Ohio Department of Job & Family Services

Tell us about your organization:
The Office of Workforce Development is committed to developing Ohio’s workforce. The primary responsibilities are to promote job creation and to advance Ohio’s workforce through teamwork at all levels of the organization.
The Office of Workforce Development (OWD) is a division of Ohio Department of Job & Family Services.

OWD works in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, the Governor’s Office, and a variety of stakeholders to provide administrative and operational management for several federal programs and to offer specific services in support of these programs. Some of our programs are: Apprenticeship, Farm Worker, Foreign Labor Certification, Labor Market Information, Rapid Response, Jobs for Veterans State Grants, Work Opportunity Tax Credits, Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers, and Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment.

Our mission is: BUILDING Ohio’s Workforce, CREATING Innovative Solutions, PROMOTING Economic Independence and Growth

What is one thing someone might not know about your organization or is unique about your organization?
The Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG) program, through ODJFS, provides federal funding, to hire dedicated staff to provide individualized career- and training-related services to eligible veterans and eligible persons with significant barriers to employment (SBEs), as well as other authorized populations.

Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialists (DVOP) assist those eligible veterans/persons and our job description is outlined in Federal Law. It literally takes an act of Congress to change our job description.

How do you work in partnership with the OhioMeansJobs Centers?
We make and receive client referrals of program-eligible veterans who are in need of individual career services in order to overcome one or more barriers to employment.

Please share a success story of how your organization has assisted an individual or business through your OhioMeansJobs center collaboration.
The Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) received a Veteran Questionnaire (VQ) from the Honor Court (Veterans Treatment Court) indicating a Veteran facing Significant Barriers to Employment (SBE), including lack of permanent housing and low income. After successfully completing the Honor Court program, the Veteran was living in transitional housing.

The Stark County OhioMeansJobs State Employment Professional referred the Veteran to DVOP Specialist, William “Bill” Walker. The Veteran scheduled an appointment with the DVOP Specialist, during which a comprehensive assessment was conducted, and new job leads were identified.

At the time of the appointment, the Veteran urgently needed employment to remain in transitional housing and was at risk of becoming homeless. Following the assessment and support provided by the DVOP Specialist, the Veteran has now successfully secured full-time employment and permanent housing.

For more information, visit: Job Programs & Services | Job and Family Services