Employment & Family Services
Joseph Gauntner, Director
Cuyahoga County Employment & Family Services
1641 Payne Avenue, Suite 520
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
1
Today’s Agenda

Overview of Board of County Commissioners, Cuyahoga County Office of Health and Human
Services and Employment & Family Services

Neighborhood Family Service Centers

Healthy Start Program/Medicaid—Aged, Blind and Disabled

Child Care Assistance

Food Assistance Program – Ohio Direction Card

Ohio Works First

Prevention Retention and Contingency

Job Training and Placement Services

EITC/Free Tax Preparation Services

Q&A/Wrap-up
2
Board of County Commissioners

The Commissioners directly oversee the areas of
Finance and Administration, Health & Human Services,
and Justice & General Government, managing funds
used to support the activities of these areas.

Cuyahoga County’s budget is the largest local
government budget in the State of Ohio. The 2009
budget is approximately $1.457 billion.

The Commissioners execute legislative-like powers in
carrying out their legal and financial responsibilities.
These responsibilities include budgeting, levying taxes,
issuing bonds and awarding contracts for public works.
3
Cuyahoga County
4
Cuyahoga County
Health and Human Services

The Cuyahoga County Office of Health & Human Services
(HHS) is the local office of the Ohio Department of Jobs and
Family Services (ODJFS).

HHS oversees the operations of four distinct agencies
dedicated to improving the health, safety and self-sufficiency
of families and children throughout the County.

On behalf of the County Commissioners, the Office of Health
& Human Services works with these agencies and community
partners to provide a foundation for mandated and creative
programming as well as strategic funding.
5
Employment & Family Services

Employment & Family Services (EFS) is one of the four
divisions of Health & Human Services under the
administration of the Board Of County Commissioners.

EFS is responsible for the local administration of Ohio
Works First (OWF), the Food Stamp Assistance Program
(FAP), and the Prevention, Retention and Contingency
Program (PRC) in Cuyahoga County.

EFS also administers Medicaid covered Families and
Children, including Healthy Start and Medicaid for the
Aged, Blind and Disabled. In addition to child care
assistance programs as well and a variety of other
services to assist families in achieving self-sufficiency.
6
Employment & Family Services

The mission of Employment & Family Services is to improve the
quality of life for our customers by: Enhancing economic well-being,
Strengthening families, Coordinating services and Promoting equity.
Our core values are respect, responsibility and professionalism .

Our goal is to partner with community and faith based organizations,
government and non-profit agencies, private organizations and employers to
help some of our communities’ most vulnerable families enhance the overall
quality of their lives.

In the past 12 months, EFS served more families than ever before and many
of them first-time families, reflecting the difficult economic conditions of
Cuyahoga County such as increased unemployment, a weakened housing
market and price increases for basic services. Overall there has been a
11.8% increase in households served by EFS in the past 12 months.

Through March 2010 the EFS caseload has grown to serve 133,420
households with one or more benefits (Medicaid, Food Assistance,
Childcare, etc.)
7
Employment & Family Services
Who We Are

More families than ever before are now receiving Food Stamps. In March 2010, the Food
Assistance caseload exceeded 117,611 families. This is an increase of 16% from 12 months ago.

In March 2010, 18,799 children received child care. This is a decrease of 1.7 % from 12
months ago. The recent state budget has eliminated the ELI program as of August 2009 and
reduced the eligibility level for new subsidized child care applicants from 200% to 150% of the
federal poverty level.

PRC utilization (emergency services) for March 2010 totaled more than $120,730 dollars.
This is a decrease of 32% from 12 months ago. Approximately 65% of all PRC usage is for utility
assistance, and approximately 30% for rental assistance/security deposits. PRC usage tends to
decrease in winter months when customers are able to access utility assistance programs such as
HEAP.

OWF Utilization in March 2010 was 11,796, a caseload increase of 12% from 12 months ago.
Adult time limited households were responsible for all of the increases. Of these households,
6,044 were subject to time limits and another 5,752 were child only households.
8
Welcome to Your Neighborhood
Family Service Center (NFSC)
What to expect when you apply for services
and programs.
9
Neighborhood Family Service
Centers

EFS operates seven Neighborhood Family Service Centers
(NFSCs) throughout the county.

Individuals may access benefits and programs at any of these
Centers.

Individuals receiving OWF cash assistance are directed to our
Jobs, Education, and Training, or “JET” Center downtown at 1641
Payne Avenue.

The process for applications, eligibility determination, and case
management are largely the same across centers although
Centers vary somewhat in size and case load composition.

Individuals may also access Healthy Start and childcare benefits
through a central hotline operated by MetroHealth Medical Center.
10
Location of NFSCs
Fairfax
8111 Quincy Avenue
(216) 391-5027
J.E.T. Center
1641 Payne Avenue
(216) 987-6782
Mt. Pleasant
13815 Kinsman Road
(216) 561-5488
Old Brooklyn
4261 Fulton Parkway
(216) 635-2918
Southgate
5398 ½ Northfield Road
(216) 518-4862
Virgil Brown
1641 Payne Avenue
(216) 987-6782
Westshore
9830 Lorain Avenue
(216) 939-2523
Healthy Start Fax Lines
(216) 987-7486
11
Additional NFSC On-Site Services




Drop-In child care center at VEB only
Employment Connection Career Centers at
NFSCs
Co-located services – other county agencies
and community-based organizations
Voter Registration—offers County residents the
opportunity to register to vote
12
Voter Registration





The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1995 includes
provisions that require human services agencies to integrate
voter registration into client-staff interaction, recognizing that this
population may not otherwise be served.
At each NFSC, clients are offered the opportunity to register to
vote when they check in at the front desk, when they are with
their worker, and when they call or mail in a change of address.
Front Desk CSA’s complete the compliance form and provide a
voter registration application to clients who wish to register.
Clients receive the same assistance in completing the application
as they are with any other agency forms.
Voter registration applications are collected in a locked storage
box in each waiting room. All Voter Registration Applications
MUST be placed in the locked box for collection.
Staff cannot influence a client’s decision to register nor their
political beliefs or party.
13
NFSC Career Centers

“Career Centers”, operated by the County Department of
Workforce
Development
through
the
Employment
Connection, are located in each of the NFSCs and open to
any individual seeking assistance with employment and/or
training

The Career Centers are a free resource for those looking for
employment.

The Career Centers provide job leads, clerical tutorials, and
free phone and internet access for job seekers.

Other services include internet job search, job seeking,
resume writing, and interviewing workshops, career planning,
and scholarships for occupational training for those who
qualify.
14
Neighborhood Family Service
Centers Addressing Case-Specific
Concerns

Caseworker

Team Leader

Team Coordinator

Center Manager

Customer Relations Specialist
15
Employment & Family Services
Customer Relations Specialists

Located in each NFSC

Provide assistance to customers with
case-specific concerns

Provide information and referrals to about
community resources available to
customers
16
Know Them By Name!
Valerie Baker, Manager
(216) 802-2817

Fairfax
Mr. James Jones
(216) 391-4547

Mt. Pleasant
Ms. La-Tresia Smith
(216) 561-5571

Old Brooklyn
Ms. Marilyn Bagley
(216) 635-2937

Southgate
Ms. Shuray Merriweather
(216) 518-4814

Virgil E. Brown
Ms. Cynthia Walker
(216) 987-8274

Westshore
Ms. Verlinda Moore
(216) 939-2482

Healthy Start
/Child Care Programs
Ms. Cynthia Walker
(216) 987-8659
JET Center
Mr. Jose Figueroa
(216) 987-7294

17
Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB)

The Ohio Benefit bank is a free web-based software program
that helps people gain access to work support programs and
available tax credits

The Ohio Benefit Bank was developed in response to billions of
dollars in funds that are targeted for low and moderate income
families that are unclaimed every year. In Ohio, $1.6 billion in tax
credits and work support programs are not accessed by Ohioans

The OBB helps bring millions of dollars back to the communities
that need it the most
The Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks serves as
the lead implementation agency for the Ohio Benefit Bank.


The statewide effort is directed by the Office of the Governor in
partnership with the Ohio Departments of Job and Family
Services, Development, Aging, and Mental Health
18
How the Ohio Benefit Bank Works






A trained counselor works with a client, at a computer, with
web access and a printer
The counselor poses questions prompted by the software
program
The program is in English and Spanish and includes
application completion assistance and a potential eligibility
calculator
OBB offers free tax services, one stop benefit applications,
and many convenient locations
Examples of OBB locations include churches, social service
agencies, job training programs, soup kitchens and food
pantries, schools, prisons, hospitals, community centers,
government offices, and homeless shelters to name a few
For more information visit the website at www.obb.ohio.gov
19
EFS Benefits and Programs
Healthy Start/Healthy Families






Healthy Start/Healthy Families—part of the State Children’s Health
Insurance Program (SCHIP)
Free health insurance for eligible low to moderate income families and their
children under the age of 19
Some parents and pregnant women may be eligible depending on their
income
Eligibility is determined by the number of family members at home and total
household income
Coverage includes a wide range of healthcare services including regular
checkups, dental care, eyeglasses, prescription medicine, immunizations,
emergency care and hospitalization
May apply by mail, no office visit is necessary
20
EFS Benefits and Programs
Healthy Start Hotline & Website






The Healthy Start Hotline is a telephone resource for residents of
Cuyahoga County providing information about the Healthy Start
and Child Care programs.
Hotline staff take Healthy Start and Child Care applications over
the phone and provide information and referrals for other benefit
programs.
EFS contracts with MetroHealth Hospital to operate the hotline.
Hours of Operation are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to
9:00 p.m.
The phone number is (216) 987-7346.
For more information visit our website at
www.healthystart.cuyahogacounty.us.
21
EFS Benefits & Programs
Managed Care Plans
 After customers receive approval for Healthy Start
or any other Medicaid program you will be required
to choose a Managed Care Plan (MCP).
 An MCP is a private health care insurance
company licensed through the Ohio Department of
Insurance.
EFS offers 3 MCPs
Care Source, Well Care and Buckeye
To enroll in a MCP - customers should call the
Ohio Medicaid Managed Care Enrollment Center
at 1-800-605-3040
Or enroll online at www.ohiomcec.com
22
EFS Benefits and Programs
Healthchek

What is Healthchek?

Healthchek is a group of prevention and treatment services for
children and teens including but not limited to:


Screening services
Vision, dental and hearing services

These services are provided through Ohio’s Medicaid program
and are also part of the Healthy Start/healthy Families program.

Healthchek focuses on helping all children, including those with
disabilities, get and stay healthy.
23
EFS Benefits and Programs
Child Care Assistance

For individuals on the job, looking for a job, or in training

Pays part of the cost of child care for eligible families

Allows individuals to choose a child care center, child care
home, or care by a certified relative and/or other adult

Eligibility depends on household income and family size

Apply by phone or mail; no office visit necessary

Childcare Hotline: 987-7346
or visit www.employment.cuyahogacounty.us

For help finding emergency child care anytime,
call Starting Point at 216-575-0061
24
EFS Benefits and Programs

FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Available for low income households

Eligibility is determined by income, household
composition and resources

Benefits are issued monthly through the use of
an Ohio Direction card

An interview at a Neighborhood Family Service
Center is necessary
25
EFS Benefits and Programs
FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM


Effective April 1, 2010, the food assistance program will transition to 12
month certification periods for most assistance groups.
AGs with “special circumstances” may be assigned a 4, 5, 6 or 12 month
certification period based upon county discretion.
Special Circumstances include:





Assistance Groups expecting a change that would make them ineligible
Migrant Farm Workers
Homeless Assistance Groups
Woman and her children residing in shelter for battered women & children
Assistance Groups with all aged and/or disabled members with no
earned income will continue to receive a 24 month certification
26
EFS Benefits and Programs
Food Assistance Program

Reporting Requirements
Previously State rules rules required Ohio Works First, DFA and RAC
Assistance Groups to report a change in the amount of gross monthly
income of more than $25. This rule has been amended requiring a report if
the amount of gross monthly income increases by more than $50.

Reinstatement
Effective April 1, 2010, county agencies will reinstate food assistance
benefits without a new application when a case closes due to an ineligibility
factor, but the recipient complies within 30 days of the termination.
27
EFS Programs and Benefits
Reapplication Telephone Interview

Customers offered option to complete Food Assistance
Reapplication Interview by telephone.

Ohio state policy as of May 1st 2009 approved reapplication
interviews for Food Assistance by telephone.

A letter will be mailed to the customer (and if applicable
Authorized Representative) to indicate date and time of
interview.

The customer will receive a telephone interview packet with
reapplication forms before the 15th of the prior month of the
interview including a postage paid return envelope.

The packet should be returned to agency with requested
documents within 10 days.
28
EFS Programs and Benefits
Reapplication Telephone Interview

All eligibility requirements are the same for both the face to
face interview and the telephone interview.

The caseworker will attempt to call the customer twice and if
contact is not made the second call will be considered a
missed appointment and a “Notice of Missed Interview” letter
mailed.

If appointment is missed the customer will be allowed to
reschedule their interview.
29
EFS Benefits and Programs
Ohio Works First (OWF)




Cash assistance for individuals with a minor child or pregnant
The amount is based on household income, the number of people
in the family and resources.
36 month time limit but may be extended in certain situations
Work requirements through a self-sufficiency contract for 35 hours
of work activities

Work activities may include employment, job search,
vocational
training, college, paid and unpaid work
experience. Most activities have participation limits

Work & training programs with county contracted providers
Must apply at your local NFSC

30
EFS Benefits and Programs
Prevention, Retention & Contingency (PRC)

Emergency financial help

Short term or one-time assistance geared to prevent dependence
on public assistance, keep adults in the family employed, and meet
emergency needs that threaten health, safety, or well-being of
family members

Eligibility is limited to low-income families who must show that they
do not have access to other community resources

For more information about the County PRC plan go on-line to
http://www.cuyahogacounty.us/bocc and search “PRC”.
31
EFS Benefits and Programs
PRC Continued
 Rent
and/or Security Deposits
 Furniture
 Utilities (coordinated through the Consumer
Protection Agency)
 Car Payments or vehicle repair (only for applicants
needing payment to maintain or obtain employment)
 Children’s clothing and beds
 Adult clothing for work or training programs
32
EFS Benefits and Programs
Transitional Benefits

May be available for up to one year for individuals
transitioning from OWF cash to employment

Includes childcare and transportation services

Other benefits such as Food Stamps and Medicaid are also
available for low income households once an individual
begins working

Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) can
significantly increase take-home pay for those who qualify
33
EFS Benefits and Programs
Job Training and Placement Services

EFS contracts with a variety of organizations that offer job search,
career development, occupational training, and job placement
services for OWF recipients

The City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County Department of
Workforce Development operate The Employment Connection
which offers a comprehensive array of employment and training
services at two One-Stop Centers to any individual seeking
assistance with employment and/or training:


11699 Brookpark Road (216) 898-1366
1020 Bolivar Road
(216) 664-4673
34
Other Benefits for Working Families
Earned Income Tax Credit





The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal income
tax credit for certain persons who work and is claimed by
filing a federal income tax return.
The EITC puts money into the pockets of many low-tomoderate income working families (under $38,000 per
year).
Each year, it is estimated that tens of thousands of
Cuyahoga County residents who are eligible for the Earned
Income Tax Credit (EITC) do not apply for this important
benefit.
Employees may qualify even if they are not required to pay
taxes on their income.
Families may be eligible for up to a $4,400 refund.
35
Other Benefits for Working Families
Income Tax Preparation Assistance

Families can receiving FREE help with their tax forms.
EFS operates six VITA sites:
 VEB NFSC 1641 Payne Avenue
 Southgate NFSC 5398 Northfield Road
 Old Brooklyn NFSC 4261 Fulton Parkway
 Westshore NFSC 9830 Lorain Ave
 Merrick House 3167 Fulton Road
 Employment Connection 11699 Brookpark Rd

The Coalition operates more than 30 electronic and
paper VITA sites in Cuyahoga County.
For
more
information
call
2-1-1
or
visit
www.refundohio.org

36
Thank You for Attending this
Presentation!
The Office of Community Initiatives can be contacted at:
(216) 987-8595
or email questions to
community_outreach@odjfs.state.oh.us
Employment & Family Services
General Hotline: (216) 987-7000
Or visit our website at:
www.employment.cuyahogacounty.us
37