Ocean County Department of Human Services

Ocean County Department of Human Services The overall goal of the department is to coordinate planning efforts & to facilitate joint programs

The Ocean County Department of Human Services was established to initiate and support program development in order to address human services needs in Ocean County. The Department aims to develop and sustain productive partnerships with state, county, and local organizations; and to coordinate service delivery ensuring a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of the community. The Department i

s comprised of the Human Services Advisory Council, the Mental Health Board, the Office for Individuals with Disabilities, the Advisory Commission on the Status of Women, Workforce Investment Board, and the Children’s Interagency Coordinating Council. Together, each Board and Commission collaborates in the planning, implementation, and oversight of programs.

Staff from our office are handing out resources and information today at the Prepping for Pre-K event, located at Spruce...
08/06/2026

Staff from our office are handing out resources and information today at the Prepping for Pre-K event, located at Spruce Street Elementary School in Lakewood, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 📚✏️

A Code Red Heat Advisory has been officially activated for Ocean County starting Thursday, August 6, through Monday, Aug...
08/05/2026

A Code Red Heat Advisory has been officially activated for Ocean County starting Thursday, August 6, through Monday, August 10, 2026.

This activation is triggered by weather conditions reaching the hazardous threshold of a 90-degree heat index.

All participating sites will operate from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. These locations serve as multi-agency engagement hubs, providing guests with climate-controlled relief as well as critical access to housing assistance and supportive services from third-party providers and outreach teams.

Active Cooling Center Locations
Permanent County Hub (Open DAILY)
Ocean County Site - 1959 Route 9, Toms River | (732) 569-1042
Note: This location is open 7 days a week (daily) to provide consistent community access.

Satellite Sites (Call Ahead for Weekend Availability)
Just Believe: 211 Center St, Lakehurst | (732) 279-6157
Warm Hearts: 764 Ocean Ave, Lakewood | (732) 900-1724
Toms River Homeless Coalition: 405 Washington St, Toms River | (848) 223-7284
HABcore (Pelican Inn): 3324 NJ-37, Toms River | (732) 639-4769

In accordance with program mandates, services are provided without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender identity, or disability. Accommodations are available for individuals with language barriers, physical disabilities, or hearing impairments to ensure all vulnerable residents can access these resources safely.

Announcement of Availability of the Opioid Advisory Council Three-Year Plan Draft for Public Review and CommentThe Ocean...
08/03/2026

Announcement of Availability of the Opioid Advisory Council Three-Year Plan Draft for Public Review and Comment

The Ocean County Opioid Advisory Council has posted its 2027–2030 Three-Year Plan (Draft) for public review and comment. The Plan outlines priorities for addressing community needs, identifying service gaps, and guiding the use of opioid settlement funds to strengthen prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction services.

The public comment period is August 3, 2026, through August 14, 2026.

Written comments may be submitted by email to [email protected] no later than August 14, 2026.

Visithttps://www.co.ocean.nj.us//WebContentFiles//c218778e-98b4-4df3-bcfc-7eb04eaed70f.pdf to review the Three-Year Plan (Draft).

Earlier this week, we celebrated the retirement of our colleague, Phil, after thirty years of dedicated service to Ocean...
07/30/2026

Earlier this week, we celebrated the retirement of our colleague, Phil, after thirty years of dedicated service to Ocean County.

It was a wonderful day, and we will truly miss seeing Phil’s smiling face every day!

Happy Retirement, Phil!

Are you a vendor or employer interested in participating in the 4th Annual Disability Employment Awareness Job & Resourc...
07/29/2026

Are you a vendor or employer interested in participating in the 4th Annual Disability Employment Awareness Job & Resource Fair?

This year's event is brought to you by the Ocean County Commission for Individuals with Disabilities, the Ocean County Workforce Development Board, the Office of Disability Services at Ocean County College, Waters & Sums Supported Employment Services, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Ocean County Library.

Register by September 9, 2026, at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/RcyLN31zYc.

Agencies are expected to bring information and resources regarding their agency and/or services. Employers are encouraged to conduct interviews for hiring potential employees.

If you have any questions, call the Ocean County Department of Human Services at 732-506-5374.

*All employers are Equal Opportunity Employers*

Do You Want To Make A Difference? Become A Child Care Substitute Teacher!If you are passionate about early childhood edu...
07/27/2026

Do You Want To Make A Difference? Become A Child Care Substitute Teacher!

If you are passionate about early childhood education, enjoy working with young children, and are reliable, professional, and team-oriented, New Jersey Early Education Substitute Solutions (NJ-EESS) invites you to join their substitute teacher service.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, pass a background check, and complete a medical examination.

Visit https://www.childcarenj.gov/Providers/Quality/SharedServices/Substitutes for more information.

The Ocean County Department of Human Services is proud to support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 36th Anniver...
07/26/2026

The Ocean County Department of Human Services is proud to support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 36th Anniversary. On July 26th, we celebrate this important civil rights law that works to ensure all people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Celebrate with us by visiting: adaanniversary.org

Staff from our office will be at Beach Ball Blast today from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the the Ocean County Parks Admini...
07/23/2026

Staff from our office will be at Beach Ball Blast today from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the the Ocean County Parks Administration Bayfront Fields (1198 Bandon Road, Toms River).

We will be handing out resources and information. We hope to see you there!

As of July 1, 2026, Phil Valese has officially retired from the Ocean County Department of Human Services.Throughout his...
07/22/2026

As of July 1, 2026, Phil Valese has officially retired from the Ocean County Department of Human Services.

Throughout his thirty-year career with the County, Phil was admired not only for his dedication to his work and the community, but also for his willingness to help his colleagues whenever needed. No matter the challenge, he faced each day with professionalism, kindness, and a smile that could brighten any room. He also generously gave his time and expertise by serving on several important committees, including the Ocean County Commission for Individuals with Disabilities and the Ocean County Transportation Advisory Committee.

Phil, you will be missed tremendously by your coworkers, friends, and everyone who had the pleasure of working alongside you. We will treasure the wonderful memories made and years spent together.

Please join us in congratulating Phil on his well-earned retirement and wishing him continued happiness, good health, and many wonderful adventures as he begins this exciting new chapter!

Our staff had an incredible time at this year's Ocean County Fair! It was such a pleasure meeting so many wonderful peop...
07/22/2026

Our staff had an incredible time at this year's Ocean County Fair!

It was such a pleasure meeting so many wonderful people and families from our community. We enjoyed chatting with local vendors, exploring the attractions and events, listening to some amazing local bands, seeing all the animals, and, of course, treating ourselves to fair favorites like funnel cake, fried Oreos, and ice cream!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello and made this year's fair such a memorable experience. We can't wait to see you again next year! 🎡🎪🎠

Address

1005 Hooper Avenue
Toms River, NJ
08754

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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