The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a program created to help those 55+ who are low-income and unemployed, to help them gain work experience, hone skills, and transition into unsubsidized employment.
Services
- Subsidized Part-Time Community Service Assignments
- Eligible participants are tasked with part-time training assignments with an average of 20 hours per week at a local non-profit organization or public institutions, including schools, hospitals, day-care centers, and senior centers. This serves as the heart of the program.
- Skill Enhancement and Training
- Participants are provided with training that includes:
- Basic academic skills, such as reading, writing, and computation.
- Computer skills
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- “Soft skills” include communication and team building.
- Resume building and interview preparation
- Specialized vocational training
- Participants are provided with training that includes:
- Individual Employment Plan (IEP) Development
- A personalized care plan is created to highlight the participants’ career goals, possible challenges, and further steps until unsubsidized employment.
- Job Search and Placement Assistance
- The program helps participants connect with local employers.
- Referrals to American Job Centers and workshops on job search strategies.
- Paid Training
- During their community service assignment, participants receive a stipend or training wages.
- Supportive Services
- To cope with barriers, the program also provides:
- Transportation assistance
- Work attire assistance
- Health check-up referrals.
- To cope with barriers, the program also provides:
- Ongoing Support
- Participants receive assistance throughout the process, from initial assessment to job placement and maintaining it.
Eligibility
- Age – Participants should be 55+. However, priority is given to those 65+.
- Must be unemployed at the time of application.
- Has a family income limit that does not exceed 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Must be a resident of the SCSEP’s service area.
- Be legally able to work with a completed I-9 form.
Priority
Individuals with the following qualities are prioritized for enrollment:
- Veterans and qualified spouses.
- Those 65+ above
- Those with a disability, but can still function.
- Those with low literacy skills.
- Those coming from rural areas.
- The homeless or those at risk of homelessness.
- Those who have failed to find employment, even with the One-Stop delivery system.
- Individuals who are previously incarcerated, or under supervision from release in prison within five years.
