DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director Karen Dinsmore, Assistant Director Melissa Lespinasse, Assistant Director The Union County Department of Human Services (DHS) seeks to deliver quality, cost effective programs and services that recognize and respond to the quality-of-life needs of residents by leveraging local, state and national resources. The DHS serves as Union County’s social safety net for individuals and families. UCDHS Action Line Listening. Advocating The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that residents can call the new DHS Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288 for rapid, personal assistance with any question, complaint or concern about services provided by the Department of Human Services. An email option is also available at DHSaction@ucnj.org. Learn more. En Espanol.
Phone: 908-527-4808 | Fax: 908-527-4875
E-mail: danderson@ucnj.org
Phone: 908-527-4809 | Fax: 908-527-4875
E-mail: kdinsmore@ucnj.org
Phone: 908-527-4862 | Fax: 908-527-4875
E-mail: mlespinasse@ucnj.org
888-845-3434
or 908-558-2288
#UCDHSaction
The ADRC plans, implements and coordinates services for Union County residents age 60 and older. In addition to providing 23 congregate lunch sites throughout the County serving hot lunch on weekdays, The Division also arranges for an array of services including, but not limited to, home delivered meals, legal services, home health care, house-keeping, housing assistance, transportation, volunteer programs, adult day care, residential maintenance and caregiver services.Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)Division Director: Frances A. Benson
Phone: 908-527-4869 | Fax: 908-659-7410
Information & Referral: 908-527-4870Toll Free: 888-280-8226Website: Click here
Elizabeth Plainfield The American Job Center Operator manages the Union County American Job Centers, including the management and coordination of all workforce services with Union County workforce partners, as required by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Services include career counseling, training, and career advancement for residents and employers. Organizationally under the Office of the DirectorAmerican Job Center Operator
921 Elizabeth Avenue
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
908-558-8000
200 West Second Street
Plainfield, NJ 07060
908-757-9090 
Cornerstone Behavioral Health Hospital of Union County In-patient services for adults age 18 and older with a diagnosed mental illness.Division Director: Michael J. Flemming, RNC, LRC, LNHAAddress: 40 Watchung Way, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922Phone: 908-790-5300
Office Director: Farnia Bashaw, RN Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Last appointment is 4:00 pm Established by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders (in 1996) to provide immunizations to eligible children (those without medical insurance) through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. The VFC is administered by the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) National Immunization Program. The clinic is operated by the Division of Social Services, DHS.
Address: 40 Parker Road, Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Phone: 908-965-3868
Division of Outreach and Advocacy
Maureen Segale-Glenn, Director
Phone: 908-527-4838
Elizabeth Sebring, Assistant Director
Phone: 908-527-4890
Fax: 908-527-4875
The mission of the Division of Outreach and Advocacy is to raise awareness among residents of Union County government’s existing programs and services; to advocate in response to our citizens’ unmet human service’s needs; and to respond to those needs with effective, accessible resources and services. Through collaboration with other government agencies, community based organizations, and private sector entities, the division provides outreach, advocacy and information and referral services.
Office of Human Services Constituent Relations
Union County Department of Human Services (UCDHS) Action Line
888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288
Michele Antunes
Phone: 908-527-4540
The DHS Action Line (DAL) offers residents, as well as others, including advocates and community based organizations, quick and easy access to knowledgeable specialists who answer questions and resolve concerns and complaints regarding services provided through the DHS
Contracts Unit
Renee Goldstein
Phone: 908 527-4830
The Contracts Unit processes all contracts with community based organizations and vendors for the Department of Human Services. Contract staff ensure that all contracts met regulatory requirements set by the funding source (state and federal government) and the County of Union.
Independent Monitoring Unit
Diane Jakubowski
Phone: 908-527-4836
The Independent Monitoring Unit (IMU) monitors all contracts awarded through the Department of Human Services. On-site visits and reviews are planned and executed on a regular basis. Reports and corrective actions are drafted and tracked to ensure contract compliance.
Paratransit and the Route 22 Shuttle Countywide transportation for seniors, veterans, the disabled and other income eligible residents. Organizationally under the Office of the Director.Director: Kathy Carmello
Individual & Family Support Services Division of Individual & Family Support Services Division Director: Christina M. Topolosky Within the Division we provide a wide variety of county-wide human services or social/support service programs, through the most cost effective utilization of funding from County, State and Federal resources, by direct delivery of services or by funding community based organizations to deliver services. We are responsible for grants management and/or direct service provision for the program areas of Alcoholism & Drug Abuse, Mental Health Services, Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, Rape Crisis Center, Homeless Assistance/Support Services, and Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs. The Division staffs various Freeholder appointed advisory boards that provide oversight and guidance for the various grant funded service delivery systems. Within the Division there are 5 subdivisions/units: Office on the Homeless and Housing Continuum of Care, Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse, Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, Rape Crisis Center and Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs. More information about each area can be found on the various websites below: Human Services Advisory Council Office on the Homeless and Housing Continuum of Care Unit Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Intoxicated Driver Resource Center Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs
Phone: 908-527-4839 / 908-527-4842
The Division of Social Services provides assistance to the needy in Union County by administering a variety of programs including free vaccinations for children, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); General Assistance; Food Stamps; Emergency Assistance; Family Care; Nursing Home Care; Medical Assistance; Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD); and, Child Support Services. Preparing for Your Visit to the Division of Social ServicesDivision of Social ServicesDivision Director: Charles GillonElizabeth Location
343 Westminster Avenue, Elizabeth 07207
Phone: 908-965-2700 | Fax: 908-965-2752Plainfield Location
200 West 2nd Street, Plainfield 07063
Phone: 908-791-7000 | Fax: 908-791-7098Need Health Coverage? Health Insurance Marketplace
Youth ServicesDivision of Youth ServicesDivision Director: Hawa Bonds
Phone: 908-558-2520 | Fax: 908-558-2540
Address: 288 N. Broad Street, Suite 3A, Elizabeth, NJ 07208 Provides programs and services to support families, promote overall youth well-being, prevent or reduce delinquency and at-risk behavior among youth age 10 to 18, with some programs serving up to age 24.