Allan Appel Photo
So long Bassett Street.
Starting June 3 the regional state Department of Social Services welfare office on that main Newhallville artery will close, and all 200 staffers will operate out of two floors of spiffy, high-tech, fiber-optic-geared renovated new space at James and Ferry streets in Fair Haven; client parking will be via the new curb cut on Humphrey.
Friendly helpers are supposed to greet you as you enter; they’ll direct you to ten kiosks with computers where you can create a DSS “My Account,” input new info, or get answers on your own to many of the questions that heretofore have taken up client and staff time, like: “Did you get my paperwork?” Or “When do my benefits start?”
The new entryway with long-time operations manager Fred Presnick (at back, looking out) beginning the tour.
Deputy Commissioner for Programs Claudette Beaulieu said the the new space is part of a statewide modernization of client services, so clients increasingly help themselves, apply for or check benefits, and answer their own questions either via a computer or smart phone. “A lot of our programs don’t need interviews,” she said.
The tech upgrade, including of an ancient phone system that caused grief at Bassett Street, includes work flow software, document imaging and scanning, with the hoped for result that a client can apply in New Haven and have questions answered by the first available staff anywhere in the state.
Click here for a DSS Power Point with highlights of the technological makeover.
Grubbs, Beaulieu, and Presnick by booths all equipped with dual-language phones.
Christian Community Action’s Bonita Grubbs, who took the preview tour on Wednesday, called the new space a huge improvement. She said she hopes the entire system will lead to a more dignified experience for clients.