PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (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 with a mission to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

About the role

The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Performance Improvement Specialist. DDD provides individuals with developmental disabilities, and their families, services and supports that are flexible, high quality, and member driven. These services offer opportunities to exercise rights and responsibilities of independent decision-making and engagement in the community.

Applicants for this position cannot be licensed or certified by the DDD Office of Licensing Certification and Regulation, cannot have a principal interest in or have a spouse or close family with principal interest in a DDD Qualified Vendor Agreement, and cannot be employed or subcontracted by a DDD Qualified Vendor.

Responsibilities

• Produce ad hoc data analysis and reports.
• Develop data tracking solutions using Google suite of products based on project needs.
• Develop and administer performance dashboards, reporting, and data visualization for CMO office.
• Create visual representations of tracking and trending data for evaluation.
• Research best practices and support developing solutions and recommendations for current business operations.
• Ensure each project has standard work documents and requirements.
• Analyze work processes and make recommendations for process improvement; design and modify automated and manual systems for specific applications.
• Assist in developing or implementing systems to capture business operation information.
• Consult with Chief Medical Office staff and other agency staff to gather and validate business requirements.
• Participate in and/or support work planning processes, projects, and development opportunities related to data tracking solutions.
• Assist with monthly and quarterly analyses and provide timely submissions to internal stakeholders.
• Research business issues and models, including key design features to minimize data errors and aid in analyzing healthcare data and integration of solutions throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Knowledge of DES Division of Developmental Disabilities functions, requirements, and the needs of its members.
• Understanding of governmental organizational structures, including principles and practices of public administration.
• Familiarity with techniques and principles of systems analysis, design modification, project management, process improvement modeling, and research techniques.
• Proficiency in data gathering, storage, and analysis principles.
• Knowledge of project management principles.
• Awareness of Medicare/Medicaid requirements.
• Understanding of continuous improvement principles and CMS/HEDIS measure performance.
• Ability to express ideas and information concisely with all levels of the organization.
• Effective communication, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in establishing, developing, and maintaining positive, productive relationships with individuals that may have conflicting goals.
• Ability to motivate groups toward common goals.
• Leveraging influence to find consensus and buy-in for effective solutions.
• Management of multiple projects/duties concurrently.
• Organizing the work of multiple projects.
• Data dashboard and metric design.
• Meeting facilitation.
• Balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders and shareholders.
• Advising colleagues on process improvement concepts, including practical application and analysis tools.
• Identifying opportunities for improvement and approaching management with recommendations.
• Working with diverse internal/external customers.
• Self-determining priorities and completing projects.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree preferred. Work experience of one year within the Division may substitute for the degree requirement.

• Experience with Business Intelligence (BI) dashboard development (Looker preferred).
• Experience with Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets formulas, pivot tables & charts, data analysis, and reporting.
• Some experience with transforming and cleaning data.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• If driving is required, a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license is necessary, along with completion of required training and passing driver’s license record checks. The license must be unexpired, neither revoked nor suspended.
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of this process and the Agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits

• 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 for a 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.

Pay

$65,000 - $71,000

Closing Date: August 12, 2026