Comprehensive Employment Division

Location:

290 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14202

Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Operations Update 3/20/20: 

• Employment requirements related to Temporary Assistance and SNAP cases are waived effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020.
• Temporary Assistance Employment activity requirements (welfare to work) are suspended through May 15^th through the use of a good cause waiver.
• Employment assessments will be completed over the telephone.
• Employment requirements related to SNAP cases are waived until further notice.

The Comprehensive Employment Division [CED] of the Erie County Department of Social Services provides integrated employment and training services for Temporary Assistance clients and Non-Temporary Assistance SNAP recipients. ECDSS additionally is part of the Western New York Tech Skills Initiative, with registration available for the program throughout 2021. Click Here for more information on the Tech Skills Inititive. 

To view a flyer listing information and a testimonial pertaining to the WNY Tech Skills Initiative, Click Here. 

In addition, services are available for recipients who request services and non-custodial parents of a TANF-eligible child.

CED provides assessments, job skills training, day care services, substance abuse treatment monitoring, and coordinates Workfare assignments.

ECDSS utilizes a 'Work First' approach to welfare reform and expects all clients capable of work to enter employment at the earliest time possible. Work First initiates immediate job search upon application and prior to cases being opened, and mandatory participation in 'Job Clubs' - which are supervised and specific group job searches.

If the initial job search activities fail to result in employment, Workfare, a short-term vocational training, or other employment assignment is required for all active clients.

The CED Plan:

• All clients are assigned employment counselors to assess work skills and history, client literacy, education and identify employment barriers. Counselors develop an employment plan with coordinated activities to achieve the goal of employment and self-sufficiency:
• Assign work activities including Workfare assignment(s);
• Develop job openings and place clients in appropriate skills training;
• Refer unemployable clients for rehabilitation services.

Low-Income Day Care:

• Low-income families who are employed and earning less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level may be eligible for day care assistance.
• Family income determines the monetary contribution toward the cost of care.
• Parents have the right to choose any licensed, registered provider of care.
• They may also choose a Legally Exempt arrangement as long as the provider is enrolled by the Child Care Resource Network [716] 877-6666.
• For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call: [716] 858-TYKE [858-8953]

Day Care Related Topics:

For information on becoming a family day care provider, or about operating a school age child care program, please call the NYS Office Of Children & Family Services at [716] 847-3828.

To report infractions of day care regulations, please call the: 'New York State Warm Line' at 1-800-732-5207.

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, please call 1-800-342-3720. Your call is confidential and representatives are available 24 hours/day.

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Employment & Training Services Resources -- Click Here to view.