With almost 30 years of experience working in social service agencies, Judy Eschmann is excited to serve the families of Clermont County. “I’ve been a resident of the county for many years and am honored to join a talented team of professionals and serve the families in my own community.”
She has quickly learned that Clermont County DJFS staff members work hard to serve the children, families and individuals in our community. DJFS programs and services are essential to helping families become self-sufficient, improving the quality of life and protecting our most vulnerable citizens; children and the elderly. One of the many things she has learned over the years is that social service programs have better outcomes and families are better served when there is collaboration among community partners. “I’m looking forward to meeting our community partners, recruiting other organizations to partner and learning about existing and possible collaborations.” Workforce development is also an important component and she is interested in working with Clermont County businesses to learn their needs. “I am committed to the people we serve and the programs we administer. I believe that through combined efforts and collaboration among community partners, we are able to make a positive difference and create a healthy community.”
Prior to joining Clermont County, Ms. Eschmann served as the Director of Clinton County Job and Family Services for 3 ½ years. Like Clermont County, Clinton County is a quadruple combined agency with Public Assistance, Child Protective Services, Child Support Enforcement and Workforce Investment Act Programs. Additionally, Ms. Eschmann served on the Clermont County Mental Health & Recovery Board for four years until October 2013. Her involvement with this Board provided great insight to the behavioral health and addiction services available in Clermont County, priority of customers served and service gaps. She is currently serving as a member of the Regional United Way Emergency Food and Shelter Program Board which is responsible for allocating federal emergency food and shelter funding to agencies in Clermont, Grant, Hamilton and Kenton counties.
When asked about challenges facing her department, Ms. Eschmann stated “I believe Clermont County DJFS has two major challenges to tackle in 2014. The first challenge is a combination of changes in the Medicaid program that were effective January 1, 2014.” The Healthy Start/Healthy Families Medicaid program is being replaced by a new program called Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and new eligibility requirements will affect many parents. The department is anticipating an overwhelming response with Medicaid expansion applications. “The second challenge is related to the opiate addiction and the increasing number of children in custody with JFS – Children’s Protective Services,” Ms. Eschmann continued. “I’m confident that our DJFS team along with our community partners will work together to overcome these challenges.”
To learn more about the programs offered through the Department of Job & Family Services, visit its website at http://djfs.clermontcountyohio.gov/.
