Kevin Metz came to the Seek Work program at the Super Jobs Center in late September unemployed, nearly homeless, and behind in his child support payments. A short time later, he had secured a job as a supervisor with a company that cleans up construction sites – and had taken steps toward stabilizing his living situation and addressing his child support obligations.

 “All of those guys at Super Jobs were great,” said Metz, 51, of Northside. 

He especially appreciated the help of Angela Storms, a Workforce Development specialist from the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services. Storms assists participants in the new Seek Work program as part of her role at the Super Jobs Center, 1916 Central Parkway. Super Jobs offers job leads and referrals, access to computers, fax machines and copiers, one-on-one career counseling, workshops and financial assistance for training.

“She was great, very patient, encouraging me on the computer and giving me job leads,” Metz said. “It’s up to you to come and get on the computer. But she was always willing and able to help.”  

Storms provided Metz with the tools he needed to get employed. He attended job readiness workshops to enhance his skills and better prepare for the workforce. He attended job fairs and other hiring events. 

“Kevin Metz is one of the examples of what the Seek Work program is all about: getting participants jobs so that they will become self-sufficient and be prepared for the workforce,” Storms said. 

In Seek Work, unemployed or “under-employed” people with child support obligations are ordered to participate in job training and placement services. Those who don’t appear and/or participate face administrative actions such as license suspension and maybe even contempt of court.

Of the first 823 people referred to Seek Work (by the courts, Child Support techs, diversion programs and REAL Dads), 211 appeared at Super Jobs. Eighty-seven got jobs. More than $23,000 in child support payments already has been collected. 

Metz was referred to Seek Work by REAL Dads at Lighthouse Youth Services. The six-month program assists non-custodial fathers in gaining employment. It provides one-on-one support from life coaches, fatherhood groups and classes to strengthen parenting knowledge and relationship skills, and support and strength from fellowship with other fathers. The program fosters a positive relationship with Hamilton County Child Support.

“From the outset, Kevin has been diligent about wanting to get his child support orders manageable and obtaining employment” said Terence Cook, a REAL Dads life coach. “His effort has been outstanding in getting his individualized service plan completed prior to six months.” 

REAL Dads put Metz in touch with Seek Work coordinator Allen Clay, a Child Support technician. Clay conducts group orientation sessions, answers individuals’ questions, tracks participation in services, and gives progress reports about each individual to the courts and Child Support hearing officers. He works closely with Storms as well as Child Support Section Chief Germaine Sheppard and supervisor Al Howard.  

Those who fail to fulfill their Seek Work commitment face actions such as license suspension and contempt of court citations. 

“The objective is for obligors to find and maintain full-time employment,” Clay said. “We require employment to be reported once obtained. Once employment is reported, Child Support will send a wage withholding to the employer. Based on employment, the obligor is within compliance with the court -ordered support. In addition, the participants in the program have upheld their child support responsibilities and have provided support for the child/children.”  

Metz has had his licence reinstated and child support wage withholding established. He pays support for sons ages 16 and 15.

“The main goal was to help me find employment,” Metz said. “They offered job readiness, job training and a child support payment plan.”

And a helping hand toward a better life.