Job No: 541317
Work Type: Full-time
Location: PHOENIX
Categories: Social Work/Human Services
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.
Human Services Program Development Specialist - Extended Foster Care
Job Location:
PERMANENCY AND YOUTH SERVICES
3003 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85012
Posting Details:
Salary: $25.8077 HRLY/$53,680.02 Salary
Grade: 20
Closing Date: June 12, 2026
Job Summary:
The Extended Foster Care Review (FCR) Specialist reports to the Permanency and Youth Services Manager, and is responsible for coordination/facilitation of the administrative review panel for young adults in extended foster care. In addition, this position ensures young adults in the extended foster care program have the support, services, and quality case management needed to successfully transition to adulthood. This position models the Youth Thrive culture and philosophy when working with young adults and Department of Child Safety (DCS) Specialists.
Job Duties:
Completes case reviews and meetings with young adults, young adult's supports, and DCS Specialists. Researches, analyzes, writes, updates, monitors, and coordinates information related to the review. Works on improvements and quality assurance processes for program.
Compiles programmatic and fiscal requirements for assigned areas of responsibility, including preparing programmatic reports, and developing/monitoring goals, outcomes and benchmarks.
Utilizes policies and procedures to support the program and improvement initiatives. Contributes and develops tools and practice guides that aid staff in the understanding and implementation of the program.
Facilitates and/or participates in program-related meetings, committees, and work groups with internal/external stakeholders on practice improvement initiatives. Provides technical assistance to field/external staff to support best practice in the field and promote program development within the agency.
Works collaboratively with federal and state evaluators for program, and serves as an advocate for the young adults and DCS Specialists in collaboration with outside stakeholders.
Other duties as assigned as related to the position.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:
Federal, state and local programs and resources regarding area of assignment
Social services
Terminology of Arizona's child welfare system processes, including Youth Thrive Framework
DCS policies and procedures
Child welfare policies
General policies pertaining to investigating reports of abuse/neglect
Trauma informed practice
Group facilitation and conflict resolution
DCS related programs, program planning, group dynamics and evaluation process
Skills in:
Verbal and written communication
Interviewing and eliciting information
Organization and managing workload
Problem identification and solution
Decision making and conflict resolution
Facilitating and coordinating culturally diverse meetings
Interviewing
Evaluating and interpreting
Assessing safety and risk
Ability to:
Establish and maintain effective relationships with young adults, DCS Specialists, other programs, agencies and departments
Write and speak with clarity and effectiveness
Multi-task
Represent and make appropriate decisions for DCS when working as a liaison in regards to interactions with DCS Staff, other agency personnel, and community partners and providers
Analyze complex and detailed information
Prioritize work load
Make independent decisions
Collect, enter, and interpret data
Travel in-state
Work alternate hours, to include weekends and evenings at the discretion of the supervisor
Follow program policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and group processes
Selective Preference(s):
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in education, social work, psychology, counseling or other related fields with 3-5 years of experience working directly with young people in Arizona's foster care system (Master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the above mentioned fields will substitute for one year of experience)
Pre-Employment Requirements:
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.
Must be able to secure and maintain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card; 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. (https://publicstorage.dc4.pageuppeople.com/1045/ClientPublicFile/3601803f-02e5-4b70-b325-26c8ef309c1b.pdf)
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits:
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.
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here (https://hr.az.gov/about/resources/family-leave-expansion) . For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page (https://benefitoptions.az.gov/jobseekers)
Retirement:
Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.
Contact Us:
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.
