GENERAL MEMBER ADVOCATE

Arizona Department of Administration; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 54,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking a General Member Advocate to support Arizonans through education, advocacy and coordination of services. The role emphasizes member rights, community engagement and cross‑system collaboration.

Offered salary ranges from $53,500 to $55,500 annually, with a closing date of September 27, 2026. Location is Phoenix, AZ at 1789 West Jefferson Street, within the DDD division.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Understanding healthcare, behavioral health, social service and long-term care systems; person-centered practices and trauma-informed approaches.

Responsibilities

• Provides education for members and families about the DDD system of care, eligibility, policies, procedures and services.
• Communicates and collaborates with members and families to identify concerns and remove barriers to service delivery.
• Collaborates with stakeholders within the DDD system and across other systems to meet member needs.
• Develops and maintains service linkages with community partners and keeps current information on resources.

Skills

Case management

Bilingual English/Spanish

Interpersonal communication

Documentation

Job description

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.

GENERAL MEMBER ADVOCATE

Job Location:

Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $53,500.00 - $55,500.00

Grade: 20

Closing Date: September 27, 2026

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. DES is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come join the DES Team! The Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a General Member Advocate. DDD provides individuals with developmental disabilities, and their families, services and supports that are flexible, high quality, and member driven. These services provide individuals with opportunities to exercise their rights and responsibilities of independent decision‑making and engagement in the community. Applicants for this position cannot be licensed or certified by the DDD Office of Licensing Certification and Regulation, cannot have a principal interest in or have a spouse or close family with principal interest in a DDD Qualified Vendor Agreement, and cannot be employed or subcontracted by a DDD Qualified Vendor.

Job Duties:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provides education for members and families as it relates to understanding the DDD system of care including, but not limited to eligibility, policies and procedures, services, grievance process, vendor call process, etc.
• Communicate and collaborate with members and families to identify concerns and remove barriers that affect service delivery or member satisfaction within the DDD system and other systems of care (education, justice, behavioral health, etc.). Attend meetings with members, staff meetings and community events.
• Collaborates with other stakeholders within the DDD system and across other systems to ensure member needs are met.
• Develops, maintains and evaluates service linkages with community partners to support members and families; maintains current information on community resources.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge in:

• Federal and State laws/rules and regulations pertaining to individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Healthcare, behavioral health, social service, educational, and long-term care systems and how they intersect; Person-centered practices, self‑determination principles, and trauma‑informed approaches .
• Community resources, entitlement programs, benefits, and advocacy services available to individuals with disabilities.
• Confidentiality requirements, professional boundaries, and applicable regulations related to member information and services.
• Cultural diversity and the impact of socioeconomic, linguistic, and cultural differences on access to care and services.

Skills in:

• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building; Effective verbal and written communication.
• Strong advocacy and problem‑solving skills to assist members in overcoming barriers and accessing needed support and services.
• Conflict resolution, de‑escalation, and navigating sensitive or emotionally charged situations with professionalism and empathy.
• Organizational and time management; Documentation and computer skills necessary to maintain accurate records, reports, and case notes .

Ability to:

• Establish trust and rapport with members, families, providers, and community partners; Manage multiple cases, priorities, and deadlines effectively.
• Collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams and across community organizations; Empower members to make informed choices and advocate for their own goals and needs.
• Assess member needs, identify barriers, and connect individuals to appropriate resources and services; Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in sensitive situations.
• Communication and support approaches based on individual member needs and levels of understanding.
• Work independently while also contributing positively as part of a team; Remain calm, professional, and solution‑focused in high‑stress or rapidly changing situations; Promote dignity, inclusion, and respect for individuals with developmental disabilities in all interactions .

Selective Preference(s):

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• At least (2) two years of Case Management experience with DDD (AND)
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class‑appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to Driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operated a personally owned vehicle