The Department of Social Services offers numerous services to their county residents. The programs described here are related to their workforce development efforts.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/Safety Net Assistance
Eligibility is based on family size, income and family assets. You must fill out an application at your local office. Call for an appointment.

These are both temporary programs that provide assistance with living expenses. Through these programs people may also receive food stamps and Medicaid. Both programs have a variety of regulations that can impact each individual's participation requirements, however the majority of adults receiving services must be working or actively seeking employment.

Low Income Child Care Support Program
Eligibility is based on family size, income and family assets. You must fill out an application at your local office. Call for an appointment and pre-screening for eligibility.

This program is for people who are employed and need help paying the day care costs for their children while they are at work. The payment goes directly to your day care provider, and is a percentage of your actual cost.

Job Search Assistance
This service is available to people under sixty years of age, who are receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or Safety Net services. People who are interested should contact the phone number listed above for their county of residence.

This program can provide you with one-on-one career counseling services and job search assistance. Through an in-depth interview you and a counselor will develop a job goal and a service plan of action. The service plan will outline any special assistance (like childcare) you may need to find employment. The counselor will also work closely with you to help you learn about the labor market, find appropriate job openings, complete applications, develop a resume and handle employment interviews. If eligible, you will also be pre-certified for Welfare to Work and Work Opportunity tax credits, which can provide a tax break to an employer that hires you.

The links that follow give information about other Support Services and programs they have to offer.

If you can't find something you are looking for, please contact the Columbia-Greene Career Center for more assistance, (518) 828-4181 ext. 5510,TDD/TTY (518) 828-1399 or e-mail us .