CJFS Communications VISTA

As an AmeriCorps member in the VISTA program, you will support an organization to make sustainable change in areas that effect poverty, including education, public health, climate, access to benefits, and more. Through activities such as fundraising, grant writing, research, and volunteer recruitment, you will gain professional experience and leadership skills. This opportunity prepares you for a life of service in the public, private, or nonprofit sector.

Cuyahoga Job and Family Services (CJFS) connects residents with public benefits and work supports to help individuals and families on their journey to self-sufficiency. CJFS is tasked with determining eligibility and case management of five core benefit programs and workforce initiatives: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal food assistance program; Ohio Works First (OWF), the county form of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance program; Medicaid, medical care and insurance for low-income families and the aged/blind/disabled populations; Child care assistance, making it easier for adult caretakers to find and maintain education and a career path; and Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC), which provides aid and services to families due to unexpected emergencies. As a Communications VISTA with the Office of Community Engagement you will collaborate with communications staff members to help improve internal and external communications for the resource distribution of public benefit information and systems information to staff which will improve delivery of services to low-income individuals and families. There is an opportunity to further develop the county social media pages for the individual who thrives on information sharing and community education. Public Service is a rewarding profession. Passionate and driven people like you make all the difference in the lives of the customers that we are serving. If you are interested in helping people, developing content, finding solutions then this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Member Duties : Develop internal and external communications in collaboration with CJFS communications staff and other VISTAs. Develop reports for strategic planning based on the analysis of staff input engagement with content. Develop a strategy and process for agency forms to be maintained and regularly revised. Learn about the public benefit system, and workforce initiatives in Ohio, particularly how they are carried out in Cuyahoga County. Network and develop relationships with CJFS staff and administrators. Create marketing content that is behavior-based and engaging to the diverse populations within Cuyahoga County to increase access and knowledge of public benefits. Program Benefits : Training , Education award upon successful completion of service , Relocation Allowance , Childcare assistance if eligible , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Health Coverage* , Stipend , Living Allowance .