Procurement Specialist Senior

DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY

The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) is a social and human services agency whose mission is to successfully partner with families, caregivers, and the community to strengthen families, ensure safety, and achieve permanency for all Arizona’s children through prevention, services, and support.

OFFICE OF SUPPORT SERVICES
3003 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85012

Salary: $34.3750 HRLY/$71.500.00 Salary

Grade: 22

Closing Date: January 4, 2026

Under limited supervision, this position exercises considerable independence and discretionary judgment within policies and procedures established for the work system, performs as a lead specialist, decides the appropriate contracting method, and evaluates the risks associated with the contract. In addition, this position writes specialized requirements, develops scopes of work, negotiates contract and leasing language, does cost or price analysis, and approves or rejects changes. This position may also write guidelines, standard of work and train staff, or act as project coordinator or facilitator for significant procurements and agreements. This position will also serve as a liaison to Field Leadership on service contract trainings, communications, & changes.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and 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.

• Develops contractual terms and conditions. Oversees bid proposals and actively negotiates human services and non-human services contractual agreements with suppliers. Prepares award documents for signature. Conducts post award and contract administration activities such as post-award meetings. This position will serve as a focal point in implementation of new service contracts.
  
• Provides guidance and assistance to program work units in the interpretation of a contract, vendor performance requirements and the development of scopes of work. Assist as the contracts liaison to Field Leadership to train and conduct outreach on service contract issues.
  
• Uploads contract documents, certificates of insurance, amendments and correspondence into the State's eProcurement system Arizona Procurement Portal (APP).
  
• Conducts public meetings with vendors and with stakeholders to seek input and industry knowledge for goods and services used by the department.
  
• Will serve as a liaison to Field, Program Development & Learning & Development to document & gather customer feedback on future contracts improvements.
  
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge of:

• State and federal statutes and laws appropriate to area of assignment
  
• Budget development and expenditure control
  
• Available community resources
  
• DCS programs, services, policies, and procedures

Skills in:

• Verbal and written communication
  
• Interpreting and applying laws, rules and regulations appropriate to area of assignment
  
• Developing effective monitoring and reporting tools
  
• Comprehending complex problems requiring a broad perspective
  
• Effective negotiation and solicitation techniques
  
• Creating, writing, and interpreting policy and contracts

Ability to:

• Communicate with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders at all levels
  
• Establish and maintain work relationships with contracted and governmental agency representatives and citizen advocacy groups
  
• Lead teams using a variety of lean tools
  
• Summarize and analyze a variety of data/sources and formulate workable recommendations
  
• Maintain confidentiality of purchasing and procurement details
  
• Learn Procurement practices, processes and procedures
  
• Learn Contractual language (terms/conditions) and Procurement code
  
• Write policy and procedure

Minimum two years of experience developing/managing/writing contracts, agreements, policies, and/or procedures AND/OR previous experience in the child welfare field.

Requires the possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.11). Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintain valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration. Mileage may be reimbursed, if applicable.
(Arizona Administrative Code Revised 1/29/2020)

Must be able to secure and maintain clearance from DCS Central Registry.

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.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
  
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
  
• 10 paid holidays per year
  
• Vacation time accrued at 4:00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
  
• Sick time accrued at 3:42 hours bi-weekly
  
• Deferred compensation plan
  
Wellness plans

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.

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-255-3141 or by email at ADA@AZDCS.GOV. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Should you have any further questions regarding the interview process you can reach out to a member of our recruitment team at 602-255-2903 or by email at recruiting@azdcs.gov. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.