Human Services Developer (Literacy)

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Human Services Developer (Literacy) serves as the Department of Children and Youth’s subject matter expert in early language and literacy development. The position designs, supports, and improves literacy-focused professional learning and resources for professionals across Ohio’s child- and family-serving systems, applying research, evidence-based practices, and adult learning principles to support children from birth through the early elementary years.

The role works with DCY colleagues, partner agencies, community stakeholders, and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to align statewide literacy initiatives. It translates emerging research into practical tools, training, and guidance; manages and evaluates professional development offerings; and uses data and feedback to recommend improvements. The position operates under general administrative direction and works on-site daily at DCY’s Columbus office. Travel is required as needed.

Requirements

• Completion of an undergraduate core program in social or behavioral science, health services, public administration, public policy management, or a comparable field, plus 36 months of experience researching, developing, or implementing policies related to social services, health services, public policy, or a comparable field; and 12 months of training or experience in research methodology, measurement and testing, analysis of variance, and survey sampling; and 6 months of training or experience using computer hardware and software for spreadsheets, statistical analysis, graphics presentation, and word processing.
• Alternatively, completion of graduate coursework in social or behavioral science, health services, public administration, public policy management, or a comparable field, plus 24 months of experience researching, developing, or implementing policies related to social services, health services, public policy, or a comparable field; and 6 months of training or experience using computer hardware and software for spreadsheets, statistical analysis, graphics presentation, and word processing.
• Alternatively, 24 months of experience as a Human Services Specialist 2, with experience commensurate with the duties to be assigned.
• Alternatively, an equivalent of the listed minimum class qualifications for employment.
• Strong knowledge of literacy development, the Science of Reading, early learning, curriculum design, adult learning theory, and evidence-based practices.
• Skill in instructional design, project management, data analysis, and learning technologies.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to collaborate across systems, build relationships, and support professionals from varied backgrounds.
• Ability to translate research into accessible, practical tools and training.
• Curiosity, critical thinking, and commitment to continuous improvement.
• A valid driver’s license is required to operate a state vehicle; the job posting also states that the employee must provide their own transportation or have a valid driver’s license to operate a state vehicle.
• The final candidate must undergo a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

• A degree related to early language and literacy development.
• Certification through a specialized literacy training program such as LETRS, Orton-Gillingham, or a program accredited through the International Dyslexia Association.

Responsibilities

• Serve as DCY’s subject matter expert on early language and literacy development.
• Apply research, adult learning theory, and best practices to shape training content and statewide initiatives.
• Design new courses and revise existing professional learning offerings, working with vendors to ensure content accuracy and alignment.
• Create guidance documents, tools, and resources that support consistent, high-quality instructional design across DCY.
• Evaluate training materials developed by internal teams, vendors, and partner agencies for alignment with DCY policy, procedures, and evidence-based practices.
• Collaborate with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to align DCY literacy work with statewide policy and practice.
• Engage community agencies, professional networks, and other child-serving systems on early literacy and kindergarten-readiness initiatives.
• Provide training and presentations to internal staff, external stakeholders, and regional partners.
• Provide technical assistance to staff who design or deliver professional learning.
• Manage current professional development courses and oversee updates to align them with the science of reading and early learning research.
• Use data and feedback to assess learning-program effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Compile reports summarizing outcomes, trends, or implementation progress.
• Support statewide professional development events, conferences, and cross-functional working groups.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period.
• Paid vacation, personal, and sick leave, plus 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
• Education and development opportunities, including Employee Development Funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Public retirement systems, including OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS, and optional deferred compensation.
• Flexible work-life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level