Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Cash Assistance
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For details see the Ohio Works FirstCash Assistance
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Find out what may keep you from qualifying by accessing theCash Assistance
Food Assistance
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A person may qualify for benefits if the household’s gross monthly income is within 130% of the federal poverty guidelines and within 100% of the poverty level after all allowable expenses (net adjusted income), and if the person’s resources such as cash, savings, stocks, etc., do not exceed $2,000 ($3,000 if a person is at least 60 years old or disabled). The income and resource limits do not apply if each person in the household receives income from any of the following programs: - Ohio Works First (OWF) - Ohio’s Disability Financial Assistance (DFA) - Ohio’s Disability Medical Assistance (DMA) Program - Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Resources of an SSI or OWF household member are excluded. The income and resource limits do not apply if at least 1 person in the household is authorized to receive or receiving benefits or services from the Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) Program.Food Assistance
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Some individuals will be ineligible for food stamp benefits. For example, able-bodied adults without dependent children who are not employed or who are not participating in a work program will be ineligible for benefits after receiving 3 months of benefits in any 3-year period, unless the individual is residing in a county that is currently waived from this work requirement or the individual becomes employed or participates in a work program. Individuals who are required to work but have failed to comply with the work program are ineligible.Food Assistance
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Allowable expenses include medical expenses for individuals 60 years of age or older; or who are considered disabled; dependent care expenses; legally-obligated child support; and shelter costs such as rent, mortgage, property taxes, gas and electric.Food Assistance
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Items such as income and expenses will require verification at the time of application. Normal processing requires that benefits be issued or the application denied within 30 days after the date the application is filed. But if the household has little or no income and resources, the household may be eligible to receive benefits right away even if all of the information can not be verified quickly. However, identification is required at the time of application.Food Assistance
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Depending on the household’s situation, a review (re-certification) of continued eligibility for food stamp benefits is generally required every 6 to 12 months. Reviews will occur more often if the household is experiencing a lot of changes or has earned income. Elderly and disabled households with no earned income will have a review of their eligibility once every 24 months.Food Assistance
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Food stamp benefits can be used to buy most food or food products intended for human consumption.Food Assistance
Medical Assistance
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Medicaid is a public health care program funded by the state and federal government. It provides necessary health care coverage to certain individuals with limited income. In Ohio, a person is entitled to Medicaid health care coverage for free or at a low cost if they meet specific income and eligibility requirements. As an entitlement program, the state cannot limit the number of eligible persons enrolled in Medicaid or deny access to medically necessary services to control costs.Medical Assistance
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Ohio Medicaid provides health care coverage to children, pregnant women, families, adults age 65 and older and people with disabilities. Some consumers may need to pay monthly premiums or copays for certain services.Medical Assistance
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Once enrolled, consumers can get health care services from a Medicaid provider who accepts Medicaid as health insurance. This is generally called fee-for-service Medicaid. Consumers may be required to get their services from a Medicaid managed care plan. Both fee-for-service Medicaid and the managed care plans provide all medically necessary primary, specialty and emergency care, and preventive services. Ohio Medicaid also provides both home health care and facility-based services for those consumers requiring long-term care services. Home care services allow consumers to remain in their homes and communities. Long-term care services are also available for consumers needing care in nursing homes and facilities for persons with mental retardation. Alternatives to institutional care are offered through home and community-based services waivers (e.g., PASSPORT, Ohio Home Care).Medical Assistance
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Ohio’s Medicaid Program includes services mandated by the federal government as well as optional services Ohio has elected to provide. Some services are limited by dollar amount, the number of visits per year, or the setting in which they can be provided. With some exceptions, all medically necessary services are available to all Medicaid consumers. View details onMedical Assistance
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For details on monthly income guidelines,Medical Assistance
Child Support - Establishing Support
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State and federal laws mandate the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) pursue child support for any child who receives medical or cash assistance from the State of Ohio.Child Support - Establishing Support
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You, your husband, or the presumed father may request paternity testing from CSEA if there is not a court order naming a father.Child Support - Establishing Support
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No, there is no charge for the application service.Child Support - Establishing Support
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No, unless ordered by the courts.Child Support - Establishing Support
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Parties have 60 days from the date of signing an affidavit to sign a rescission to cancel it. If after 60 days a rescission has not been signed, either party has one year to file a motion with the court for paternity testing.Child Support - Establishing Support
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A parent under 18 may apply but will need a legal guardian present to receive services.Child Support - Establishing Support
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You may expect the results in 4 to 6 weeks. Results are sent to each party by mail.Child Support - Establishing Support
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If both parties agree, the child’s last name may be changed at the time of genetic testing.Child Support - Establishing Support
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Both parents are typically ordered to pay.Child Support - Establishing Support
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No, it goes to the agency or to the State of Ohio if the foster parents are paid through the agency or state.Child Support - Establishing Support
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Yes. If you need a support document notarized, the CSEA provides the service at no cost.Child Support - Establishing Support
Child Support - Enforcement
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By state law, CSEA cannot assist in this matter. The issue must be addressed privately in the court system.Child Support - Enforcement
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No, the Child Support Enforcement Agency is not able to assist with those particular issues.Child Support - Enforcement
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It is a 2% fee charged on court-ordered payments, as established by Ohio law.Child Support - Enforcement
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If you owe more than $2,500 in past due child support, the U.S. State Department will refuse to issue a passport and may revoke, restrict, or limit a passport previously issued.Child Support - Enforcement
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A warning letter is sent to an obligor who is not complying with a support order. If the obligor does not respond within 14 days, the license can be suspended.Child Support - Enforcement
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Our computer system generates information that is provided to the IRS.Child Support - Enforcement
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Tax monies may be on hold for a variety of reasons. Please contact the CSEA in person. We cannot discuss IRS information over the phone.Child Support - Enforcement
Child Support - Payments
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The employer has 7 business days to send in the payments. After the payment is received, it is processed within 2 business days.Child Support - Payments
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Call one of the numbers on the back of the card: 800-503-1283 or 888-965-2676.Child Support - Payments
Child Support - Intergovernmental Actions
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Contact your local CSEA. A review of all orders will be conducted and a controlling order will be determined.Child Support - Intergovernmental Actions
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Either party can seek a modification of an order issued in another state. Procedures vary by case. Contact the CSEA for more information.Child Support - Intergovernmental Actions
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Enforcement action may include (but is not limited to) the issuance of an income withholding order or administrative and legal action for noncompliance. When an income source is located for an obligor who resides in another state, the state that issued the support order may send a direct income withholding order to this source. If it becomes necessary to take administrative or legal action against the obligor, the obligee may either work directly with the state that issued the support order or contact his or her local CSEA to initiate action with CSEA in the obligor’s state of residence.Child Support - Intergovernmental Actions
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The obligee may choose to work with his or her local CSEA or work directly with the state that issued the order. To avoid confusion, the obligee should choose one or the other—not both. Some states will only communicate directly with the initiating state if the obligee chooses to apply for child support services with the local CSEA.Child Support - Intergovernmental Actions
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This varies depending on what action is necessary. If an interstate request is made for enforcement of another state’s order—and legal action is needed—it may take several months for the case to reach court. Your local CSE will closely monitor the status to assure timely action is taken.Child Support - Intergovernmental Actions
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Some states allow testimony by telephone. This pertains to administrative hearings held at CSEA as well. If you are scheduled to appear at an out-of-state hearing, please contact CSEA as to whether telephone testimony is permitted.Child Support - Intergovernmental Actions
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If you dispute the amount of support ordered or have another issue, an appeal may be possible. You must communicate concerns immediately to CSEA. There are time limits to filing an objection.Child Support - Intergovernmental Actions
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Visitation issues cannot be addressed by the CSEA in interstate actions and are not a defense for non-payment of support.Child Support - Intergovernmental Actions
Child Support - Modifying Orders
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According to the Ohio Guidelines Calculations (ORC 3119.05), both parties’ incomes must be used to calculate the amount of support to be paid.Child Support - Modifying Orders
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No. Only the incomes of the mother and the father of the child are used.Child Support - Modifying Orders
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First, you need to ask for a review and adjustment. If it is found that the child is receiving more in Social Security benefits than what the court would order, you would not be ordered to pay support. If you owe arrears, you would be required to pay that.Child Support - Modifying Orders
However, if it is found the child is not receiving more than what would be ordered by the court, you would be ordered to pay support. If you owe arrears, you also would be required to pay that. -
Approximately 3 to 6 months, depending upon request for administrative and/or court hearings.Child Support - Modifying Orders
Child Support - Terminating Orders
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About 3 to 6 months.Child Support - Terminating Orders
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No. A court order is needed for a legal custody change. Otherwise, support will continue. Take a copy of the custody order to CSEA.Child Support - Terminating Orders
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This is to prevent an over-payment. A motion to impound (hold) payments is filed with the court. Once the termination process is completed, any held money will be distributed.Child Support - Terminating Orders
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Until a final order is filed with the court, the deduction must continue.Child Support - Terminating Orders
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If an individual was paying on arrears prior to terminating support, the amount paid on that arrearage is added to the amount that was paid monthly for support. This process is mandated by the State of Ohio and provides for a quicker repayment of the money that is owed.Child Support - Terminating Orders
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If an arrearage exists at the time of emancipation, the deduction will remain the same until all arrears are paid in full. When all monies owed have been paid, the CSEA will end the wage withholding.Child Support - Terminating Orders
Family Stability
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Family Stability
- Clark County Developmental Disabilities
- Clark County Family and Children Services
- Clark County Juvenile Court
- McKinley Hall (Adult Drug/Alcohol Treatment)
- Mental Health Services for Clark County
- Oesterlen Services for Youth
- The Rocking Horse Community Health Center
- Springfield City Schools
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To encourage safety, stability and support by helping families, caregivers and providers think through and learn about services within the community.Family Stability
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Family Stability
Clark County Department of Job and Family Services: 1346 Lagonda Avenue Springfield, OH 45503
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Family Stability
- Monday mornings 9:00 am and 10:30 a.m. - Wednesday afternoons 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
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- All information shared is confidential, within limitations of the abuse and neglect law - Introductions - Overview of the reason for referral; headed by the referral source, aka team leader - Family’s reported needs and concerns - Open question and answer format from the team working together with the family - Review action plan/outcomes with the Family Stability Coordinator - Written action plan/outcomes of the meeting while it is the Committee’s understanding that the team leader/referral source will continue to support the family in carrying out the plan.Family Stability
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- Problem solve through difficult situations and barriers - Work together with the members of the Family Stability team - Learn about different resources in Clark County - Connect children, families and caregivers to resources in Clark County - Ensure the safety and stability of children and their familiesFamily Stability
Adoption & Foster Care
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Families do not need to be Clark County residents to adopt children through Clark County Family and Children Services. For foster care, an inquirer living in an adjoining county of Clark County may fill out an application. However, those families living outside of an adjoining county should contact the local county agency to get more information.Adoption & Foster Care
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If children cannot remain safely within their own home, the agency will work with the children’s family to develop a temporary, safe living arrangement. If this is not possible, the agency may contact Clark County Juvenile Court to request removal of the child(ren) from the home.Adoption & Foster Care
In some cases, families voluntarily seek help from Clark County Family and Children Services to find their child(ren) a home until a family crisis subsides. The rules affecting children entering into foster care are set and monitored by federal and state laws. -
Adoption & Foster Care
First, families go through a free home study with Clark County Family and Children Services. The home study includes education, self-evaluation to help families prepare to adopt a child who needs a loving home, and the following (but not limited to): - 39 hours of training - Background checks and references - Fingerprinting - Fire inspection
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Adoptive parents must be at least 21 years old with a stable income and may be: - Homeowners or renters - Single, married, divorced or widowed - With or without childrenAdoption & Foster Care
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- 21 years old or older - Able to provide a safe and healthy home for a child - Desire to work closely with other team members to help a child and restore a family - Enough living space for a child - Income sufficient to meet the basic needs of the household - Married or singleAdoption & Foster Care
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About 10 to 12 weeks, depending on the family’s schedule and how quickly the required documentation is received.Adoption & Foster Care
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Adoption & Foster Care
The required training and home study are free, but there are often attorney fees and court costs associated with adoption. These expenses may be eligible for reimbursement as non-recurring expenses.
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Money that is available to help adoptive families care for adopted children. An eligibility specialist helps determine the amount that a family may receive. Children Services can assist families with adopted children until they turn 18. The agency may be able to assist children who qualify as developmentally delayed as defined by Developmental Disabilities of Clark County until age 21.Adoption & Foster Care
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Adoption & Foster Care
Foster families receive a monthly, non-taxable paycheck, 2 weeks of paid vacation per year, allowances for clothing and activities, medical coverage for the foster child, and mileage reimbursement.
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The amount of time it takes for a placement varies greatly. The more flexible you are regarding age, background and behavioral characteristics of an adoptive child, the sooner a placement may be made.Adoption & Foster Care
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This depends on a variety of factors. Children are matched with a foster family based on preferred characteristics such as: age, gender and special needs. By following the stated preferences as much as possible, the agency works to establish successful placements.Adoption & Foster Care
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Yes. Before making a placement, the agency asks the foster family if they would agree to care for a particular child who has been identified through the matching process.Adoption & Foster Care
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This depends upon the child’s birth family and the progress made toward resolving issues in their home. Typically, children remain in foster care no longer than 12 months. After this time, the agency proceeds with establishing alternative permanency plans, which include, but are not limited to, adoption, planned permanent living and/or independent living.Adoption & Foster Care
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These children need love, affection and guidance. They represent all ethnic groups and ages, from infants to teens. Some may have disabilities and require special care. Others may have brothers and sisters who need to be placed together. They may be teenage mothers who need temporary homes for themselves and their children.Adoption & Foster Care
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Adoption & Foster Care
Overall, families must: - Love and understand children and want to make a lifetime commitment to parenting a child in need - Want to share their time and family life and give a child a place to call home - Be flexible, responsive and understand that there may be challenging times — and that the rewards last a lifetime
Child Advocacy Center - Support & Case Management
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The purpose of CAC Services is to assure that children and family members feel supported during and after the interview process.Child Advocacy Center - Support & Case Management
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The CAC / Rocking Horse Case Manager is the contact for this process. Call 937-327-3731 to reach Leslie Kleen.Child Advocacy Center - Support & Case Management
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- Support to the child and family member(s) while they are at the CAC - Information about therapeutic services for children, caregivers, and other family members - Assistance communicating MDT recommendations to family member(s) including information about medical exams. - Referrals and support during medical exams. - Follow-up with ongoing support and referrals through regular phone contact; track family's progress and use of therapeutic services - Victim Advocacy Information and Support –which includes: Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program and Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) informationChild Advocacy Center - Support & Case Management
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- During the Interview - Meet with family member(s) to offer support, answer questions, and provide information - After the Interview - Provide family members(s) with specific referrals for medical and therapeutic services based on recommendations of MDT; answer questions about medical exams - Post-Interview Teaming - collaborate with team on recommendations - Any time these services would be helpful to the family - Services can be requested at any time during or after a CAC interviewChild Advocacy Center - Support & Case Management
Child Advocacy Center - Who, What, Why?
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The Clark County Child Advocacy Center (CAC) serves children from birth to 18 years of age or those under 21 who are intellectually disabled. The children are referred to the CAC by child welfare and law enforcement agencies. We work to provide a coordinated community response to victims of: - Domestic Violence - Felony Level Physical Abuse - Human Trafficking - Sexual Abuse and Exploitation - Witness of a Violent CrimeChild Advocacy Center - Who, What, Why?
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During a child abuse investigation, experts from several agencies must talk with the child. Before the Clark County Child Advocacy Center existed, children were taken back and forth among child welfare offices, police departments, medical clinics, and therapists.Child Advocacy Center - Who, What, Why?
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Our child-friendly facility is located at 1346 Lagonda Avenue, at the rear entrance of Building D in Springfield, Ohio.Child Advocacy Center - Who, What, Why?
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There is no fee for services provided by the CAC. The Center is funded by a variety of in-kind and grant resources, which include: - Job and Family Services of Clark County - National Children’s Alliance - Ohio Attorney General’s Office-Victims of Crime - Springfield Foundation - Turner Foundation (Rocking Horse Center Grant) As a non-profit agency, the CAC hosts fundraising events and depends on donations to help support the services that we provide.Child Advocacy Center - Who, What, Why?
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The unique centralization of the multidisciplinary agencies allows the team to share information, coordinate their services and streamline the investigative process. However, as every case is an open child abuse investigation, confidentiality is a primary concern. Each agency signs an inter-agency agreement that permits the agency to share information with other team members. Case information is not released to anyone other than team agencies unless by court order. The CAC's administrative staff does not acknowledge inquiries about scheduled appointments or whether a child has been seen or not. The CAC refers all such requests to the case investigators.Child Advocacy Center - Who, What, Why?
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Your support matters. There are many ways that each person can get involved.Child Advocacy Center - Who, What, Why?
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No! As part of our Code of Ethics, the Clark County Child Advocacy Center honors the confidentiality of information and the privacy of our donors and beneficiaries.Child Advocacy Center - Who, What, Why?
OhioMeansJobs
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Resources include a current listing of job openings in Clark and surrounding county one-stops. One-stop services include free access to computers, internet, fax machines, telephones, workshops and much more. Many agency partners are onsite to assist with all your employment needs by offering programs such as: •Job readiness programs •Career exploration •Resume workshops •Basic computer skills workshop •Unemployment/Reemployment services •Veteran services •Public assistance •Transportation •Training and educationOhioMeansJobs
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Not much. You can just come on the date and time of the open interview- preferably with a resume in hand and dressed professionally.OhioMeansJobs