Office of Community Engagement

The Office of Community Engagement (OCE) is composed of four specific areas serving as a bridge between human services providers, non-profit organizations, private entities, and communities throughout the state. To achieve this mission, the Office was strategically developed to include Community Engagement, Ombudsman, Volunteer Engagement Center, and Tribal Relations.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement programmatic Liaisons are committed to engaging partners with respect, compassion, and transparency to cultivate communication and strengthen internal and external relationships that will promote and improve the quality of human services.  This is achieved through improving awareness of services provided by the Department, ensuring these services are accessible and efficient, increasing the public’s trust, and through partnerships with community organizations statewide.

Ombudsman

The Ombudsman offers assistance to clients who are experiencing issues with DES programs and services, and have been unable to work through the normal channels within the agency to address their concerns. In addition, the Ombudsman has broad powers to look into a situation and make recommendations. However, the Ombudsman does not have the authority to make or reverse a decision or to set policy.

Volunteer Engagement

The Volunteer Engagement Center strives to improve and promote the productivity and quality of services within the Department of Economic Security by meeting the demands for human services and resources through volunteerism.

Tribal Relations

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) recognizes the importance of highlighting its commitment, perspective and resources to serve as a focal point for bringing pertinent information to Arizona’s twenty-two (22) Federally-Recognized American Indian Tribes. The Office of Tribal Relations serves as the point of contact to address and assist with the needs of the Tribes on a variety of human services issues. We provide guidance, support, and suggestions to DES on policy issues with a specific focus to Tribal Government consultation and cultural awareness.