Arizona Department of Economic Security
Your Partner for a Stronger Arizona
English Arabic French Persian Spanish Swahili Ukrainian Vietnamese

SpeakUpAZ

Main menu

Open Volunteer Opportunities

person typing on a laptop; apply today

The Arizona Department of Economic Security has two general types of Volunteer Opportunities available:

  • On-Going
  • Project-based

Check out our current volunteer openings below and be sure to indicate your preferences when you apply.

Program Review Committee

The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is seeking volunteers to serve on the Program Review Committee (PRC). Volunteers will review Behavior Treatment Plans and provide guidance on strategies addressing behaviors that interfere with DDD members’ ability to lead self-directed, healthy and meaningful lives. Volunteers participating on this committee help others reach their full potential.
 
Individuals who meet any of the following categories are encouraged to apply:

  • Persons qualified in the use of behavior management techniques, such as a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or a Board Certified Behavior\ Analyst
  • Parent/Guardian of an individual with a developmental disability
  • Habilitation services professionals
  • Individuals with a developmental disability
  • A person with no ownership in a facility and who is not involved with directly providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Please visit the DES Volunteer Engagement Center if you are interested in participating on a Program Review Committee.

Duties

  • Review, make recommendations, and approve the use of Behavior Treatment Plans that include:
  • Techniques that require the use of force.
  • Programs involving the use of response cost
  • Programs that may infringe upon the individual’s rights 
  • The use of behavior modifying medications
  • Protective devices used to prevent injury from self-injurious behavior

Time commitment

Time commitment varies, based upon need and volunteer availability to support each of the five districts.  All meetings are held virtually. PRC sessions are held Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, not all volunteers need to participate or attend every meeting. It is recommended that volunteers attend at least one session per month.

Requirements

Mandatory Requirements:

  • Background Check
  • Must be at least 18

Mandatory Training (will be provided by DDD)

  • Article IX (Arizona’s required training for service providers on the rights of people with disabilities) (will be provided if applicant has yet to complete this training)
  • Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Recommended Requirements:

  • Knowledge of Behavior Treatment Plans (BTPs)
  • Knowledge of Positive Behavior Support
  • Knowledge of Behavioral Health Supports

Location

Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, all scheduled sessions will be held virtually/telephonically through Google Meet. Volunteers can attend in-person meetings at the following locations after the public health emergency is lifted.

  • District Central:4000 North Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012
  • District East: 120 W. 1st Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210
  • District West: 11526 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, AZ 85378
  • District North: 1701 N. Fourth Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
  • District North: 3274 Bob Drive, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
  • District South: 6740 Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85756
  • District South: 1185 S. Redondo Center Drive, Yuma, AZ 85365
  • District South: 2981 E. Tacoma Street, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

Independent Oversight Committee (IOC)

Project Description

Consider volunteering for a Independent Oversight Committee (IOC). IOCs make sure DDD members’ rights are supported. Committee members have a wide range of backgrounds. Committee members can be DDD members or their families, advocates, professionals, or other community members committed to the rights of people served by DDD.

Duties

  • Review incidents that may have involved neglect, abuse, or denial of rights of members receiving services.
  • Review behavior programs.
  • Review proposed research involving members.
  • Make recommendations to DDD about changes needed to protect members’ rights..

Time commitment

Committees are located across the state and typically meet monthly.

Requirements

  • Background Check
  • Must be at least 18
  • Training
  • 3 – 6 hours commitment per month (varies by committee)

To find out more information or to volunteer, contact the Statewide Human Rights Committee Coordinator at 1-844-770-9500.

Apply to Become a Volunteer

Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council (DDAC)

The Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council (DDAC) is an advisory council to the Assistant Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities on a wide variety of matters relating to the Division. Council members are appointed by the Arizona Governor to three-year terms. Membership is comprised of seventeen individuals from a cross-section of the community including parents of a person with a developmental disability, service providers, members serviced by the Division of Developmental Disabilities, and other community stakeholders.

The mission of the DDAC is to provide, in partnership with the Division of Developmental Disabilities, advisory oversight on behalf of members, families, and providers.

Council Membership

Council members review and make recommendations to the Division regarding:

  1. Coordinating and integrating services provided by state agencies and providers that have contracted with state agencies to provide developmental disability programs.
  2. The health, safety, welfare, and legal rights of persons with developmental disabilities.
  3. The Division's plan for service delivery and improvement.
  4. Establishing and reviewing division policies and programs.
  5. The cost-effectiveness of division services.
  6. Assessing the Division's annual needs.
  7. Selecting the Assistant Director of the Division.
  8. Monitoring the Division's annual budget.
  9. The sale of lease of the real property and improvements on the real property formerly used by the Department of Economic Security for the Arizona training program in Phoenix.

Read more about the Council and its members.

Have an interest in government and a desire to make a difference? Complete your online application to be considered for appointment to the DDAC.

Back to Top