HYBRID VA Automation Engineer (Software Development Specialist 3)

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.

Telework Policy

ODJFS may require occasional in-person meetings for training or other operational needs. You will have access to ODJFS shared workspaces, if needed. Employees are required to sign a teleworking agreement upon their first day. Schedules are subject to change based on the agency’s operational needs and telework status. Telework is considered a privilege and agreements are reviewed annually.

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.

EEO Information

To speak to our EEO Coordinator or to request an ADA reasonable accommodation, please email us at

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.

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. 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’ll Do

As an Automation Engineer, you will design, develop, and implement automation solutions such as Virtual Assistants (VA) and ChatBots using Natural Language Processing (NLP) capabilities and solutions using Generative AI (GenAI), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies and tools. You will also have the opportunity to design and develop Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solutions using Ui Path. You will use your knowledge and skills in RPA, AI, ML, NLP, GenAI, software development, data analysis, systems performance, and requirements analysis to deliver innovative and effective automation applications.

Responsibilities included but are not limited to:

Working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, where you will need to be flexible, adaptable, and creative.

You will work with business area personnel to analyze business processes, identify automation opportunities, and create detailed software design documents and specifications for automation applications.

Collaborating with subject matter experts, and other IT staff to provide technical guidance, and deliver automation applications adhering to Agile methodology.

Design and Implement Automation applications using various AI automation technologies and tools, such as UiPath, Microsoft Azure Bot Framework, and Amazon AWS Services.

You will also ensure that automation applications integrate securely and efficiently with existing systems, follow state AI policy and standards, and meet quality and performance requirements.

Ability to learn continuously to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies in AI automation and apply them to your work.

Adhering to the Automation Center of Excellence (COE) standards, templates, and guidelines, as well as the appropriate standards and criteria for acceptable programming, documentation, and systems development lifecycle activities.

You will perform code reviews, testing, debugging, documentation, and deployment tasks, as well as coordinate with other IT staff and stakeholders.

Troubleshooting and resolving complex technical issues, as well as perform quality assurance and testing activities.

Schedule\: 8\:00 AM - 5\:00 PM, Monday - Friday

Travel\: No regular travel expected.

PN(s)\: 20101967

This position does not qualify for sponsorship / H1b Visa.

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.

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 must have and identify the following in their application:

OPTION 1:

Completion of undergraduate core program in computer science or information systems;

AND

36 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following\: designing and performing systems analysis, developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications recommending application solutions and/or testing and correcting programs as it relates to testing and implementation and assisting with documentation

Including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology as specified by the agency position description & job posting.

Option 2:

Completion of associate core program in computer science or information systems;

AND

42 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following\: designing and performing systems analysis, developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications recommending application solutions and/or testing and correcting programs as it relates to testing and implementation and assisting with documentation

Including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology as specified by the agency position description & job posting.

Option 3\:

60 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following\: designing and performing systems analysis, developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications recommending application solutions and/or testing and correcting programs as it relates to testing and implementation and assisting with documentation

Including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology as specified by the agency position description & job posting.

Or

Equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above.

Technical & Professional Skills Utilized\: Information Technology, Attention to Detail

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 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 $38.84 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 35

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Step 9

Hourly

$38.84

$40.78

$42.74

$44.85

$47.06

$49.36

$51.77

$54.34

$57.13

Annual

$80,787

$84,822

$88,899

$93,288

$97,885

$102,669

$107,682

$113,131

$118,830

Months of Employment

At Hire

6 months

18 months

30 months

42 months

54 Months

66 Months

78 Months

90 Months

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.