Software Development Apprentice / Associate

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

Software Development Apprentice:

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

• 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.

Pay Range 30

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Hourly

$25.77

$26.76

$27.92

$29.22

$30.55

$31.88

$33.52

Annual

$53,602

$55,661

$58,074

$60,778

$63,544

$66,310

$69,722

Months of Employment

At Hire

6 months

18 months

30 months

42 months

54 Months

66 Months

Organization

Job & Family Services

Agency Contact Name and Information

odjfscareers@jfs.ohio.gov

Unposting Date

Dec 30, 2025, 11:59:00 PM

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation

24.16

Schedule

Full-time

Classified Indicator

Unclassified

Union

OCSEA

Primary Job Skill

Information Technology

Technical Skills

Software development/implementation

Professional Skills

Active Learning, Creativity, Innovation

Primary Technology

Microsoft .Net Environment

Agency Overview

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.