Human Services Developer

About the role

This position focuses on responding to inquiries and complaints related to early care and education, child protection, and other child-serving programs within the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY). The role combines policy interpretation, research, communication, and compliance monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Independently or collaboratively research and respond to complaints and inquiries from constituents, legislators, early care and education providers, CDJFS and PCSA staff, elected officials, and the Governor’s Office.
• Provide clear program information and guidance by phone and in writing.
• Interpret and explain laws, regulations, and procedures, including eligibility requirements, redeterminations, and appeals processes.
• Track, research, and respond to statewide inquiries about early care and education and child protection policies.
• Make referrals to appropriate non-profit social service organizations when needed.
• Identify policy or implementation issues such as misapplication of statutes, worker errors, or training gaps.
• Help develop or revise standards and operational procedures to improve program consistency and accuracy.
• Maintain and use a call tracking system to monitor inquiries, analyze trends, and ensure county-level compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Research case information using multiple systems, including Ohio Benefits, SACWIS, OCLQS, DCY databases, and other internal resources.
• Prepare activity reports, statistical summaries, narrative explanations, and documentation on inquiry trends and corrective actions.

What to expect

• Frequent communication with the public, elected officials, and county agencies.
• High volume of complex inquiries requiring careful research and detailed written responses.
• A need for strong policy understanding and the ability to interpret regulations accurately.
• Opportunities to identify operational issues and contribute to statewide policy improvement.
• Work that is both independent and collaborative, depending on the nature of the inquiry or project.
• Use of multiple data systems and tools to investigate cases and prepare reports.

Qualifications

Completion of undergraduate core program in social or behavioral science, health services, public administration, public policy management, or comparable field; 36 months of experience in researching, developing, or implementing policies related to social services, health services, public policy, or comparable field; 12 months of training or experience in research methodology, measurement & testing, analysis of variance & survey sampling; 6 months of training or experience in use of computer hardware & software used for spreadsheets, statistical analysis, graphics presentation & word processing.

OR

Completion of graduate coursework in social or behavioral science, health services, public administration, public policy management, or comparable field; 24 months of experience in researching, developing, or implementing policies related to social services, health services, public policy, or comparable field; 6 months of training or experience in use of computer hardware & software used for spreadsheets, statistical analysis, graphics presentation & word processing.

OR

24 months of experience as a Human Services Specialist 2, with experience commensurate with duties to be assigned (e.g., if assignment is in area of policy development for aid to dependent children, education, training, and/or experience must have been in area of aid to dependent children).

OR equivalent of the Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Pay

Unless required by legislation or union contract, starting salary will be step 1 of the salary range associated with this position. New hires advance to the next step in the range after 6 months and annually thereafter. Based on collective bargaining and legislative activity, there may be cost-of-living increases awarded annually. Additional longevity supplements begin after 5 years.

Months of Employment At Hire 6 months 18 months 30 months 42 months 54 Months 66 Months 78 Months Pay Range 1199/13 Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Hourly $36.01 $37.75 $39.64 $41.53 $43.56 $45.72 $47.95 $50.37 Annual $74,901 $78,520 $82,451 $86,382 $90,605 $95,098 $99,736 $104,770

Schedule

Full-time, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. DCY’s core hours of operation are Mon-Fri from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, however, daily start/end times may vary based on operational need across DCY divisions. Employees may begin as early as 7:00 AM and as late as 9:00 AM, based on supervisory approval. This position performs work on-site daily at DCY’s office space.

Background Check

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

Agency Overview

Our mission is to promote positive, lifelong outcomes for Ohio youth through early intervention, quality education, and family support programs. At DCY, we offer our employees a rewarding work experience in public service helping Ohioans achieve a sustainable lifestyle.