Java Software Developer (Software Development Specialist 3) (260006YN)
: Job & Family Services
Agency Contact Name and Information: odjfscareers@jfs.ohio.gov
: Oct 5, 2026, 3:59:00 AM
: United States of America-OHIO
Compensation: $41.81
: Full-time
Classified Indicator: Classified
Union: OCSEA
: Software Development/Implementation
Technical Skills: Information Technology, Software development/implementation
Professional Skills: Active Learning, Results Oriented, Teamwork, Written Communication, Continuous Improvement
Primary Technology: Java 2 EE
Agency OverviewWho We AreThe Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) supports Ohioans and their families through the following programs:Cash and Food AssistanceEmployment Services and Workforce DevelopmentUnemployment InsuranceAdult Protective ServicesChild SupportPublic 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 PrinciplesWe 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 ServicesThe 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. 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.What You Will DoAs a Java Software Developer, you will be a key technical contributor in modernizing the ODJFS Hearings and Tracking Systems (HATS). These applications directly support legally mandated hearings, appeals processes, and critical program workflows across the state. The work you do will help ensure program integrity, compliance with state and federal regulations, and reliable service delivery to Ohioans.This role centers on refactoring legacy Java EE components and preparing the system for migration to secure, scalable, cloud‑based architecture aligned with State of Ohio Enterprise Architecture standards. You’ll work within a small, collaborative team of Java EE developers and partner closely with architects, security teams, and business stakeholders. The environment is fast‑moving, modernization‑focused, and requires balancing new development with stabilizing existing components to support continuity of operations.Expect to work with modern architectural patterns, containerization, API‑driven design, cloud deployment models, and DevOps practices while also navigating the complexities of a large legacy system that contains monolithic modules, aged dependencies, and custom integrations.Duties include but are not limited to:Working as part of a small, supportive team of Java/Jakarta EE developers responsible for modernizing the HATS application suite.Refactoring legacy modules to align with State of Ohio Enterprise Architecture standards, including cloud readiness, security compliance, logging, monitoring, and identity management requirements.Supporting the full software development lifecycle: analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, documentation, and ongoing maintenance.Contributing to PMO‑required technical deliverables including architecture documentation, technical design specifications, refactoring plans, dependency assessments, and modernization work packages.Developing and optimizing secure RESTful APIs, integration endpoints, and service layers to support responsive, accessible front-end experiences.Building proof‑of‑concept prototypes for cloud deployment and helping guide containerization and adoption of modern deployment patterns.Stabilizing existing legacy modules by decomposing monolithic components, resolving technical debt, improving performance, and ensuring business continuity during modernization.Participating in quality assurance activities, performance testing, defect remediation, and technical risk mitigation.Supporting DevOps practices and automated deployment pipelines to streamline the migration process.Schedule: Full-time.Hours: Standard workdays are Monday through Friday. Hours are between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.Location: This position will be headquartered in an ODJFS Facility in one of the following cities - Columbus, Akron, or Dayton. This determination will take into account the proximity to the applicant's home address.James A. Rhodes State Officer Tower - 30 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Akron - 172 S. Broadway Street, Akron, OH 44308
Dayton - 6680 Poe Avenue, Dayton, OH 45414Travel: Occasional travel within the state of Ohio.PN(s): 20039786.This is a reposted vacancy. If you previously applied, you will need to resubmit your application to be considered.Why Work for the State of OhioAt 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:OPTION 160 months combined work experience in any combination of the following: assuring requirements are defined and approved, performing code reviews and ensuring application development standards are met;AND 12 months work experience in the primary technology specified by the agency in the position description & job posting (JAVA).OPTION 2Completion of associate core program in computer science or information systems;AND 42 months combined work experience in any combination of the following: assuring requirements are defined and approved, performing code reviews and ensuring application development standards are met;AND 12 months work experience in the primary technology specified by the agency in the position description & job posting (JAVA). OPTION 3Completion of undergraduate core program in computer science or information systems;AND 36 months combined work experience in any combination of the following: assuring requirements are defined and approved, performing code reviews and ensuring application development standards are met;AND 12 months work experience in the primary technology specified by the agency in the position description & job posting (JAVA).OPTION 4The equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above.Tips For Your ApplicationWhen 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 InformationThis position is in the State of Ohio’s OCSEA Pay Schedule, Pay Range 35. Unless required by legislation or union contract, starting salary will be the minimum salary of that pay range (step 1, currently $41.81 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 35Step 1Step 2Step 3Step 4Step 5Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Step 9 Hourly$41.81$43.90$46.00$48.28$50.66$53.13$55.72$58.55$61.49Annual$86,965$91,312$95,680$100,422$105,373$110,510$115,898$121,784$127,899Months of EmploymentAt Hire6 Months18 Months30 Months42 Months54 Months 66 Months 78 Months 90 Months Supplemental InformationADA NoticeIf 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 informationThe 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.Sponsorship/H-1B InformationThis position is not eligible for sponsorship.Selection Process InformationFinal candidates will be required to participate in an in-person assessment at 30 E Broad St, Columbus OH 43215 prior to offer of employment.ADA StatementOhio 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.Drug-Free WorkplaceThe 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.
Employment with the State of Ohio is more than ‘just a job’ – it is a privilege to serve our families, friends and neighbors who rely on us throughout our great state. We are a team of dedicated public servants committed to high performance, innovative thinking, and delivering excellent and efficient services. Our goal is to recruit and retain the best talent for our positions, because when we have the best talent, we get the best results for our community. We are #TeamOhio.
