Project Manager 1

Office of Family Assistance

What You’ll Do

This Project Manager position will oversee multiple large-scale projects within the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), including systems related to Cash and Food Assistance programs. This role involves managing all phases of project delivery, from planning and budgeting to ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, while working closely with a variety of stakeholders such as state, county, and federal agencies. The Project Manager will also be responsible for coordinating the testing, implementation, and monitoring of systems to ensure they meet the needs of end users and comply with established policies.

Project Management: Oversee a variety of large-scale projects related to Ohio Benefits, including systems that help with food and cash assistance. Coordinating all aspects of the projects—time, scope, budget, quality, and more—while working with a range of stakeholders from different agencies.

Collaborate Across Agencies: Work closely with County Job and Family Services offices, internal offices in Office of Family Assistance, the Ohio Department of Medicaid, the Department of Children and Youth services, and other state and federal agencies. This role involves making sure everyone is aligned on the project’s goals, requirements, and deadlines.

System Oversight & Improvement: One of the main tasks will be ensuring that the automated systems used for benefits processing (such as OB, EDMS, CSS/IVR, ODAPS, etc.) run smoothly. Overseeing testing, monitoring, and modifying systems to ensure they meet both user needs and state/federal regulations.

Policy and Compliance: A critical part of work involves staying up to date with the ever-changing federal and state regulations governing Cash Assistance and Food Assistance programs. You will ensure that these policies are accurately implemented in the system and are fully compliant.

Stakeholder Communication: Regular contact with end users and program managers to gather feedback, address concerns, and communicate project updates. Lead presentations, trainings, and user group sessions to educate stakeholders and promote system usage.

High Stakes: The systems you manage are crucial to the administration of public assistance programs. Deadlines are often tight, and you’ll need to manage multiple moving parts while balancing competing priorities.

Complex Coordination: With various stakeholders (state agencies, county offices, external vendors), keeping everyone on the same page can be a challenge. You will need strong communication and negotiation skills to manage expectations and resolve any conflicts that arise.

Regulatory Pressure: The need to stay on top of constantly evolving regulations and ensure compliance means there’s little room for error. You’ll need to be detail-oriented and proactive in interpreting legislation and updating systems accordingly.

Fast-Paced Environment: Projects may have competing timelines, requiring flexibility and strong organizational skills. You’ll need to manage your time effectively while staying focused on both long-term goals and day-to-day tasks.

Schedule: Monday- Friday 8AM-5PM

Travel: Travel required, as needed. Must provide own transportation or, in

order to operate a state vehicle, you must have a valid driver’s license.

PN(s): 20044294

Option 1

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

• 4 yrs. exp. in project management (i.e., management & development of project/program requirements, design, development, testing/pilot, training & full scale implementation), with experience to be commensurate with project/program &/or position description on file (e.g., specific human service program area, management information sciences, fiscal);
  
  

AND

• 12 mos. exp. in budgeting & calculating cost projections of program/projects
  
  

Option 2

• Successful completion of 2 yrs. post-secondary education majoring in business administration, public administration, computer science/information technology, social science, or health, with major being commensurate with project to be assigned
  
  

AND

• 12 mos. exp. in budgeting & calculating cost projections of program/projects;
  
  

AND

• 12 mos. exp. in project management (i.e., management & development of project/program requirements, design, development, testing/pilot, training & full scale implementation).
  
  

Option 3

• 12 mos. exp. as Project Manager 1, 63381 or IT Project Manager 1, 63384.
  
  

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

This position is in the State of Ohio’s E1 Pay Schedule, Pay Range 15. Unless required by legislation or union contract, starting salary will be the minimum salary of that pay range (step 1, currently $41.23 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 15

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Hourly

$41.23

$43.55

$46.01

$48.54

$51.23

$54.04

$56.26

$58.91

Annual

$85,758

$90,584

$95,701

$100,963

$106,558

$112,403

$117,021

$122,533

Months of Employment

At Hire

6 months

18 months

30 months

42 months

54 Months

66 Months

78 Months

Organization

Job & Family Services

Agency Contact Name and Information

odjfscareers@jfs.ohio.gov

Unposting Date

Jan 21, 2025, 11:59:00 PM

Work Location

James A Rhodes Office Tower 32

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation

41.23

Schedule

Full-time

Classified Indicator

Unclassified

Union

Exempt from Union

Primary Job Skill

Project Management

Technical Skills

Communications, Management

Professional Skills

Attention to Detail, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving

Agency Overview

Who We Are

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

• Public Assistance
• 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 everyday.