Other Counties Notice Our Success

Back in the fall, JFS’ Family & Adult Assistance section started a new process called Case Banking. With the new process, food stamp and cash assistance clients no longer had specific workers assigned to their individual cases – their cases are now managed by a group of eligibility technicians. Instead of scheduling an appointment, Medicaid, food stamps and Ohio Works First (OWF) cash assistance applicants (with the exception of certain cases) are served on a first-come, first-served basis at our downtown location. Without this system, some might wait for a month or longer for an appointment. That’s how busy we are right now.

When the agency started this process, we were one of the few counties in Ohio to use the Case Banking initiative; our FAA officials developed a process similar to Butler County’s program. And I am pleased to say that due to the great work done by our FAA workers in transitioning to Case Banking, other counties want to see how we were able to make it a success.

About a month ago, a group from Clark County visited the agency to learn more about the initiative; this week FAA section chiefs and managers hosted a group from Licking County who wanted to acquire more information about how Case Banking works.

Seeing the great work that our employees do day-in and day-out, I know that we are already one step ahead of the game, especially when it comes to helping our clients. And I am glad that other counties are taking notice and seeing our employees hard work for themselves.

It took a lot of hard work from many people throughout the agency to make this initiative work. While there may have been a few glitches here and there during the transition, I am proud of our employees for stepping up. They knew in the end it was a way to provide better customer service for our clients.

Anytime another county wants to visit to learn about our agency, I know it is because they have heard about the hard work that is done by our employees. And I, for one, am proud to tell anyone about the dedication I see every day from JFS employees. We welcome any other Ohio county officials who would like to see it for themselves, too.

by Jim Tinker

Filed Under: Communication