The Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) provides a broad array of programs and services to at-risk citizens of Riverside County. With a staff of almost 3,000, DPSS administers dozens of programs that promote the safety, well-being and self-sufficiency of the community’s most vulnerable populations. With an annual budget in excess of $660 million and community partner agencies numbering in the dozens, the department provides services and support to abused and neglected children and adults, the elderly, the disabled, and individuals and families who are experiencing a temporary period of financial hardship.
DPSS continually seeks innovative ways to help people reach their full potential. From cutting-edge technology that streamlines service delivery to promising new initiatives such as Family to Family, a community-based team approach to child welfare, the department provides advocacy and support that epitomizes the highest standard in government service. The department’s philosophy is exemplified in the award-winning Curtailing Abuse Related to the Elderly (CARE) and Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) programs. Both of these exemplary programs have been recognized across the nation because of the department’s strong belief in the capacity of the human spirit to overcome adversity and attain self-sufficiency.
A winner of the coveted “Innovations in American Government Award,” given by the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Riverside County GAIN is a model for both federal welfare reform and successful welfare-to-work programs around the world. The CARE program, a runner-up for the Innovations award, has been extensively covered in the media as one of the most praiseworthy programs in the state dedicated to protecting the elderly from financial abuse. DPSS strongly supports staff personal and professional growth. The agency offers a variety of education and training programs to employees at all levels that add to the depth and breadth of their knowledge, resulting in improved customer service and greater promotional opportunities.