Title: ECONOMIST 3

Remote Work: This position is eligible for part-time/full-time remote work (including virtual office arrangement). Must reside in the State of Arizona.

The Division of Business and Finance is looking for a highly motivated individual to join our team as an Economist 3. This position is responsible for forecasting, developing, and monitoring the AHCCCS programmatic budget areas including Acute Care (Traditional and Proposition 204), Long Term Care (Elderly and Physically Disabled and Developmentally Disabled), Children's Rehabilitative Services, Behavioral Health, and Title XXI (KidsCare) programs. This entails development of caseload forecasts, analyzing expenditures, cash flow and forecasting future budget requirements; developing and maintaining database for program expenditures; developing AHCCCS Annual Budget requests.

* Responsible for the timely development of the AHCCCS Annual Budget Request, made to the Executive and Legislative Branch, relative to the Program Budget. Respond to and follow-up as necessary with inquiries.

* Development, analysis, and monitoring on a monthly and annual basis, assigned program budgets and all supporting documentation.

* Responsible for the monitoring, maintenance, and analysis of AHCCCS enrollment/member month actual and projected data including maintenance of databases.

* Consult with and provide development and technical support to agency staff, Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting, Joint Legislative Budget Committee, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relating to budget forecasts and projections. This includes prepping and communicating working documents and analysis data in support of recommendations and/or budget requests and for reporting requirements.

* Responsible for independently researching difficult economic problems or projects, as directed by the Budget Administrator, or the Business and Finance Assistant Director. Exercise considerable discretion as to the work done by self, consultants, as well, as other members of the office. Responsible for work of considerable difficulty performing advanced professional economics research and statistical work.

Knowledge:
* State laws (Arizona Revised Statutes relative to AHCCCS) policies and procedures as these relate to legislative/executive procedures in the budget process.
* State laws (Arizona Revised Statutes relative to AHCCCS) policies and procedures as these relate to legislative/executive procedures in the budget process.
* Public funding structures, business processes, cost allocation strategies and statistical analysis methods and practices.

Skills:
* Abstract thinking, quantitative techniques, and methodology application development.
* Effective written and oral communication skills.
* Flexibility in a high-pressure changing work environment.

Abilities:
* Understand pivot tables in Microsoft Excel and use Microsoft Access databases to populate Excel pivot tables.
* Write complex queries to access data in data warehouse using SOL.
* Use statistical software such as SPSS.

Minimum:
* Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in economics or a related field and four years experience doing economic research work OR; Master's degree in economics or a related field and two years experience in economic work.

Preferred:
* Adept knowledge of pivot tables in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access databases, write and present complex queries and data graphically.
* Knowledge of Health Care Managed Care practices and concepts.

* Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify), applicable to all newly hired State employees.

* Successfully pass fingerprint background check, prior employment verifications and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agencys ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.

* Travel may be required for State business. Employees who drive on state business must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.) AND have an acceptable driving record for the last 39 months including no DUI, suspension or revocations and less than 8 points on your license. If an Out of State Driver License was held within the last 39 months, a copy of your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) is required prior to driving for State Business. Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintaining valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; however, mileage will be reimbursed.

Among the many benefits of a career with the State of Arizona, there are:
* 10 paid holidays per year
* Paid Vacation and Sick time off (13 and 12 days per year respectively) - start earning it your 1st day (prorated for part-time employees)
* A top-ranked retirement program with lifetime pension benefits
* A robust and affordable insurance plan, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
* Participation eligibility in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must meet qualifications)
* RideShare and Public Transit Subsidy
* A variety of learning and career development opportunities
* Opportunity to work 100% virtually or remotely on an ad-hoc basis (home office)

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time virtual/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.

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Lifetime Pension Benefit Program
* Administered through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
* Defined benefit plan that provides for life-long income upon retirement.
* Required participation for Long-Term Disability (LTD) and ASRS Retirement plan.
* Pre-taxed payroll contributions begin after a 27-week waiting period (prior contributions may waive the waiting period).

Deferred Retirement Compensation Program
* Voluntary participation.
* Program administered through Nationwide.
* Tax-deferred retirement investments through payroll deductions.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing careers@azahcccs.gov.
Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.