The Steps Toward Employment and Permanent Self-sufficiency Unit (STEPS) is at the forefront of the Agency's mission as defined by recent welfare reforms. Staff members of this Unit emphasize training, education and supportive services to help clients become employed and self-sufficient. Through comprehensive assessment and evaluation of each person's skills, schooling, aptitude and abilities, the STEPS Unit identifies barriers that block one's access to opportunities. Once these barriers are determined, counselors work with clients to overcome these obstacles. Great care is taken to motivate individuals to successfully seek employment and to ultimately attain self-sufficiency. STEPS counselors help people with the greatest needs become contributing citizens of our community.

Workforce Development: As the County's Workforce Development agency, the Allen County Department of Job and Family Services is responsible for the provision of services to youth, adults and dislocated workers mandated by the Workforce Investment Act. Core and intensive services are provided to job seekers to assist them in obtaining employment, or a better job through assistance with job search, resume writing and short-term, skills-based training. Longer-term training is also available on a limited basis.

Workforce Development activities in the county are guided by the Allen County Workforce Policy Board (WPB). Appointed by the Allen County Commissioners, the majority of the board consists of representatives of the business community. Labor, education, the City of Lima and other customer representatives make up the balance of the Board. The Board has worked diligently since its inception, in early 2000, to develop a comprehensive workforce development system which meets the needs of both business and job seekers.

Income Maintenance: It is the task of the Income Maintenance (IM) Division to provide assistance to needy Allen County residents through Public Assistance Programs such as Food Stamps*, Medicaid, Ohio Works First (OWF) cash assistance and Disability Assistance (DA). IM provides a temporary safety net for those families in immediate crisis. The primary focus of the IM Division is to establish eligibility for the above programs and to support Agency efforts to assist clients in achieving self-sufficiency.

Social Services: The Social Service Division provides direct services such as Day Care for children, Learnfare, Preventative Health Care, Information and Referral, Chore and Homemaker services for the disabled and elderly, and Adult Protective Services. Title XX (Social Services) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) monies are further utilized to contract with various agencies to provide additional services for the community including Child Protective Services, Adult Day Care, and transportation. These services strengthen the Lima/Allen County community by providing opportunities for self-sufficiency.

Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC): One of the cornerstones of Ohio's Welfare Reform program was the creation of the Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) program. The PRC program provides services to low-income individuals (usually up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level) to prevent them from having to receive OWF cash assistance and to help low-income individuals retain employment. Services ranging from soft skills training to car repairs and transportation have enabled many county residents to obtain and retain employment. PRC funds are also used in conjunction with WIA funds to expand workforce development programs within the county.

Fraud/Investigations: It is the responsibility of the Fraud/Investigation Unit to investigate all allegations of fraud. The Unit may pursue collection of overpayments, criminal or civil court action, administrative penalties such as disqualification, reduction of benefits, or suspension from participation in Public Assistance programs.

Through the efforts of the Fraud/Investigation Unit, the Allen County Department of Job and Family Services is able to minimize the waste of tax dollars and return monies to the government treasury so that those who are truly needy will benefit.

For further information contact :

Allen County Department of Job and Family Services
1501 South Dixie Highway, P.O. Box 4506
Lima, Ohio, 45804
(419) 228-2621
FAX: (419) 227-2448
Offering Opportunities for Independence

*The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination all
its programs and activities on the basis of color, national origin, sex,
religion, age, disability or political beliefs. To file a complaint of
discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room
326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington,
D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal
opportunity provider and employer.

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