job Location:

Certification Unit

Phoenix Location

Posting Details:

Salary: $50,000 - $52,000

Grade: 19

Closing Date: 09/09/2026

Job Summary:

• This position will be responsible for communicating and assisting individual applicants, Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and Human Resources (HR) personnel via the phone, email, and front counter. Communication will consist of interpreting, explaining, and responding to a variety of inquiries on Educator Certification issues, rules, and state statutes.
• Occasional in-state travel may be required for this position.
• The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessate.

Job Duties:

• Interpreting, explaining and responding to inquiries on Educator Certification issues, rules, and statutes primarily through phone and e-mail to individual applicants, Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and Human Resources (HR) personnel
• Screening, evaluating, and processing formal evaluations for certification, including issuing certificates and issuing Administratively and Substantively Incomplete notifications
• Processing incoming mail to include verifying funds received, receipting, and scanning files for evaluation
• Auditing and reconciling daily deposits to the State Treasurer to include processing Non-sufficient Funds (NSF) checks and refunds

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge in:

• Familiarity with the K-12 education system in Arizona
• Understanding of current policies and procedures of the AZ Department of Education including AZ state statutes (Title 15), AZ State Board of Education rules and regulations including Higher Education pertaining to educator certification
• Effective customer service strategies via in-person, phone and e-mail
• Office procedures and operations including filing, organization and efficient work flow

Skills in:

• Excellent customer service
• Detail oriented / attention to details
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Organization
• Prioritization
• Intermediate skill in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel

Ability to:

• Problem solve using resources and research strategies
• Prioritize in a high demand environment with varying tasks and priorities
• Perform multiple tasks with a high degree of attention to detail, accuracy, and efficiency
• Listen, empathize, and clearly communicate with a variety of customers and modes such as phone, in-person, and in writing

Selective Preference(s):

• Preference will be given to those applicants with an Associate’s or Bachelor's degree

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.
• Driver’s License Requirements.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• Ten paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page.

Retirement:

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

Contact Us:

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling [phone] or emailing [e-mail]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.