hunger relief program 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.

HUNGER RELIEF PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Job Location:

Division of Community Assistance and Development (DCAD)

1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Posting Details:

Salary: $55,000 - $61,341

Grade: 21

Closing Date: November 30, 2025

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

The Department of Economic Security, Name of Division, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated professional to join our team as a Hunger Relief Program Specialist. This position under the general direction of the Hunger Relief Program Manager, the Program Specialist (Inventory Specialist) provides technical guidance and administrative expertise to Regional Food Bank (RFB) staff and/or distribution sites in the following areas: food allocation, food ordering, food tracking, food storage, food distribution, food oversight, food reporting, and food monitoring for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and Commodity Senior Food Program (CSFP). This encompasses the management of a diverse range of commodities, with a total USDA food commodity value exceeding $60 million within the designated area. Driving is required to conduct on-site monitoring of federal regulations of RFBs.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona based upon the department's needs and continual meetings 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:

• Coordinate with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on funding amounts available for commodities for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and Commodity Senior Food Program (CSFP). Allocate and manage USDA funding for TEFAP commodities to Regional Food Banks (RFBs) on a quarterly basis.
• Project USDA commodity orders each month for CSFP allocated caseload to ensure proper commodities are available at RFBs for food box delivery for CSFP clients based on the distribution list made available by USDA.
• Track and monitor all truckloads deliveries, receive confirmation from RFBs and submit information into USDA system within 24 hours of receipt of a delivery to a RFB. Monitor and track monthly reports on inventory counts to ensure federal regulations are met. Submit required report (FNS-153) on inventory to USDA on a monthly basis.
• Coordinate, create and deliver training for RFBs and Distribution Sites (over 600 sites) on inventory processes and procedures to ensure federal regulations are met. May have contact with vulnerable adults and children.
• Conduct on-site monitoring of federal regulations of RFBs on inventory at their warehouses and distribution sites throughout the state, monitor inventory procedures to ensure allocation of commodities are being distributed equitably throughout their service area. Travel is required.
• Conduct monthly calls with RFBs to review TEFAP and CSFP orders. Participate in conference calls with USDA. Oversee the Coordinated Hunger Relief in-box.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• The Federal USDA. Emergency Food Assistance Program and Commodity Senior Food Program and financial, programmatic and operational requirements
• General administrative services pertaining to planning, fiscal, budget control and program management
• Appropriate data gathering, summarization methods and report preparation
• Customer service relations and monitoring community based contracts

Skills In:

• Customer Service
• Interpersonal communication
• Presenting information and ideas clearly and effectively, both orally, and in writing
• Maintaining complex record keeping systems and development of associated forms
• Using Microsoft Office Suite programs, (Outlook, Word, and Excel), and Google Workspace
• Multi-tasking, prioritizing and organization

Ability to:

• Analyze and evaluate data and situations
• Synthesize audit evidence to reach conclusions
• Maintain databases, spreadsheets and word documents
• Listen to others as well as suggestions made
• Work independently and collaboratively
• Draft and write reports and make recommendations
• Maintain professional interpersonal relationships within and outside of the agency
• Prioritize under tight deadlines and complete projects within given time frames

Selective Preference(s):

N/A

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Travel will be required for State business. Employees who drive on state business must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R AND have an acceptable driving record in accordance with DES Fleet Management-Safety Program policy and procedures (DES & DES Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintaining valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; however, mileage will be reimbursed.
• 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).
• Employees working with children and vulnerable adults shall have a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute
• The ability to secure and maintain clearance from the Department of Child Safety Central Registry and the Adult Protective Services Registry.

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
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

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.

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 or email

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 or Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.