Human Resources Analyst Senior (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.

Human Resources Analyst Senior (Employee Relations Specialist)

Job Location: Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility, Human Resources. Address: 1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007 & 400 West Congress Street, Tucson, Arizona 85701

Salary: $22,867.10 - $32,484.00 hourly / $47,563.57 - $67,566.62 annually

Grade: 22

Closing Date: March 26th, 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 des.az.gov; or click on the here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team! The Department of Economic Security, Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team. Under general direction of the HR Manager, the HR Analyst Senior is recognized as an expert in own area and has specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise in own discipline or function. The individual in this position interprets issues and recommends solutions or best practices; solves complex problems, taking a broader perspective to identify solutions; and acts as a resource to lower level colleagues. This position may lead functional teams or projects. 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, 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

• Develop and implement various human resources programs, such as employee recruitment and assessment, classification and compensation analysis, training programs, employee relations, record management, and conducting special research, studies, and projects.
• Draft and implement human resources policies and operational procedures and recommend modifications, as appropriate, and provide interpretation to employees regarding personnel actions, evaluations, disciplinary, and related matters.
• Develop standard and ad hoc reports, templates, dashboards and other performance related metrics, and provide analytical and HR operational reporting to improve overall HR service delivery and support strategic organizational objectives.
• Review organizational structure and make recommendations for adaptations and alignment, and assist management in evaluating a range of clear design options, ensuring decisions align with strategic goals and organizational structure is properly implemented and monitored.
• Confer with management and other stakeholders to discuss and clarify projects request and associated issues. Manage stakeholder expectations, communicate project status and issues, and communicate results of project to relevant audiences.
• Coordinate, develop and present various training programs and activities to employees and management.
• Research, analyze, and present data related to area of assignment, and summarize relevant trends and recommend courses of action.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge in:

• Current principles, practices and methods used in administration of an HR program.
• Federal and state employment laws, state statutes, rules and regulations.
• Agency policies, rules and regulations.
• Principles and practices of modern organizational development.

Skilled in:

• Computer skills in Google Suite, MS Word, Excel, Access and Internet.
• Researching, interviewing, collecting or fact-finding, analyzing data and reporting the results.
• Developing and implementing various improvement initiatives for assigned program areas.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing; establishing priorities among conflicting needs.

Ability to:

• Analyze specific problem situations and determine acceptable solutions within the framework of laws, rules and regulations.
• Perform research, collect and analyze data and report information; negotiate and apply reason persuasively to resolve employee relation issues.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material, and demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations.
• Decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes and work cooperatively and jointly to provide seamless customer service.

Selective Preference(s)

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or closely related field and two years of experience as an intermediate Human Resources Analyst or equivalent experience.
• Relevant Human Resources Certification

Pre-Employment Requirements

• 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.
• 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

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. 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 regarding this career opportunity, please contact Cristal Rodriguez at 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 Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.