As used in this section, "Ohio works first" and, "Title IV-A" have the same meanings as in section 5107.02 of the Revised Code.

Each county department of job and family services shall have at least one Ohio works first ombudsperson. A county department may provide for an Ohio works first participant who resides in the county the county department serves and is qualified to perform the duties of an ombudsperson to be an ombudsperson. If no Ohio works first participant residing in the county the county department serves is qualified to perform the duties of an ombudsperson, the county department shall provide for one or more employees of the county department to be ombudspersons or contract with a person or government entity for the person or entity to perform the duties of an ombudsperson for the county department. To the extent permitted by federal law, the county department may use funds available under Title IV-A to provide for county department employees or a person or government entity under contract with the county department to perform the duties of an ombudsperson.

An Ohio works first ombudsperson shall help Ohio works first applicants and participants resolve complaints the applicants and participants have about the administration of Ohio works first.

The department of job and family services shall maintain a toll-free telephone number an Ohio works first assistance group may call to obtain the telephone number of an Ohio works first ombudsperson.

Effective Date: 07-01-2000.