APPEALS 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.

Address: Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Salary: $43,981.39 - $61,590.67

Grade: 21

Closing Date: October 6, 2025

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Appeals Specialist. 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.

• This position serves as the Division (DDD) representative in matters involving administrative, judicial hearings or proceedings and works closely with Agency Attorneys and Division staff.
• Performs independently and requires knowledge of several operational programs, eligibility requirements, service authorization assessments, claims disputes, and the statutes to support and validate the adjudication of the program's decision.
• Responsible for the review of the evidence in the appeals documentation, as well as gathering and finalizing any needed information in assessing if the Significant Functional limitations and evidence presented can support DDD's position at hearings and is responsible to determine if DDD's position needs to change based on testimony and proceedings.
• Trains and coaches DOD staff on hearing procedures; prepares witnesses for testimony on evidence presented concerning the appropriate exercise of discretion and the proper interpretation of case law, statutes, and regulations.
• Coordinates with the Attorney General's Office on the Division's legal position. Records and tracks hearing dates on a common calendar upon notification and attends pre-hearing conferences and obtain interpreter as needed.
• Participates in identifying and implementing methodologies to systematically process appeals to ensure compliance with timeliness, quality, due process rights, and other mandated standards.
• Prepares and submits monthly, quarterly, and annual reports related to appeals activity and hearing outcomes; tracks performance metrics to support compliance, trend analysis, and process improvement efforts.
  

• 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 on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) (R2-10-201.11).
• Successfully pass background and reference check; 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).

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.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Jared Dechantigny at 480-486-8723 or jdechantigny@azdes.gov.

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 480-486-8723 or jdechantigny@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.