Janet Cheverie praised for 35-year career with county in DSS

Photo by Tom Rivers: Janet Cheverie accepts a “Special Recognition Award” on Tuesday from the Orleans County Legislature in appreciation for her 35-year career with the county. Cheverie is retiring on May 31.

ALBION – Janet Cheverie was honored by Orleans County legislators with “Special Recognition Award” as she nears retirement from a 35-year career with the county.

She worked the first 11 years with the Department of Social Services as a social welfare examiner. She determined if people were eligible for Food Stamps, Medicaid and other public assistance.

The past 24 years she worked for DSS in the child support collection unit. She has been coordinator of that unit since 2008, overseeing eight other workers. The unit works with 2,000 to 2,500 cases.

Cheverie said the child support unit has been a fulfilling career. She has tried to be fair to all parents, and ensure that children are receiving resources.

“We’re helping to get children the support they need,” Cheverie said. “It has been an honor and a privilege to do this job. At the end of the day you feel like you made a small amount of difference for a family working their way through a difficult time.”

Cheverie said the non-custodial parents typically want to do their part to direct funds to their children, but sometimes there are court orders to collect child support and determine the levels.

County legislators, in their citation for Cheverie, thanked her for her commitment to the county.

“Your dedication and expertise have benefited our county tremendously,” they said.