Highland County Job and Family Services administers state, federal and local programs designed to help those in need and help families work toward self-sufficiency. Today, the approximately 50 employees that work for the agency serve thousands of Highland County residents.
The department is a triple-combined public human service agencies– providing public assistance, children’s services, and child support programs to the community.
Among the department’s many duties: local child protection, adult protection, child care, child support enforcement, cash assistance, food assistance and medical assistance.
HCJFS is one of the largest departments within Highland County government and reports to the Board of Highland County Commissioners.
Mission
Building a better community, by helping people build better lives.
Our Leadership
Director: Jeremy Ratcliff
Ratcliff, who became the agency's director on June 14, 2021, possesses a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social-Political Studies/Criminal Justice and a Master of Science Degree in Management & Leadership. He joined the agency after serving as the Director of Court Treatment for Talbert House, overseeing residential substance use disorder treatment services from 2018-2021. Prior to Talbert House, Mr. Ratcliff was employed by the Highland County Probation Department since 2001, including serving as Director of Probation from 2002-2018.
Ratcliff oversees the daily operation of a triple-combined human service agency including; Public Assistance (Ohio Works First Cash Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid), Child Support Enforcement (Establishment, Enforcement, Collection, Review and Adjustment), and Children Services (Protection from abuse and neglect for children and seniors). Additionally, the director oversees fiscal operations, contracting, contract monitoring, and budgeting.
Assistant Director: Donald E. Myers
Myers became Assistant Director on January 3, 2022, possesses degrees in Public Administration, Computer Science and holds certifications in several Human Services areas. He joined the agency after service to Lawrence County Department of Job and Family Services which began in April 1985. Over the years he served in several capacities culminating as Director of the agency for over the last nine years of his service. Immediately following retirement was able to serve as a Contract Monitor for Greater Ohio Workforce Board as well as a Subject Matter Expert for Statewide Projects.
Myers Assist in the oversite of the daily operation of a triple-combined human service agency including; Public Assistance (Ohio Works First Cash Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid), Child Support Enforcement (Establishment, Enforcement, Collection, Review and Adjustment), and Children Services (Protection from abuse and neglect for children and seniors). Additionally, the assist director oversees fiscal operations, contracting, contract monitoring, and budgeting.
Fiscal Officer: Kimberly Case
Case began her career with Highland County Job and Family services in 2007 as a child support case manager. In 2016 Case transitioned to child support administrator until 2023 when she became the agency fiscal officer.
As Fiscal Officer Case oversees the financial operations, budgeting, and monitoring for the triple-combined agency.
Income Maintenance Administrator: Darlene Ford
Darlene Ford oversees the administration of the Public Assistance Programs (Ohio Works First Cash Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid). She has been employed by Highland County since 1988, having started in a part time position and internally promoted to other positions within the Income Maintenance Unit.
Social Services Administrator: Stephanie Kelley
Kelley began her career at Highland County Job and Family Services in 2011 as she was completing her college coursework. In 2012, she transitioned to working full-time at the agency.
In 2015, Kelley began working as an Intake Investigator, and in 2021 was promoted to the Intake Supervisor. Kelley has obtained her current position as the Social Services Administrator, overseeing all units within children services since 2023.
Child Support Administrator: Shira Smith
Shira Smith joined JFS in 2017. Shira has held numerous roles within Highland County. Shira has previously worked within the Income Maintenance Unit before transferring to the Child Support Unit in 2020. Prior to becoming the CSEA Administrator, Shira’s duties included paternity and support establishment as well as case modifications. Shira ‘s CSEA team consists of one Unit Support Worker, four Enforcement workers, one Paternity/Support Establish and Modifications and one Team Lead that manages training and day to day activities.