Software Development Apprentice / Associate

Who We Are

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) supports Ohioans and their families through the following programs:

• Cash and Food Assistance
• Employment Services and Workforce Development
• Unemployment Insurance
• Adult Protective Services
• Child Support

Public service is an honorable way to serve the community in a hands-on dedicated way. You can make a difference in someone’s world!

Guiding Principles

• We will be a leader in customer satisfaction.
• We will have a reputation that attracts and retains talented, diverse, and dedicated employees.
• We get better at what we do every day.

Office of Information Services

The Office of Information Services (OIS) works to support the business functions and the delivery of health, human, and employment services through the application of information technology (IT). OIS supports the delivery of programs to millions of recipients through the development and round-the-clock operation of automated information systems. Due to the number of end-users and technologies supported, OIS is one of the largest and most complex IT organizations within Ohio state government. Learn more about the Office by visiting the ODJFS OIS webpage. 

This position will be filled as either the Apprentice or Associate level, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. Both positions are considered entry-level, developmental roles. The distinctions are listed below.

• Software Development Apprentice: Minimal experience in the field. One-year time limit. Upon meeting qualifications for the associate, and meeting all performance expectations, employees may automatically progress to the Associate level.
• Software Development Associate: Some experience in the field. Two-year time limit. Upon meeting qualifications of the software development specialist 1 and meeting all performance expectations employees may automatically progress to the next level. Those who already meet the minimum qualifications for the Associate level may be hired directly into this role, bypassing the Apprentice stage. 

What You’Ll Do

You’ll be learning and working under the guidance of more experienced professionals within the Bureau of Innovative Solutions & Services. Your job duties will involve supporting them with tasks while gaining hands-on experience and knowledge in the field of software development. 

Day To Day, You Will:

• Shadow experienced IT professionals to gain hands-on experience. 
• Software Development: Write clean, scalable code using C# and .NET.
• Application Maintenance: Assist in debugging and troubleshooting existing applications.
• Testing & Deployment: Assist in testing applications and deploying software updates.
• Collaboration: Work with senior developers, designers, and stakeholders to improve applications.
• Provide technical support to users.

• Write Database Queries.

• Document IT processes and procedures.
• Schedule: Full-Time, 8 hours per day Monday Through Friday
• Hours: Standard workdays are Monday through Friday. Hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. 
• Travel: Occasional travel within the state of Ohio. 
• PN(s): 20102146

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

The ideal candidate, at minimum, must have the following: 

Software Development Apprentice:

• 1 course or 2 months experience in Information Systems/Information Technology, or a related field including but not limited to: Software Engineering/Development, Data Analytics/Business Intelligence, Database Administration, Network, IT Security and Help Desk/Customer Support 

Those who already meet the minimum qualifications for the Associate level may be hired directly into this role, bypassing the Apprentice stage. 

Software Development Associate:

Option 1:

• 18 mos. combined work experience &/or training in any combination of the following: developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications, performing testing & debugging & assisting with analysis & design.  

Option 2:

• Successful completion of IT Apprenticeship program at designated agency.  

Option 3:

• Completion of associate core program in computer science or information systems. OR Equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above.

Tips For Your Application

When completing the different sections of this application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this job posting. We cannot give you credit for your Work Experience and Education & Certifications if you do not provide that information in your online application. Information in attached resumes or cover letters must be entered into your application in the appropriate Work Experience or Education & Certification sections to be considered.

Pay Information

It Apprentice:

This position is covered an OCSEA Letter of Agreement. The position is assigned to step 1 of pay range 29 ($24.16 hourly). Employees shall remain at step 1 for the duration of time in the position. 

Software Development Associate:

This position is in the OCSEA Pay Schedule, Pay Range 30.Unless required by legislation or union contract, starting salary will be the minimum salary of that pay range (step 1, currently $25.77 per hour). These ranges provide a standardized pathway for pay increases. With continued employment, new hires move to the next step in the range after 6 months and annually thereafter. Cost of Living Adjustments increase wages in these ranges each fiscal year. The current step progression wages are in the table below.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

$25.77

$26.76

$27.92

$29.22

$30.55

$31.88

$33.52

$53,602

$55,661

$58,074

$60,778

$63,544

$66,310

$69,722

At Hire

6 Months

18 Months

30 Months

42 Months

54 Months

66 Months

Ada Notice

If you require an accommodation based on a disability for any step of the selection process, please contact ada_public@jfs.ohio.gov

Selection Priority Notice

Current employees of ODJFS in the OCSEA union have selection rights before all other applicants. Applications from all other candidates will only be considered if an internal OCSEA applicant is not selected for this position.

Background Check Information

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Some positions may require drug testing and/or fingerprinting. Criminal convictions do not necessarily disqualify candidates from consideration.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.