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
• 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. 
• 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.