Welcome to the Department of Employment and Social Services (DESS) website. DESS is committed to collaborating with our many partners to provide a safe, healthy and self-reliant community. At DESS we aim to administer employment and social services to all citizens of Butte County with dignity and respect. Please explore the website and learn about the many employment and social services programs we provide.
Shelby Boston, MSW
Director /Public Guardian / Public Administrator
Services
Special Needs Awareness Program (SNAP)
The Special Needs Awareness Program (SNAP) is a voluntary program for individuals with Access and Functional Needs (AFN) such as physical/developmental or intellectual disabilities, chronic conditions or injuries, limited English proficiency, older adults, children and low income households, homeless and/or transportation disadvantaged (i.e., dependent on public transit), and pregnant women. Registration in the SNAP program will provide additional evacuation information which may include evacuation assistance, as well as notification for extreme heat/cold events and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) events.
If you would like to register for SNAP, please complete the registration card online by clicking here, calling Butte County Adult Services at 530.538.7538, #2, or by calling toll free 1.855.398.8899. You can also send an email request to snap@buttecounty.net, or by clicking here.
Once registered, you will receive a SNAP packet containing community resources and information needed to prepare for an emergency.
ALERT FM Emergency Notification System
Butte County is partnering with Bare on the Ridge, Inc. and ALERT FM to provide Alert FM devices to individuals that meet program eligibility
guidelines and
you
may be eligible to receive a free ALERT FM receiver if you meet that criteria.
ALERT FM is a device that receives mass notifications in times of crisis or emergency. This device keeps citizens informed when the power, internet and/or cellular networks fail.
FREE devices are available on a FIRST COME, FIRST-SERVED basis for eligible households. Once supplies have been exhausted you may request to be added to a waitlist.
To register for the program please complete the
APPLICATION and submit or call
(530) 552-6887.
To learn more about ALERT FM you can visit https://www.alertfm.com.
Services to help the elderly and persons with disabilities to live safely in their own homes. Investigates reports of elder or dependent adult abuse and neglect.
Investigates child abuse and neglect and works to preserve or restore family stability.
Parent and Guardian Information and Resources
CalWORKs provides temporary financial assistance and employment-related services to needy families with minor children.
Helps low-income people buy the food they need to remain healthy.
To qualify for CalFresh the minimum basic requirement(s) are listed below:
- Identity of Primary Applicant
- Gross non-exempt income
- Non-citizenship Status
- Social Security Number(s)
- Residency
If you are unable to provide or need assistance obtaining any required documentation please let your worker know and the county will assist in obtaining needed verification.
If you are in need of immediate food assistance please use any available option to apply listed above, under service options.
Expedited Service CalFresh benefit(s) are potentially available within 3 days to all households that apply and qualify.
You may qualify to receive benefits under Expedited Service if:
- You have less than $150 monthly gross income and less than $100 available liquid resources.
- Your combined monthly gross income and liquid resources are less than the household’s combined rent/mortgage and utility cost (SUA).
And
Proof of identity is required for Expedited Service. Examples of proof of identity include, but are not limited to:
- Driver License, picture ID, work or school ID, health benefits ID
- Birth Certificate
- Voter Registration Card
- Wage Stubs
- Collateral Contact
- Social Security Card
Medical Coverage
Medical coverage is available, including Medi-Cal, Expanded Medi-Cal, Health Care Reform Options, and the County Medical Services Program (CMSP).
The County Veterans Service Office is an office established by the Butte County Board of Supervisors to assist veterans, their dependents and survivors, and the general public in obtaining benefits from federal, state, and local agencies administering programs for veterans.
General Assistance provides three months of cash assistance to eligible, employable adults and provides longer-term assistance to eligible adults who are temporarily disabled or who are awaiting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) approval.
Butte Community Employment Centers - One Stops.
Each Butte Community Employment Center provides a wide variety of employment related services to both job seekers and employers, and a connecting point between the two.
See a full list of Butte Community Partners.