290 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14202

Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

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 Food Stamp recipients.

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.