CodeBlue announced Wednesday plans to add 30 new jobs after receiving a federal grant to pay for on-the-job training.

Clark County commissioners this week authorized Job and Family Services of Clark County to provide $65,000 in Workforce Investment Act funds to CodeBlue to subsidize 50 percent of each trainee’s wages during their training period.

CodeBlue plans to use the funds to hire and train new water mitigation specialists between now and June 2013 at its downtown location. The employees will manage water damage claims and will have the potential to earn between $30,000 to $35,000 in the first years, said Hope Rice, a CodeBlue human resources recruiter.

Rice said the on-the-job training funds help CodeBlue’s bottom line and provides a cushion that could lead to future growth.

“It enables us to bring them on board without taking the full effect on our payroll,” Rice said.

Traditional job training can cost an individual or an organization between $3,500 to $7,000 without a guarantee for a job. On-the-job training allows companies to get reimbursed for at least 50 percent of the cost and guarantee trainees a job, said Lehan Peters, deputy director of Job and Family Services of Clark County and WorkPlus One-Stop.

Clark County was one of the top five Ohio counties to take advantage of on-the-job training grants this year. As of early June, the county had used $135,802 to help fund 29 employees for training.

Some of the major Clark County companies that have used the grants include Assurant, JMS Composites, Infusions and McGregor Metalworking companies, Peters said.

Peters said the $65,000 agreement with CodeBlue is the county’s largest on-the-job training this year.

Horton Hobbs, vice president of economic development for the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, said the job training grants are a significant resource for the county.

“The fact that these resources are available help us with existing employers and potential employers. What we can help them save today helps their bottom line and future growth as well,” Hobbs said.

CodeBlue, a division of Insurance Claims Management Inc., provides active management for water mitigation, contents and salvage claims for insurance carriers nationwide.

The Eau Claire, Wis.-based insurance claims management company announced in 2010 plans of hiring upwards of 300 people over the next three years.

Hobbs said the company appears on track to meet that goal. Officials said the company has up to 175 employees now in the Bushnell Building offices.

“We’re very pleased with their growth. It signifies their commitment to the community,” Hobbs said.