Hamilton County Job and Family Services (HCJFS) Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Hamilton County Job and Family Services (HCJFS) is a government social services agency based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Established in 1947, HCJFS has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Hamilton County residents through a comprehensive range of services. The agency's mission is to provide services today to enhance the quality of living for a better tomorrow. Its vision is to be the center of a collaborative effort that draws together and leads social service agencies, businesses, governments, families, and other community stakeholders in addressing social issues such as poverty and child abuse.

Mission and Vision

• Mission: To provide services today to enhance the quality of living for a better tomorrow.

• Vision: To be the center of a collaborative effort that draws together and leads social service agencies, businesses, governments, families, and other community stakeholders in addressing social issues such as poverty and child abuse.

Primary Area of Focus

HCJFS focuses on delivering a wide array of services aimed at supporting families and individuals in need. These services include child protection, adult protection, childcare, child support enforcement, workforce development, cash assistance, food assistance, and medical assistance.

Industry Significance

As one of Ohio's largest social services agencies, HCJFS plays a pivotal role in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations within Hamilton County. The agency's comprehensive approach to social services positions it as a critical component in the region's efforts to combat poverty, support families, and promote community well-being.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Service Delivery: Provide timely and compassionate services to individuals and families, ensuring their safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency.

• Collaboration: Foster partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and government entities to enhance service delivery and address social issues effectively.

• Innovation: Implement innovative solutions and programs to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Child and Adult Protection: Safeguard children and vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect through intervention and support services.

• Workforce Development: Assist individuals in achieving self-sufficiency by providing job training, employment services, and career development programs.

• Financial Assistance: Offer cash assistance, food assistance, and medical assistance to eligible individuals and families.

Key Technologies Utilized

HCJFS has undertaken digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery. The agency has invested in cloud applications and AI-driven platforms, collaborating with vendors such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cisco Systems, and Hyland. Recent software purchases include Amazon EC2 for application hosting and computing services in 2024, Cloudflare CDN in 2024, and Amazon SES in 2024.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

HCJFS primarily serves residents of Hamilton County, Ohio, focusing on individuals and families facing economic hardships, children in need of protection, and adults requiring support services. The agency addresses social issues such as poverty, child abuse, and unemployment within the community.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a government agency, HCJFS is funded through a combination of federal, state, and local resources. The agency's operating budget for 2026 is approximately $325 million, which includes funding for programs such as Medicaid, SNAP (food assistance), child support, and children's services.

Recent Funding Rounds

Specific details regarding recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed. However, HCJFS has been involved in initiatives to secure additional funding for its programs. For instance, Issue 9, a ballot issue in Hamilton County, aimed to raise an additional $38 million annually for the agency by increasing property taxes. This funding was intended to support the agency's services, including foster care and child protection programs.

Notable Investors

As a public entity, HCJFS does not have investors in the traditional sense. Its funding is derived from taxpayer dollars and allocations from federal and state governments.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds allocated to HCJFS are utilized to support a wide range of services, including:

• Child and Adult Protection Services: Ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations.

• Workforce Development Programs: Providing job training, employment services, and career development.

• Financial Assistance Programs: Offering cash assistance, food assistance, and medical assistance to eligible individuals and families.

• Operational Expenses: Maintaining and enhancing the agency's infrastructure, including technology systems and facilities.

Pipeline Development

As a government agency, HCJFS does not have a product pipeline in the traditional sense. However, the agency continually develops and implements new programs and services to meet the evolving needs of the community. Recent initiatives include:

• Fatherhood Collaborative: A program aimed at supporting fathers through education, resources, and community engagement.

• Project M.O.R.E.: A formal mentoring program developed to support employees and enhance service delivery.

• Digital Transformation Initiatives: Investments in cloud applications and AI-driven platforms to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

HCJFS utilizes a range of technologies to support its operations, including:

• Amazon EC2: For application hosting and computing services.

• Cloudflare CDN: To enhance content delivery and website performance.

• Amazon SES: For email services.

Significant Scientific Methods

The agency employs various methodologies to enhance service delivery, including:

• Data Analytics: To assess program effectiveness and inform decision-making.

• AI-Driven Platforms: To streamline operations and improve client engagement.

AI-Driven Capabilities

HCJFS has integrated AI-driven platforms to optimize efficiency and growth, collaborating with vendors such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cisco Systems, and Hyland.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

• Michael Patton: Director of HCJFS since January 2022, Michael has been with the agency since 1993, holding various leadership positions, including assistant director for child support, building services, and fatherhood initiatives.

• Moira Weir: Former Director of HCJFS, serving as interim director before Michael Patton's appointment.

• Felicia Rosemond: Deputy Chief Probation Officer at HCJFS.

• Bill McJoynt: Chief Information Officer at HCJFS.

• Tim McCartney: Chief Operating Officer at HCJFS.

• Perrie Poland: Chief Probation Officer at HCJFS.

• Mark Miller: Chief Financial Officer at HCJFS.

Key Contributions

• Michael Patton: Led the implementation of a metro county "toolbox" for Ohio child support agencies, streamlining and automating processes.

• Moira Weir: Served as interim director, overseeing the agency's operations and programs.

• Felicia Rosemond: Serves as Deputy Chief Probation Officer, contributing to the agency's probation services.

• Bill McJoynt: As Chief Information Officer, oversees the agency's information technology strategies.

• Tim McCartney: As Chief Operating Officer, manages the agency's daily operations.