CJFS Community Research and Engagement VISTA

About the Organization

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 manages case support for five core benefit programs and workforce initiatives:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Ohio Works First (OWF), Medicaid, Child Care Assistance, and Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC).

As a Community Research and Engagement VISTA with the Office of Community Engagement, you will assess and increase participation of eligible residents who are not yet enrolled in public benefit programs. Your role focuses on analyzing agency and community data for non‑citizen and limited‑English‑proficient residents to strategize engagement and improve access to services.

• Work heavily with data and make recommendations to improve public benefit access for county residents.
• Identify residents in Cuyahoga County who may be eligible for public benefits but are not enrolled and assess the barriers they face.
• Recommend possible interventions or solutions based on collected data.
• Collaborate with community engagement staff to conduct fact‑finding, research, and analysis.
• Develop an implementation strategy, including informational materials and an adaptable engagement and marketing approach tailored to each target community.
• Learn about the public benefit system and workforce initiatives in Ohio, with a focus on Cuyahoga County.
• Build relationships with CJFS staff and administrators.

• 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

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

None

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

Full Time

Some college

English

Ohio – Cleveland / Akron

Minimum 18