CJFS Community Research and Engagement VISTA

Overview

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 determines eligibility and case management for five core benefit programs and workforce initiatives: SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program); OWF (Ohio Works First);
Medicaid;
Child care assistance; and PRC (Prevention, Retention, and Contingency). As a Community Research and Engagement VISTA with the Office of Community Engagement you will assess and increase the number of participants who are eligible for public benefits but may not yet be enrolled, and support access to public benefits for low-income individuals by analyzing agency and community data for non-citizen and limited-English proficient residents to collaboratively strategize engagement in the county.

Member Duties

• Work heavily with data and use data to make recommendations on improving access to public benefits for residents of Cuyahoga County.
• Learn about the public benefit system and workforce initiatives in Ohio, particularly how they are carried out in Cuyahoga County.
• Meet and develop relationships with CJFS staff and administrators.
• Identify residents of Cuyahoga County who may be eligible for public benefits but are not enrolled and analyze barriers they face.
• Recommend possible interventions/solutions to barriers based on collected data.
• Collaborate with community engagement staff to identify the at-risk population through fact-finding, in-depth research, and analysis.
• Develop an implementation strategy that includes informational materials and an adaptable engagement and marketing approach tailored to targeted communities.

Program Benefits

• Education award upon successful completion of service
• Relocation Allowance
• Training
• Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
• Stipend
• Health Coverage*
• Childcare assistance if eligible
• Living Allowance

Terms

• Permits attendance at school during off hours
• Permits working at another job during off hours

Service Areas

None

Skills

• General Skills
• Public Speaking
• Team Work
• Community Organization
• Communications
• Computers/Technology
• Writing/Editing

Summary

Program Type: Ameri Corps VISTA

Program

CJFS Community Research and Engagement VISTA

Program Start/End Date

03/07/2026 - 03/06/2027

Work Schedule Full Time

Education level Some college

Age Requirement Minimum: 18

Program Locations OHIO Cleveland/ Akron

Languages English

Accepting Applications

From 01/20/2026 To 01/20/2027

Contact

Tina Coleman
4261 Fulton Pkwy
Cleveland OH 44144

tina.colemano.gov
(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

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