Project Manager 1
The goal of this position is to strengthen the partnership between the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Anti-Trafficking Team and the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) by implementing and managing innovative initiatives that improve the identification and support of at-risk youth, youth survivors of human trafficking and missing or AWOL youth in Ohio. The Project Manager will lead the implementation and oversight of multiple interrelated projects focused on enhancing identification efforts by establishing more consistent child abuse and neglect screening practices, building subject matter expertise within targeted Public Children Services Agencies (PCSAs) and reducing repeated departures from home or congregate care settings (including youth who are missing, run away, or AWOL). This role will also coordinate and support collaborative efforts between a designated social work agency and local law enforcement agency to better identify and locate youth who have been reported missing. The Project Manager will serve as a subject matter expert, strategic planner, and liaison to ensure the success and sustainability of these initiatives. The Human Trafficking Project Manager will be required to attend in-person local and state meetings, provide onsite support, and statewide travel as needed. Funding: The Human Trafficking Project Manager 1 will work under the administrative direction of the Ohio Department of Children \& Youth. This position is currently funded with GRF dollars provided by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Office of Criminal Justice Services through June 30, 2027. Job Duties: Under administrative direction, perform project management functions to manage multiple projects (i.e. at-risk youth and youth survivors of human trafficking), develops projects, system policies, plans and monitors projects and activities; meets with staff to discuss projects and resolve technical problems; reports to manager and/or senior level management on project progress; works with program staff to determine legislative impacts serves as liaison to policy areas, assists in assessing and performing strategic planning for department. Travels statewide to support implementation, provide onsite support, and attend meetings and events. Directs activities of multiple project analysis or programming and systems analysis across units, sections and/or projects; manages system design and development of multiple control standards and development of multiple project tracking and monitoring programs; develops and implements policies and establishes system methodology or systems/programming standards and productivity tool standards. Performs other related duties as assigned (e.g., conducts and attends staff meetings; conferences and training; conducts presentations and provides training/technical assistance as needed; operates computers to produce correspondence, reports, and other documents, maintains logs, records, and files. Note: Statewide travel for this position is required. Must provide own transportation or, to operate a state vehicle, must possess a valid driver’s license. Key Responsibilities: Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of multiple interrelated anti-human trafficking projects. Develop and manage project timelines, deliverables, budget, and performance metrics. Monitor progress and adjust strategies to meet project goals and deadlines. Serve as a liaison for projects to ensure consistent communication and alignment across partners. Promote shared learning and best practices among stakeholders. Prepare regular reports for internal leadership and external partners. Use data to inform continuous quality improvement. Stay current on best practices and emerging trends in anti-trafficking and child welfare. Represent the assigned projects in workgroups, conferences, and public forums. Work with an internal DCY team to identify gaps and training/technical assistance needs, promote standardized screening practices, and ensure alignment across the three pilot sites. Preferred Qualifications: Experience leading projects, preferably in child welfare, anti-trafficking, or youth services. Familiarity with Ohio’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Experience coordinating multi-agency or cross-sector initiatives. Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and survivor-centered practices. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports and presenting to diverse audiences. Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and using data to drive decision-making. Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Bachelor’s or master’s Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, or a related field. 5+ years working with or within Public Children Services Agencies (PCSAs) experience with screening and/or intake is preferrable; or 5+ years working with survivors of human trafficking, particularly in roles involving case management, crisis response, or multidisciplinary coordination. Pay Information: 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. The current wage progression for this position is in the table below. Months of Employment At Hire 6 months 18 months 30 months 42 months 54 Months 66 Months 78 Months Pay Range Exempt/15 Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Hourly $43.09 $45.51 $48.08 $50.72 $53.54 $56.47 $58.79 $61.56 Annual $89,627 $94,661 $100,006 $105,498 $111,363 $117,458 $122,283 $128,045 Background Check Information: 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. Status of posted positions: You can check the status of your application online be signing into your profile and Why Work for the State of Ohio 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. Qualifications 3 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); 12 mos. exp. in budgeting \& calculating cost projections of program/projects. Or 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; 12 mos. exp. in budgeting \& calculating cost projections of program/projects. Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above. Job Skills: Project ManagementSupplemental Information All answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the work experience/education provided on your civil service application. Attachments will not be considered as part of your application. Selection devices such as a structured interview, proficiency instrument, and/or assessment may be required for this position. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency with a passing score of applicable selection device to be considered for this position. Regardless of a passing or failing score, all results will be maintained for 6 months. Applicant with a passing score will be retained and utilized for a 6-month period. Applicant with a failing score in the same position may not re-take the same selection device for a 6-month period. Travel required, as needed. Must provide own transportation or in order to operate a state vehicle, you must have a valid driver’s license. ADA Statement 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. Drug-Free Workplace 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.