HCJFS receives two national awards for innovation

The National Association of Counties granted Hamilton County Job and Family Services two achievement awards this year, honoring work to help kids in foster care get better medical care and changes to help more families who need one-time help.

The two awards:

Human Services category – “Leveraging TANF/PRC flexibility to meet new, expanding needs”. The agency started exploring expanded TANF/PRC service offerings in June 2018. The series of changes in process, policy and technology that have resulted from this exploration has resulted in dramatic increases in distribution of funding for families in need of one-time assistance to address specific barriers to work, housing stability and child welfare.

The changes left us perfectly positioned to help more people as the economy began to shut down when the pandemic hit. Thanks to these staff members: Brandy Scott Herrmann; Nicole Peace-Nusekabel; Jamie Mansu; Melody Collins; Tawnya Carpenter; Stephanie Ballinger; Jacob Jensen; Maggie Murray; Jessica Wilcher and Amber Hill.

Health category – “Project IDENTITY.” Led by Kristine Flinchum, IDENTITY gives caseworkers easier, quicker access to the medical records of foster children. The program keeps kids healthier because their providers know their medical needs right away.

The awards were presented during a luncheon Sunday at NACO’s annual conference.

“Over the past year, county officials and front line employees have demonstrated bold, inspirational leadership,” said NACo President Gary Moore. “This year’s Achievement Award-winning programs illustrate the innovative ways counties build healthy, safe and vibrant communities across America.”

Started in 1970, NACo’s annual Achievement Awards program is designed to recognize county government innovations. Each nominee is judged on its own merits and not against other applications received.

“Over the past year, county officials and frontline employees have demonstrated bold, inspirational leadership. This year’s Achievement Award winning programs illustrate the innovative ways counties build healthy, safe and vibrant communities across America.”

Awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health and civic engagement.

by Jane Prendergast

Filed Under: News