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Controlling Board approves ODJFS pilot to recruit former staff for user testing of new unemployment system
Summary
The board approved a single‑source pilot hiring contract for the Department of Job and Family Services to recruit former JFS staff as temporary user testers for a new unemployment benefits IT system planned for 2026; members asked about single‑source selection and whether local workforce programs could be used.
The State Controlling Board approved a pilot program by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to recruit former JFS employees as temporary user testers for the department's new unemployment benefits IT system, which the agency expects to launch in 2026.
Rachel Johansen of ODJFS said the pilot will recruit retired or recently separated staff with relevant knowledge (adjudicators and eligibility staff) to perform realistic user testing that internal staff cannot fully perform because of ongoing duties. "This is a pilot program to recruit temporary workers to come on for specific projects who already have JFS skill sets," Johansen said, noting the primary need is user testing to identify issues before launch.
Members asked whether internal workforce development programs or local providers could fill the need and expressed concern about single‑source selection for the pilot. Johansen said the agency chose the pilot because another state agency had success with the Cincinnati company and Fortune 500 firms had used the company for recruitment; senators said they would monitor the pilot's results. The item was approved.
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