PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST
Arizona State Government, Phoenix, Arizona, United States, 85003
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.
PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST Job Location: Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) Adult Protective Services (APS) 1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Posting Details: Salary: $67,666.00 - $71,666.00 Grade: 21 Closing Date: 2/21/2026
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 des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!
The Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services, seeks an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Performance Improvement Specialist. DAAS supports at-risk Arizonans to meet their basic needs and to live safely, with dignity and independence. Services and programs reach a diverse population of Arizonans.
The Performance Improvement Specialist will serve as a specialist for Division Standard Work initiatives with a direct reporting structure to the Strategy Manager, and consultation with Division Management. Responsible for learning and becoming proficient to provide guidance and answer questions from various levels of colleagues on the standard work process.
This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (1-2 days per week in the office).
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
Conduct Gemba walks with supervisors and staff to gather information and map out current processes to identify gaps on the theory of how the process is supposed to work and how it actually works.
Gather information, suggestions and ideas from staff on ways to improve the process.
Assist with the maintenance and management of standard work documents and serve as a point of contact for staff and leaders statewide regarding standard work and the standard work revision process.
Work on agency and division level projects for standard work creation and updates, including tracking the project's progression and communication with leaders.
Follow up on action items assigned to and from the team and coordinate activities with the Performance Improvement Manager.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge of:
Lean management methodologies, practices, tools and principles (Plan/Do/Check/Act cycle, going to the Gemba, problem solving, leader standard work)
Family Assistance Administration Systems and software, email use, Lean management, Google Suite, and MS Office software such as Word and Excel
Performance Improvement methodologies and practices
Skills in:
Expressing ideas and information concisely with all levels of the organization
Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing
Working effectively with others at all levels of the organization (peers, other units, management) to accomplish goals and to identify and resolve problems
Establishing, developing and maintaining positive, productive relationships with individuals who may have conflicting goals
Ability to:
Establish priorities, analyze complex issues and implement operational procedures
Understand and reinforce policies and procedures
Work in a fast-paced environment and meet critical deadlines
Problem solve, considering all potential outcomes for each possible solution and recommend the solution that best fits the agency and stakeholder needs
Selective Preference(s)
One year of management analysis experience in human services dealing with adults abused, exploited or neglected in a government setting; or
Three years of experience working in human services dealing with adults abused, exploited or neglected. A bachelor's or master's degree substitutes for 1 or 2 years of the required experience respectively, but will not substitute for the management analysis experience.
Pre-Employment Requirements
In-state travel may be required. 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.
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
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 paid leave for 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
Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave 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 call Brenda Vega at 520-279-4525 or email DAASHR@azdes.gov. 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 Vega at 520-279-4525 or email Bvega@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.
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PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST Job Location: Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) Adult Protective Services (APS) 1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Posting Details: Salary: $67,666.00 - $71,666.00 Grade: 21 Closing Date: 2/21/2026
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 des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!
The Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services, seeks an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Performance Improvement Specialist. DAAS supports at-risk Arizonans to meet their basic needs and to live safely, with dignity and independence. Services and programs reach a diverse population of Arizonans.
The Performance Improvement Specialist will serve as a specialist for Division Standard Work initiatives with a direct reporting structure to the Strategy Manager, and consultation with Division Management. Responsible for learning and becoming proficient to provide guidance and answer questions from various levels of colleagues on the standard work process.
This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (1-2 days per week in the office).
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
Conduct Gemba walks with supervisors and staff to gather information and map out current processes to identify gaps on the theory of how the process is supposed to work and how it actually works.
Gather information, suggestions and ideas from staff on ways to improve the process.
Assist with the maintenance and management of standard work documents and serve as a point of contact for staff and leaders statewide regarding standard work and the standard work revision process.
Work on agency and division level projects for standard work creation and updates, including tracking the project's progression and communication with leaders.
Follow up on action items assigned to and from the team and coordinate activities with the Performance Improvement Manager.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge of:
Lean management methodologies, practices, tools and principles (Plan/Do/Check/Act cycle, going to the Gemba, problem solving, leader standard work)
Family Assistance Administration Systems and software, email use, Lean management, Google Suite, and MS Office software such as Word and Excel
Performance Improvement methodologies and practices
Skills in:
Expressing ideas and information concisely with all levels of the organization
Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing
Working effectively with others at all levels of the organization (peers, other units, management) to accomplish goals and to identify and resolve problems
Establishing, developing and maintaining positive, productive relationships with individuals who may have conflicting goals
Ability to:
Establish priorities, analyze complex issues and implement operational procedures
Understand and reinforce policies and procedures
Work in a fast-paced environment and meet critical deadlines
Problem solve, considering all potential outcomes for each possible solution and recommend the solution that best fits the agency and stakeholder needs
Selective Preference(s)
One year of management analysis experience in human services dealing with adults abused, exploited or neglected in a government setting; or
Three years of experience working in human services dealing with adults abused, exploited or neglected. A bachelor's or master's degree substitutes for 1 or 2 years of the required experience respectively, but will not substitute for the management analysis experience.
Pre-Employment Requirements
In-state travel may be required. 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.
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
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 paid leave for 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
Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave 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 call Brenda Vega at 520-279-4525 or email DAASHR@azdes.gov. 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 Vega at 520-279-4525 or email Bvega@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.
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