Browse Programs and Services (by department)

Child Support (3) + Expand
More information on the Child Support Enforcement Agency "Department" page.

Seek Work Program
The Seek Work Program is designed to assist non-custodial parents who are having difficulty making child support payments because they are either unemployed or underemployed. Because both parents have an obligation to support their children, custodial parents can also be ordered to participate in the Seek Work program. At their initial appointment, participants are evaluated to determine possible barriers to employment and services are identified to address those barriers. Participants are then linked to programs to assist them in finding employment such as the Workforce Readiness Program, Job Search Program, or Welfare to Work Program. Employment barriers that are addressed include such things as: assisting in obtaining a drivers license, PRC funds to fix vehicles, work allowances, clothing allowances, and referrals to counseling and legal services.  Participants are ordered into the seek work program by either a court or an administrative order.

Athens County Child Support Enforcement
The agency’s goal is to ensure that all children are supported financially by both parents.  Services of CSEA: Location of non-custodial parents; Paternity establishment; Establishment and modifications of child support orders; Collection of child support payments and/or alimony; Enforcement of child support orders, medical support orders and alimony. 

e-QuickPay
Custodial parents can access their child support payments using a MasterCard debit card. Payments are automatically loaded onto the card and can be accessed at MasterCard ATM and retailer locations around the world to make purchases or receive cash.  
To sign up for e-QuickPay:   Call toll-free 1-888-965-2676 or go to the e-QuickPay website

Employment, Education & Training (6) + Expand
These programs are administered through The Work Station.

Adult Basic & Literacy Education (ABLE)
ABLE provides free instruction for adults who wish to improve their basic academic skills and/or prepare to take the GED (General Equivalence Diploma) tests.

Computer Lab & Computer Training
The Community Computer Lab is free and open to the public at The Work Station.  Computer software classes (subject to change) are taught on a scheduled basis.  There are thirteen computers in the lab with Internet access. Each computer has basic word processing and spreadsheet capabilities, as well as other software programs. There is also pre-GED and GED software for individuals wishing to prepare for the official GED test.  The lab is also used to assist individuals with resume writing and cover letter writing, as well as to assist with online job searches and posting of resumes. 

Employment Services
Employment Counselors can assist with job searches, resumes and employability skills.  Services are open to any resident of Athens County.

Fast & Free Tax Assistance Center
The Fast & Free Tax Assistance program provides free on-line tax preparation assistance utilizing IRS-certified volunteers to electronically file tax returns during tax filing season.  Services are available to Athens County residents filing basic returns. 

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) - Adult & Dislocated Worker
The purpose of this program is to provide individuals with the employment and training services they need to obtain a job or find a better job. Individuals must receive core and intensive services before training dollars will be allotted.  The general public is eligible to receive core services through the WIA program. These services include, but not limited to: resume preparation, job search and placement assistance, employment statistics information, initial assessment, information on various community programs and services. If unsubsidized employment is not available after core services have been offered, access to intensive services may be available to the individual where focus is given to helping individuals gain employment. Public assistance recipients and low-income individuals are given priority for intensive and training services.  Enrollment in this program is limited. 

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) - Youth Services
WIA provides a year-round program that provides employment and training opportunities to eligible youth through a variety of programs and services.  Serves ages 14 through 21 and requires that the youth is a low income individual.  Enrollment in this program is limited. 

Family & Adult Services (11) + Expand

Adult Protective Services (APS)
APS takes referrals from anyone in the community having reasonable cause to believe an adult is being abused, neglected or exploited. The intent is to assist adults who are in danger of harm, unable to protect themselves and have no one else able to assist them.

Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
The purpose of the CACFP is to assist with the cost of serving nutritious, well-balanced meals to children receiving daycare services. This program provides a partial reimbursement for meals served. A provider receives a specified amount for each meal and snack served.  Certified Type B (Professional) or AI (Agency Inspected) providers are eligible to participate.

Child Care Assistance
Athens County parents/guardians who are working or in school can get help to pay for their child care. Parents can choose a child care center, home provider, or friend/relative provider that is certified by the Athens County Department of Job and Family Families will be required to pay a co-payment for the child care.

Emergency Food Line 
Athens County Emergency Food Line for food pantry services is accessed through Athens County Job & Family Services.  The Food Line is responsible for screening telephone requests, determining eligibility, maintaining records and directing those in need to a food pantry distribution site.

Food Assistance Program (Ohio Direction Card) 
Food Assistance benefits can be used to buy food or food products intended for human consumption.  The Food Assistance program was designed to promote the general welfare and to safeguard the health and well-being of individuals by raising the levels of nutrition among low-income households by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. To be eligible, income must meet federal guidelines. In Ohio, Food Assistance benefits are issued by using the Ohio Direction Card, an electronic debit card.

Ohio Works First (OWF) Program
OWF is a time-limited (36 months lifetime limit) cash assistance program for households with dependent children. The major goal of OWF is to help participants move toward employment. Other supportive services, such as transportation, child care and PRC services are also available to the participant as needed.  There must be a child in need; or a woman without any other children must be in her sixth month of pregnancy. A child's home must be with a parent, specified relative, custodian or legal guardian.

Ombudsman (Mediator) Services
The Ombudsman informally, confidentially, and impartially handles complaints, provides information and serves as a consultant to customers of Athens County Job & Family Services. The Ombudsman helps resolve conflict and acts as a liaison/mediator between customers and staff. 

Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) Program
PRC is a group of emergency and short-term assistance programs to help families with dependent children while encouraging self-sufficiency. There must be a child or a pregnant woman present in the household to qualify for PRC. The need should be emergent, unforeseeable and unavoidable. It is expected that the household's resources (cash on hand, savings accounts, etc) will be used prior to or in conjunction with PRC assistance. The need may be necessary for the health, safety and well being of the family, to prevent them from coming onto Ohio Works First, or to help gain or retain employment. 

Transportation Services 
Transportation services are available within Athens County to medical appointments and public agencies for recipients of Medicaid or Title XX eligible (over age 60 or income eligible).  Referrals are available for transportation to medical appointments outside of Athens County when medical services are not available within the county. We provide gas vouchers to cover gas expenses to medical appointments. Bus tickets and taxi vouchers are also available for medical appointments.  Incidental expense vouchers may be issued for out-of-county medical appointments, which provide reimbursement after the voucher is returned with a signature by the physician and the recipient (within 4-6 weeks).

Voter Registration & Education
Anyone may register to vote or update their voter registration at any of our agency locations; or call us to have a registration form mailed to you.  We will also be happy to familiarize you with the voting booth and voting procedures. 

Work Experience Program (WEP)
WEP provides an opportunity for individuals receiving Ohio Works First or Food Stamp benefits to acquire valuable training, skill development, work experience and possible job placement. WEP places participants in job settings with employers in the community. Work site sponsors can be government or educational organizations, nonprofit or for-profit companies. Participants are assigned to the site for a set number of hours per month, depending on their type of assistance. They are not paid wages, but receive public assistance during the time of their work experience.

Medical Services (11) + Expand

County Medical Services (CMS)
CMS provides medical benefits for disabled clients while going through the application process for Social Security. These benefits include doctor visits, prescriptions, laboratory tests, dental services, and durable medical equipment (i.e. wheelchair, hospital bed, etc.), if medically necessary.

Disability Assistance (DA)
Disability Assistance is a state and county funded program which provides cash and/or medical assistance to individuals who are not eligible for other cash/medical assistance. Resources must be verified and cannot exceed $1000, except for motor vehicles.

Emergency Prescription Fund
For someone who has a prescription but cannot fill it due to medical and/or financial needs. There are no income guidelines although income is considered when approving or denying an EPF application.  Assistance is available once per year.

Healthchek
A group of prevention and treatment services for infants, children and teens up to the age of 19. These services are provided through Ohio's Medicaid programs and focus on helping all children, including those with disabilities, to get and stay healthy.  Healthchek services are free to all children who have Healthy Start/Healthy Families or other Medicaid coverage. 

Healthy Babies
Healthy Babies is a home-based, smoking cessation and support services program open to all pregnant women living in Athens County regardless of income. 

Healthy Start / Healthy Families
Healthy Start/Healthy Families provides FREE health care coverage (through Medicaid) to infants, children, teens, parents and pregnant women who meet income eligibility guidelines. The program includes: well child exams, doctor visits, hospital care, immunizations, prescriptions, dental services, vision services, mental health care and transportation to health care appointments. 

Homemaker Home Health Aide Program 
The Home Health Aide Program provides homemaker and home health aide services to clients 60 years of age and older. Clients are contracted through several programs (eligibility varies by program) funded through the Area Agency on Aging and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Medicaid
Medicaid is a state and federally funded health program for certain low-income and medically vulnerable people. Medicaid is administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services through each county’s local department of job and family services.  Medicaid Programs include coverage for: Families, Children & Pregnant Women; Aged, Blind and People with Disabilities; Women with Breast/Cervical Cancer; Medicare Premium Assistance; and Institutional Care.

Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities (MBIWD)

MBIWD is an Ohio Medicaid program that provides health care coverage to working Ohioans with disabilities. Historically, people with disabilities were often discouraged from working because their earnings made them ineligible for Medicaid coverage. MBIWD was created to enable Ohioans with disabilities to work and still keep their health care coverage.

To qualify for MBIWD, a person must:

• Be 16 to 64 years old;
• Be disabled as per the Social Security Administration or as determined by Ohio Medicaid or eligible under the MBIWD medically improved category;
• Be employed in paid work (includes part-time and full-time work);
• Pay a premium (if applicable);
• Meet certain basic requirements and financial criteria.

Medicare Premium Assistance Program
This program helps people eligible for Medicare who have limited income and assets get help in paying the cost of one or more of the following: Medicare premium(s); Medicare deductibles; Medicare coinsurance.

When applying for the Medicare Premium Assistance Program, proof of income, resources, age or disability, citizenship (if not a U.S. citizen) and other health insurance is required. No face-to-face interview is necessary; may apply by mail.

Pregnancy Related Services
The Pregnancy Program provides enhanced support and linkage to medical, mental, educational and social services that may be required to ensure a healthy outcome for mother and baby.  The program coordinator assists pregnant women in access to services and support for comprehensive care.  Pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid or who are Medicaid-eligible are able to participate in the program.

Programs and Services (alphabetical)

Adult Basic & Literacy Education (ABLE) + Expand

ABLE provides free instruction for adults who wish to improve their basic academic skills and/or prepare to take the GED (General Equivalence Diploma) tests. The program is administered through The Work Station.

Adult Protective Services (APS) + Expand

APS takes referrals from anyone in the community having reasonable cause to believe an adult is being abused, neglected or exploited. The intent is to assist adults who are in danger of harm, unable to protect themselves and have no one else able to assist them.

Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)+ Expand

The purpose of the CACFP is to assist with the cost of serving nutritious, well-balanced meals to children receiving daycare services. This program provides a partial reimbursement for meals served. A provider receives a specified amount for each meal and snack served.  Certified Type B (Professional) or AI (Agency Inspected) providers are eligible to participate.

Child Care Assistance+ Expand

Athens County parents/guardians who are working or in school can get help to pay for their child care. Parents can choose a child care center, home provider, or friend/relative provider that is certified by the Athens County Department of Job and Family Families will be required to pay a co-payment for the child care.

Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA)+ Expand

The agency’s goal is to ensure that all children are supported financially by both parents.  Services of CSEA: Location of non-custodial parents; Paternity establishment; Establishment and modifications of child support orders; Collection of child support payments and/or alimony; Enforcement of child support orders, medical support orders and alimony. 

Computer Lab & Computer Training+ Expand

The Community Computer Lab is free and open to the public at The Work Station.  Computer software classes (subject to change) are taught on a scheduled basis.  There are thirteen computers in the lab with Internet access. Each computer has basic word processing and spreadsheet capabilities, as well as other software programs. There is also pre-GED and GED software for individuals wishing to prepare for the official GED test.  The lab is also used to assist individuals with resume writing and cover letter writing, as well as to assist with online job searches and posting of resumes.

 

County Medical Services (CMS) + Expand

CMS provides medical benefits for disabled clients while going through the application process for Social Security. These benefits include doctor visits, prescriptions, laboratory tests, dental services, and durable medical equipment (i.e. wheelchair, hospital bed, etc.), if medically necessary.

Disability Assistance (DA) + Expand

Disability Assistance is a state and county funded program which provides cash and/or medical assistance to individuals who are not eligible for other cash/medical assistance. Resources must be verified and cannot exceed $1000, except for motor vehicles.

Emergency Food Line  + Expand

Athens County Emergency Food Line for food pantry services is accessed through Athens County Job & Family Services.  The Food Line is responsible for screening telephone requests, determining eligibility, maintaining records and directing those in need to a food pantry distribution site.

Emergency Prescription Fund + Expand

For someone who has a prescription but cannot fill it due to medical and/or financial needs. There are no income guidelines although income is considered when approving or denying an EPF application.  Assistance is available once per year.

Employment Services+ Expand

Employment Counselors can assist with job searches, resumes and employability skills.  Services are open to any resident of Athens County.

e-QuickPay + Expand

Custodial parents can access their child support payments using a MasterCard debit card. Payments are automatically loaded onto the card and can be accessed at MasterCard ATM and retailer locations around the world to make purchases or receive cash. To sign up for e-QuickPay: Call toll-free 1-888-965-2676 or go to the e-QuickPay website. 

Fast & Free Tax Assistance Center+ Expand

The Fast & Free Tax Assistance program provides free on-line tax preparation assistance utilizing IRS-certified volunteers to electronically file tax returns during tax filing season.  Services are available to Athens County residents filing basic returns. 

Food Stamp Program (Ohio Direction Card)  + Expand

Food Stamp benefits can be used to buy food or food products intended for human consumption.  The Food Stamp program was designed to promote the general welfare and to safeguard the health and well-being of individuals by raising the levels of nutrition among low-income households by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. To be eligible, income must meet federal Guidelines. In Ohio, Food Stamps are issued by using the Ohio Direction Card, an electronic debit card.

Healthchek + Expand

A group of prevention and treatment services for infants, children and teens up to the age of 19. These services are provided through Ohio's Medicaid programs and focus on helping all children, including those with disabilities, to get and stay healthy.  Healthchek services are free to all children who have Healthy Start/Healthy Families or other Medicaid coverage. 

Healthy Babies + Expand

Healthy Babies is a home-based, smoking cessation and support services program open to all pregnant women living in Athens County regardless of income.

Healthy Start / Healthy Families + Expand

Healthy Start/Healthy Families provides FREE health care coverage (through Medicaid) to infants, children, teens, parents and pregnant women who meet income eligibility guidelines. The program includes: well child exams, doctor visits, hospital care, immunizations, prescriptions, dental services, vision services, mental health care and transportation to health care appointments. 

Homemaker Home Health Aide Program  + Expand

The Home Health Aide Program provides homemaker and home health aide services to clients 60 years of age and older. Clients are contracted through several programs (eligibility varies by program) funded through the Area Agency on Aging and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Job Search + Expand

Individuals receiving Food Stamps or OWF may be assigned to the Job Search class. Each individual has a pre-determined amount of time to attend the class and to conduct independent job searches, based on assistance benefits received.  

Medicaid + Expand

Medicaid is a state and federally funded health program for certain low-income and medically vulnerable people. Medicaid is administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services through each county’s local department of job and family services.  Medicaid Programs include coverage for: Families, Children & Pregnant Women; Aged, Blind and People with Disabilities; Women with Breast/Cervical Cancer; Medicare Premium Assistance; and Institutional Care.

Medicare Premium Assistance Program + Expand

This program helps people eligible for Medicare who have limited income and assets get help in paying the cost of one or more of the following: Medicare premium(s); Medicare deductibles; Medicare coinsurance.  When applying for the Medicare Premium Assistance Program, proof of income, resources, age or disability, citizenship (if not a U.S. citizen) and other health insurance is required. No face-to-face interview is necessary; may apply by mail.

Ohio Works First (OWF) Program + Expand

OWF is a time-limited (36 months lifetime limit) cash assistance program for households with dependent children. The major goal of OWF is to help participants move toward employment. Other supportive services, such as transportation, child care and PRC services are also available to the participant as needed.  There must be a child in need; or a woman without any other children must be in her sixth month of pregnancy. A child's home must be with a parent, specified relative, custodian or legal guardian.

Ombudsman (Mediator) Services+ Expand

The Ombudsman informally, confidentially, and impartially handles complaints, provides information and serves as a consultant to customers of Athens County Job & Family Services. The Ombudsman helps resolve conflict and acts as a liaison/mediator between customers and staff. 

Pregnancy Related Services+ Expand

The Pregnancy Program provides enhanced support and linkage to medical, mental, educational and social services that may be required to ensure a healthy outcome for mother and baby.  The program coordinator assists pregnant women in access to services and support for comprehensive care.  Pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid or who are Medicaid-eligible are able to participate in the program.

Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) Program+ Expand

PRC is a group of emergency and short-term assistance programs to help families with dependent children while encouraging self-sufficiency. There must be a child or a pregnant woman present in the household to qualify for PRC. The need should be emergent, unforeseeable and unavoidable. It is expected that the household's resources (cash on hand, savings accounts, etc) will be used prior to or in conjunction with PRC assistance. The need may be necessary for the health, safety and well being of the family, to prevent them from coming onto Ohio Works First, or to help gain or retain employment.

Seek Work Program  + Expand

The Seek Work Program is designed to assist non-custodial parents who are having difficulty making child support payments because they are either unemployed or underemployed. Because both parents have an obligation to support their children, custodial parents can also be ordered to participate in the Seek Work program. Participants are ordered into the program by either a court or administrative order.

Transportation Services  + Expand

Transportation services are available within Athens County to medical appointments and public agencies for recipients of Medicaid or Title XX eligible (over age 60 or income eligible).  Referrals are available for transportation to medical appointments outside of Athens County when medical services are not available within the county. We provide gas vouchers to cover gas expenses to medical appointments. Bus tickets and taxi vouchers are also available for medical appointments.  Incidental expense vouchers may be issued for out-of-county medical appointments, which provide reimbursement after the voucher is returned with a signature by the physician and the recipient (within 4-6 weeks).

Voter Registration & Education + Expand

Anyone may register to vote or update their voter registration at any of our agency locations; or call us to have a registration form mailed to you.  We will also be happy to familiarize you with the voting booth and voting procedures.

Work Experience Program (WEP) + Expand

WEP provides an opportunity for individuals receiving Ohio Works First or Food Stamp benefits to acquire valuable training, skill development, work experience and possible job placement. WEP places participants in job settings with employers in the community. Work site sponsors can be government or educational organizations, nonprofit or for-profit companies. Participants are assigned to the site for a set number of hours per month, depending on their type of assistance. They are not paid wages, but receive public assistance during the time of their work experience.

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) - Adult & Dislocated Worker Services + Expand

The purpose of this program is to provide individuals with the employment and training services they need to obtain a job or find a better job. Individuals must receive core and intensive services before training dollars will be allotted.  The general public is eligible to receive core services through the WIA program. These services include, but not limited to: resume preparation, job search and placement assistance, employment statistics information, initial assessment, information on various community programs and services. If unsubsidized employment is not available after core services have been offered, access to intensive services may be available to the individual where focus is given to helping individuals gain employment. Public assistance recipients and low-income individuals are given priority for intensive and training services.  Enrollment in this program is limited. 

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) - Youth Services + Expand

WIA provides a year-round program that provides employment and training opportunities to eligible youth through a variety of programs and services.  Serves ages 14 through 21 and requires that the youth is a low income individual.  Enrollment in this program is limited.