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Mission of Heart

people's united in collaboration; a heart shape

The DES Office of the Ombudsman is the HEART of the Department of Economic Security. DES makes our state stronger by helping two million Arizonans with kindness and support.

The Mission of HEART stands for:

Helping clients to achieve independence and self-sufficiency

Empowering clients to develop their own solutions to problems

Allowing for open and effective communication

Reaching out to the community

Timely response

Helping Clients to Achieve Independence and Self-Sufficiency

A client is anyone who contacts the Office of the Ombudsman for help. This includes members of the public and DES staff. The DES mission makes Arizona stronger by helping people reach their full potential.

This includes:

  • Providing temporary help for people in need
  • Providing care and support for vulnerable people

DES works to help people who are facing economic or social challenges. DES also helps people apply for benefits and services so they can stay stable or become more independent.

Sometimes, clients have trouble understanding or completing DES processes. The Office of the Ombudsman helps clients work through these problems so they can move toward self-sufficiency.

Empowering Clients to Develop Their Own Solutions to Problems

When people have their basic needs met, like food, shelter, and clothing, they can focus on improving their quality of life. The Office of the Ombudsman cannot overturn, reverse decisions, or set policy.

Instead, the Ombudsman helps clients:

  • Understand their options
  • Find possible solutions to their problems

Allowing for Open and Effective Communication

The Office of the Ombudsman focuses on resources and outreach across Arizona.

Potential clients need to know this office exists and see it as a place to:

  • Get help
  • Get referrals to other resources

Reaching Out to the Community

One goal of the Office of the Ombudsman is to help clients understand that DES services are not impossible to navigate.

In partnership with the Community Engagement team, meeting with community-based organizations which serve our DES population helps:

  • Humanize the Department
  • Encourage people who need help to use DES services

The Office of the Ombudsman also stays connected with DES programs and community resources. This helps staff learn more and better help clients.

Timely Response

The Office of the Ombudsman works hard to solve problems as quickly as possible. We listen to every client, both inside and outside DES. 

The Ombudsman team works with everyone involved to:

  • Explore all possible solutions
  • Find a fair and acceptable resolution together
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