Jewish Community Services selected as one of Baltimore’s top workplaces

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Jewish Community Services (JCS) has been ranked by The Baltimore Sun as one of the “Top Places to Work in 2022.”

Joan Grayson Cohen displays the award ranking JCS as one of the “Top Places to Work in 2022.” (Courtesy of Jewish Community Services)

The rankings, announced on Dec. 9, recognize some of the most dynamic and supportive local companies in the area, based solely on confidential employee surveys.

JCS, a comprehensive nonprofit human-services agency of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, was established in 2008 by consolidating four agencies of The Associated: Jewish Family Services, the Jewish Vocational Service, the Jewish Addiction Services and the Jewish Big Brother Big Sister League. As one entity, JCS has been able to offer a continuum of services to address the multifaceted needs of individuals of all ages, families and communities in the Greater Baltimore area.

In the past few years, in large part due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for JCS’ mental-health services, job assistance, eviction prevention and programs combating isolation among older adults, as well as individuals with disabilities, have grown dramatically.

As such, the agency’s interdisciplinary staff has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to meeting those needs, despite considerable challenges.

Additionally, the JCS management team has made it a priority to ensure that staff across the organization have felt supported and valued by expanding time off to promote positive work-life balance, offering mental wellness programs, social activities and providing opportunities for professional growth.

‘An organization that lives by our values’

Joan Grayson Cohen, Esq., LCSW-C, the executive director for Jewish Community Services, said that “our employees have spoken, and it’s gratifying to know that we have been able to create a work environment where people feel appreciated, heard, and empowered to grow professionally.”

She continued, saying “we are proud to be an organization that lives by our values — respect, inclusivity, integrity and community — both in our service to clients and in our workplace culture. This recognition belongs to every member of the Jewish Community Services staff and honors their dedication in supporting our mission.”

In a year when employers across the country experienced multiple fluctuations and challenges with recruitment and retention, she noted that it is truly an honor for JCS to have been included on this list.

Cohen said the achievement reflects the organization’s efforts to supporting and strengthening its workforce while also carrying out its inspirational mission of providing programs and services for people of all ages and backgrounds, helping them achieve their goals, enhance their well-being and maximize their independence in what has been a challenging year, coupled with residual effects from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Second time the agency has received the honor

Every year, Baltimore Sun Media recognizes a select number of local companies, agencies and organizations as “Top Workplaces,” designating them as large, mid-sized or small, based upon the number of staff they employ in the Baltimore region.

This is the second time that JCS has received the honor in the mid-size employer category.

For more information about Jewish Community Services, visit: https://jcsbalt.org.

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