employee relations 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._

Job Location: Division of Child Support Services (DCSS)

1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007 Posting Details: Salary: $47, $57,200.00

Grade: 22

Closing Date: January 4, 2026 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, Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) is seeking an experienced and highly-motivated individual to join our team as an Employee Relations Specialist. This position will research and evaluate complex and sensitive employee relations issues/concerns, full cycle recruitment and personnel actions.

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:

• Conduct investigations and /or inquiries.
• Coordinate, develop, and present various training programs and activities to employees and management.
• Research, analyze, and present data related to area of assignment.
• Investigate and respond to complaints issued by Director's office and/or EEOC/OEO.
• Develop and facilitate presentations as it relates to employee relations matters.
• Tracking/recording of all investigations and/or inquiries through logs, systems, and agendas.
• Assist in full cycle recruitment's, complete personnel actions, onboarding and offboarding, etc.

Knowledge In
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Federal and State laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to work assignment.
• Current principles, practices and methods used in the administration of HR, including Employee Relations, Operations, Staffing & Recruitment and Classification & Compensation.
• Google, Human Resources Information System (HRIS), Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), Performance Management software and various software to monitor and track human resources actions.

Skills In

• Researching, collecting, and analyzing data and reports; and developing and implementing various improvement initiatives for assigned program areas.
• Interpersonal relations and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse group of staff and various levels of management, other state agencies, community resources, vendors, and the public.
• Excellent oral and written communication, public speaking, and interviewing techniques.
• Time management and analytical decision making.

Ability To

• Analyze specific problem situations and determine acceptable solutions within the framework of laws, rules and regulations.
• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Plan and make independent decisions.
• Review issues and make well-reasoned and fully supportive recommendations.
• Remain unbiased, objective and thorough when working with employee relations issues or conducting investigations.
• Perform multi-task assignments and adapt to changes quickly, establish priorities and set own work agenda.

Selective Preference(s)
The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or closely related field and two (2) years' experience as a Human Resources Analyst or equivalent experience.
• Relevant HR Certification.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• 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.
• Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• 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).

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 Jeremy Einwalter 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 calling Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.