POLICY ANALYST

State of Arizona; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work options

Flexible schedule

Paid holidays

Medical benefits

Job summary

The State of Arizona, Department of Economic Security, Division of Business Services, is seeking a Policy Analyst to draft and revise administrative policies for DES programs. The role focuses on accounts receivable and collections, regulatory changes, and ensuring compliance with CFR and state laws.

Hybrid work with in-office days 1-2 per week in Phoenix. You will research, analyze and communicate policy recommendations to internal and external stakeholders, monitor legislation, and train staff

Qualifications

• Knowledge of policy development and design; understanding of state and federal laws and CFR
• Strong research and policy analysis abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication, ability to present to diverse audiences

Responsibilities

• Research, analyze, and interpret state and federal legislation for impact on DES collection policies.
• Draft and revise administrative collection policies and procedures.
• Monitor changes in laws and CFR; train staff on new policies.

Skills

Policy analysis

Research

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

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.

POLICY ANALYST

Job Location:

Division of Business Services (DBS)

Office of Account Receivables and Collections (OARC)

Address:1717 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Posting Details:

Salary: $61,591.00

Grade: 21

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. DES is looking for individuals who 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 Business Services (DBS) Policy Unit is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Policy Analyst. With direction from the Policy Unit Manager, the Policy Analyst drafts and revises administrative policies and procedures applicable to accounts receivable and collection activities for more than 30 DES programs, such as Nutrition Assistance, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Child Care, Jobs Program, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Unemployment Insurance Benefits. The Policy Analyst tracks and ensures existing policies and procedures are current and relevant and modifies policies and procedures based on changes to laws, rules, and the needs of the Office of Accounts Receivable and Collections (OARC) and DES. Functioning as a significant team member, the Policy Analyst monitors changes in State and Federal legislation and results from Federal audits; identifies changes that may have an impact on current OARC policies and procedures; and trains Collections staff in the proper implementation of new or revised policies and procedures. Additionally, the Policy Analyst conducts continuous review and research of directives contained within the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) to determine the impact of proposed and final administrative regulations on OARC programs, functions, and operations.

This position is a hybrid position with in-office days 1-2 days per week in Phoenix, AZ, 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, 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:

• Research, analyze, and interpret State and Federal legislation or amendments to existing legislation for impact on OARC collection policies and procedures. Evaluate, update, and draft administrative collection policies and procedures to reflect current and relevant changes in applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Ensure policies and procedures conform to DES format and comply with State and Federal laws and CFR.
• Research laws, rules, and regulations for overpayments received from various DES programs caused by fraudulent and non-fraudulent activities, interpreting and applying proper State and Federal laws and regulations. Determine if DES afforded the client due process according to applicable State and Federal laws and regulations. Ensure administrative remedies, including civil and administrative, have been exhausted.
• Research and review rules and regulations for overpayments pursued through civil and/or criminal collections. Determine whether regulations permit interest charges and assess appropriate penalty amounts based on laws and regulations. Maintain a tracking system for all payments reported to courts, access Federal Tax Information (FTI), and contact clients as needed.
• Review overpayment cases and apply Federal laws to determine if a case should be referred to for Intentional Program Violation (IPV). Manage the nationwide electronic Disqualified Recipient System (eDRS) to identify Nutritional Assistance overpayments and trafficking.
• Research and review regulations and policies for billings and overpayment amounts to determine the potential for legal proceedings. Apply State and Federal report information to collection cases and determine the action needed and potential outcome. Report detailed information to appropriate Federal, State, or County court officers.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge in:

• Principles and practices of research, planning and analysis; concepts of policy development and design
• State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations governing DES and DES programs
• DES administrative policies and procedures; and database updating and structuring

Skilled in:

• Research and policy analysis; interpersonal workplace relationships
• Development of policy to meet diverse needs of internal and external stakeholders
• Written and verbal communication
• Coordinating and structuring complex concepts into understandable, cohesive, and effective formats
• Writing professional documents for varied purposes and audiences

Ability to:

• Communicate complex ideas, prepare, and present information to diverse audiences
• Accept, organize, and prioritize direction from various points of contact
• Work cooperatively and effectively as a team member
• Review and provide guidance on policy and procedure development

Selective Preference(s):

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Three years of experience researching, analyzing, coordinating, and writing policy documents for an organization; or three years of experience in DES or a similar governmental agency; or three years of experience in auditing documents to determine if Federal and State law and regulations were followed correctly.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• 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 operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• Employee shall obtain and maintain a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card that meets DES requirements for a Level One card pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1969.

Benefits:

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

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

Retirement:

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

Contact Us:

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact us at Julie Brassell at 480-271-2551 or email [e-mail].

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 contacting 480-271-2551. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.