CJFS Community Research and Engagement VISTA

Cuyahoga Job and Family Services (CJFS) connects residents with public benefits and work supports to help individuals and families on their journey to self-sufficiency. CJFS is tasked with determining eligibility and case management of five core benefit programs and workforce initiatives: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal food assistance program; Ohio Works First (OWF), the county form of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance program; Medicaid, medical care and insurance for low-income families and the aged/blind/disabled populations; Child care assistance, making it easier for adult caretakers to find and maintain education and a career path; and Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC), which provides aid and services to families due to unexpected emergencies.

As a Community Research and Engagement VISTA with the Office of Community Engagement you will assess and increase the number of participants who are eligible for public benefits but may not yet be enrolled in the various public benefit programs. In this role you will support access to public benefits for low-income individuals by analyzing agency and community data for the non-citizen and limited- English proficient residents to collaboratively strategize on ways to best engage the populations in the county.