Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
Workforce Solutions Administration (WSA)
2800 East Ajo Way, Tucson, Arizona 85713

Salary: $22.2112/ hourly ($46,199.29 annually) 

Grade: 18

Closing Date: Open until sufficient resumes are received 

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 Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) strengthens Arizona communities by bridging and minimizing gaps to employment and independence.

DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Reentry Employment Counselor with the Workforce Solutions Administration (WSA). This position is responsible for providing a wide range of employment-related services to engage, advise, prepare, and match job seekers with Arizona businesses and enable job seekers to: get a job, maintain or strengthen current employment, or build a sustainable career. Services are provided through 1:1 or group interactions and will include client-facing, virtual/digital, or telephonic means. Services provided will be for reentry programs and will focus on incarcerated and formerly incarcerated populations.

This position will be required to utilize a business methodology that drives continuous improvement.

Incumbent of this position must adhere to all requirements that the facilities have in place.

Travel will be required to prisons, residential reentry centers and conferences.

Specialized Population:
Must be willing and able to work in correctional facilities, parole/probation offices, community agencies, residential centers; and work outside of traditional 8-5 work hours.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assess skills, abilities, work history, employment barriers and career interests, retention follow up; develop employment plans; determine eligibility for services; provide information on Labor Market, In-Demand industries, and occupations; and identify and coordinate with formal and informal resources to remove barriers, develop skills, and achieve certifications.
• Use databases to register & refer job seekers; complete and maintain accurate records and reports for performance and reporting requirements in accordance with quality and quantity standards mandated by various laws, rules and federal regulations.
• Provide customer service, program information to job seekers, colleagues, and the business community; maintain positive working relationships with local partners, community organizations and other agency personnel; and resolution of customer issues and complaints. Travel to locations within assigned area is required.
• Attend required trainings and meetings.

Knowledge of:
• Labor Market Information and In-demand Industries and Occupations.
• Interviewing techniques, assessment tools and strategies and transferable skills.
• Social, cultural, and economic conditions that impact the populations and area(s) served.

Skill in:
• Customer service, teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal communication, including de-escalation and conflict resolution.
• Written and verbal communication, including public speaking, presentation, and interviewing.
• Adapting to changing circumstances, staff and client’s needs, and work with interruptions.
• Proficiency Microsoft Office, Google, data base systems, and computers, and technology-based platforms that interface directly with applicants and job seekers such as Google Meets, Zoom, and other video conferencing technologies to interview participants, elicit information, assess skills, knowledge, ability, work history and interest while maintaining client confidentiality.

Ability to:
• Learn & apply applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures, to include Department of Labor, Department of Economic Security, Department of Corrections, and Department of Administration rules, policies, and procedures.
• Strictly adhere to Correctional department policies and procedures.
• Plan and organize work in accordance with Division priorities and time management methodology.
• Work effectively independently and as a member of diverse teams.
• Work in a correctional facility and react quickly in emergency situations.
• Remain professional, calm, and adapt communication style with diverse customer needs or customers that are frustrated.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of experience in public contact or customer service work experience, employment counseling, or recruitment.
• Experience in a correctional facility.

• Shall be subject to a search of both the Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
• Employee shall have a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-2758.07 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults.
• Must complete all corrections designated training within 1 month of hire and remain current with all corrections required training.
• 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).
• Travel will be required for State business. 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). .

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

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 Myranda Carrasco at (623) 633.2767 or email [email protected].

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 (623) 633.2767 or emailing [email protected]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.