Policy Analyst

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 Aging and Adult Services (DAAS)
Adult Protective Services (APS)
Address: 1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85006

Posting Details:

Salary: $61,351.00 / Annually 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 12/8/2025

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 learn more about DES please visit ; or click on the link here to view 'Our DES' video. Come Join the DES Team

The Department of Economic Security seeks an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Policy Analyst. With general direction, you will perform a variety of functions related to division policies, procedures, and related documents. This includes performing research, identifying best practices, monitoring changes in Federal or State law/guidance that may impact current policies and procedures, and updating and revising policies, procedures and other documents based on these changes. This also includes drafting and implementing new policies, procedures and other documents and working with division staff to train others on relevant subject matter. You will also be responsible for answering questions from division staff on policies and procedures. This position requires the ability to communicate effectively in a variety of formats including letters, research documents, formal and informal presentations, e-mail correspondence, and planning documents. 

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, 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, 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.

Job Duties:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Research, draft, and update division administrative and operational policies and procedures. Gather and compile information from various sources, including Federal and State laws, Federal regulations, State administrative rules, best practices, stakeholder communities, subject matter experts (SMEs) and other governmental entities.

• Assist in developing and maintaining tracking process to ensure all administrative policies and procedures are reviewed at scheduled intervals. Assess policy and associated forms and other documents for accuracy and revise based on new laws, regulations, division needs, or Department procedures. Provide assistance to staff within Administration by performing research and problem solving.

• Ensure policies and procedures comply with DES policy and procedure format, Federal and State law, and meet expectations of DES leadership.

• Write and review a variety of written documents pertaining to division policies and programs. Ensure the accuracy of documents based on Federal and State law, rules, policies and procedures, and information from other sources. Ensure proper formatting and communication style.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Applicable Federal and State statutes, legal codes, rules, regulations, and executive orders, and departmental policies and procedures

• Principles and practices of research, planning and analysis

• Concepts of policy development and design

• Concepts of formal and informal written communication

Skill in:

• Oral and written communication

• Research and policy analysis

• Development of policy to meet diverse needs of internal and external stakeholders

• Coordinating and structuring complex concepts into understandable, cohesive, and effective formats

Ability to:

• Write clear, concise, and accurate reports

• Communicate complex ideas and prepare and present information to diverse audiences

• Review and provide guidance on policy and procedure development

• Accept, organize, and prioritize direction from various points of contact

Selective Preference(s):

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Prefer Bachelor's Degree in Public or Business Administration, Political Science, or Public Policy or closely related field and 2 years' experience researching, analyzing, coordinating, and writing policy documents; OR

• 4 years of experience researching, analyzing, coordinating, and writing policy documents.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• This position may require 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.) R

• 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). 

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.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot 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 Brenda Cruz at or

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 Brenda Cruz at or Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

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