:: Athens County Job & Family Services ::

Our Mission

As the employees of the Athens County Department of Job & Family Services, we have been charged with the most serious and important responsibility in government, that of helping our fellow citizens who experience the despair of poverty, hunger, homelessness, and ill health. We believe that our programs represent the conscience of society and that our strength lies in seeking a decent life for all.

Important JFS News Item

(02/27/08) Don’t Turn Away, Ohio

It is uncomfortable to face up to, but in our efforts to turn around Ohio, we cannot continue to turn away from our communities’ most severe problems and from the poorest of the poor among us. Families and individuals dealing with serious financial issues; problems caused by domestic violence; addiction or mental health problems are unfortunate realities that don’t go away even if they are ignored. Our goal must be to help people through these situations. While challenging even in the best of times, recent failures by the state and federal governments have made accomplishing this goal significantly more difficult. The failure on the part of government to ensure that all families have sufficient income to meet their basic human needs of food, clothing, and shelter has caused holes in the financial safety net to steadily worsen over the years. Our government’s failure to prioritize the needs of the poorest of the poor is causing increased hardships among those least suited to survive them.

Get the position paper with recommendations (PDF document)

endorsed by:

Athens-Hocking-Vinton 317 Board
Athens County Job and Family Services
Athens County Children Services
Hocking County Job and Family Services
Hocking County Children Services
Vinton County Job and Family Services & Children Services

Go to the "Don't Turn Away, Ohio" blog

(12/04/07)Report by Athens County JFS:
TANF: Failing America’s Poorest Children

There are currently 5.5 million U.S. children living in extreme poverty (less than 50 percent of the federal poverty level). These children live in desperate conditions. Their basic needs are not being met. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program has evolved from a safety net designed to help children and their families to one which insures their deprivation. Meeting basic needs for our most needy citizens should be the first priority for TANF funds, not the last. This report takes an in-depth look at TANF and our neediest families.

TANF: Failing America’s Poorest Children (PDF document)

(11/19/07) Report by Athens County JFS:

Social Security Disability Denials

Many people have lost their homes and some their lives while waiting to receive Social Security Disability benefits. These people put their faith into a system that was supposed to help. The system has failed them and could fail thousands more if immediate, effective changes are not made. Athens County JFS takes a look at this issue. Click Here for report.

Family & Adult Services

Complete alphabetical list of agency services.

Or select services by type below:

Programs to help families, whether working or in a difficult situation, including: health care, emergencies, employment, child care, food, transportation and more!
Services for those aged, blind or disabled.
Child Care Providers Information for professional providers or those interested in becoming a certified child care provider.

Health & Medical Services

Health and medical services may be available to people of all ages. Program eligibility varies based on the specific services.
Medicaid Managed Care Selection Services Center (SSC)
The Selection Services Center will provide you with factual and unbiased information regarding available Ohio Medicaid managed care plans (MCPs) and help you select the Managed Care Plan that will best meet your needs. Their website, www.ohiossc.com contains information that will help you make your choice;
or call 1-800-605-3040 to speak with a Selection Services counselor.

Medicaid Providers Link to the providers' section of the Ohio Medicaid website. The Provider Call Center can be reached at 1-800-686-1516. Representatives are available to answer questions on topics such as: Consumer Eligibility Verification, Billing, Payments and Claim Status.

Administration

Find out about our business operations

including employment with our agency, our annual report, other publications and media/community relations.

Reports compliled by our agency

Check out our BLOG! Comments welcome!

Customer Service

For help with a specific case or general information regarding assistance, call our HELP DESK:

(740) 797-2523 or (800) 762-3775

Closed for this year

For tax services, you will have to contact another tax preparer service or the Internal Revenue Service (click here for link) or call 1-800-829-1040.

Child Support

Information for custodial and

non-custodial parents, caretakers and employers.

Click the icon to go to the Athens County Child Support website.

Work Station

FREE comprehensive employment-related services, training, education and
support systems

for employers,

job seekers

and the community.

Click the One-Stop icon to go to The Work Station's website.

IRis

Athens County IRis (Information & Referral interactive system).

To view the Athens County resource directory click HERE.

Mail:
184 N. Lancaster Street
Athens, Ohio 45701

Email:
jfs@athenscountygovernment.com

Phone: (740) 797-2523
Toll-free: 800-762-3775
TTY: (740) 797-2817

Emergency FOOD LINE:
1-800-338-4484

Directions:

Need Directions to the Athens County JFS?

Information Disclaimer

The information provided on this site is intended to be general summary information. It is considered public information and may be distributed or copied freely unless identified as being

subject to copyright protection.

It is not intended to take the place

of written laws or regulations.

Disclaimer of Endorsement

This site may contain links to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations.

These links are provided for the information and convenience of our visitors, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of any views expressed

on these outside websites.

Non Discrimination

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability.

Public Records Notice

This office acknowledges that it maintains many records that are used in the administration and operation of this office. The records maintained by this public office and the ability to access them are a means to provide trust between the public and this office. This public office maintains its records in a manner that allows the general public prompt inspection of this office's public records and copies of these records within a reasonable amount of time during its regular business hours from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

ACJFS Public Records Policy