Frequently Asked Questions about SCSEP
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2005-02-01 00:00:00-05:00
What is SCSEP?
How does someone qualify for this program?
What does "low income" mean?
Where are the AARP SCSEP offices?
Why doesn't AARP have a SCSEP office in every state?
How can I find a program if AARP doesn't have one?
How can SCSEP help me?
Will I be paid while being trained?
Do I have to work full-time?
How long may I remain in SCSEP?
Can I take training classes through SCSEP?
What is "trial employment?"
What if I need a job and I don't qualify for SCSEP?
Why is SCSEP called a "community service" program?
What types of organizations are Host Agencies?
What type of work would I do at a Host Agency?
Can SCSEP help me get a job with one of AARP's National Employer Team members?
I would like to volunteer with AARP SCSEP. What do I do?
Where does SCSEP get its money?
What is the AARP Foundation?
What is SCSEP?
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a work-training program for low-income job seekers age 55 and older. It is funded by the Department of Labor and operated through national and state sponsors. AARP Foundation is one of 18 national sponsors.
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How does someone qualify for this program?
All participants must meet age, income, and residency requirements and be unemployed. Find out if there is an AARP SCSEP office in your area. Contact the office to see if you are eligible and how to apply to the program.
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What does "low income" mean?
Your income must be below 125 percent of the federal poverty level. But not all income is counted, so it is best to contact the SCSEP office to find out if you are eligible.
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Where are the AARP SCSEP offices?
AARP SCSEP has 78 project site offices in 22 states and Puerto Rico. Many of the sites serve more than one county. To be eligible, you must live in a county served by the site. Find the closest office.
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Why doesn't AARP have a SCSEP office in every state?
AARP Foundation is one of 18 national sponsors of SCSEP. In addition, there are also state sponsors for the program. The Department of Labor determines which sponsor operates in which state and county.
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How can I find a program if AARP doesn't have one?
If we don't have a SCSEP office in your state, you can call the Department of Labor’s toll free number to find the SCSEP office nearest you: 1-877-US2-JOBS (TTY: 1-877-889-5627).
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How can SCSEP help me?
SCSEP offers the job training and support needed to make the transition to a permanent job. The main form of training takes place at community agencies where you can develop skills and confidence. The program also connects you with additional training if needed. SCSEP helps you update your resume, gives you job leads, and prepares you for job interviews.
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Will I be paid while being trained?
SCSEP pays the federal or state minimum wage, whichever is higher, usually for 20 hours a week.
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Do I have to work full-time?
SCSEP helps people find both full- and part-time jobs.
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How long may I remain in SCSEP?
Enrollment in SCSEP is usually months, not years. While in SCSEP, a job seeker is in temporary, training status. The goal of SCSEP is for you to find employment off of the program.
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Can I take training classes through SCSEP?
Based on your job goals, SCSEP may help you find Specialized Training. This training may take place either at project site or at another location, such as a community college. Examples are computer training, customer service training, security guard training, and other opportunities.
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What is "trial employment?"
This is another name for SCSEP's On the Job Experience program (OJE). Under OJE, a private employer may "try out" a SCSEP applicant for a limited period of time before hiring. If selected for this program, you must successfully complete a training period with the employer.
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What if I need a job and I don't qualify for SCSEP?
If you've checked and you don't qualify for SCSEP, locate your nearest One-Stop Career Center online or call 1-800-US2-JOBS for help finding job leads, training and other services. In addition, if you are at least 50+ but under the age limit for SCSEP (55) or over income, you are still encouraged to check with a local AARP SCSEP office; staff are knowledgeable about the local community and can provide you with referrals to assist you with your job search. In some cases they may even know about a job that you can apply for.
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Why is SCSEP called a "community service" program?
SCSEP participants have temporary training assignments at local community organizations called Host Agencies. In this way SCSEP helps the agencies expand key community services. SCSEP participants contribute nearly ten million hours of community service each year.
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What types of organizations are Host Agencies?
Allowable Host Agencies include nonprofit and public agencies, such as hospitals, senior centers, libraries, day care centers, employment programs, community colleges, social service and public works agencies, and many other organizations.
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What type of work would I do at a Host Agency?
SCSEP participants serve as receptionists, computer operators, health care workers, drivers, maintenance workers, library aides, outreach workers, mental health case aides, groundskeepers, nutrition aides, and many other roles.
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Can SCSEP help me get a job with one of AARP's National Employer Team members?
The National Employer Team is made up of major companies who are committed to hiring older workers. If you enroll in SCSEP, we can help you with the process of applying for a job at these employers and others. All hiring decisions are made solely by the employer. Find out more about the National Employer Team.
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I would like to volunteer with AARP SCSEP. What do I do?
There are many ways volunteers can assist SCSEP. For example, they can help with outreach, training, office tasks, workshops, resume preparation, and many other roles. Contact your local AARP SCSEP office and ask to speak to the project director.
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Where does SCSEP get its money?
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) gives each organization or state an annual grant to pay for its SCSEP program. In addition, each sponsor is responsible for a match to assist with funding the program. AARP also provides funding support to the program. The AARP Foundation has operated SCSEP since 1969.
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What is the AARP Foundation?
The AARP Foundation is AARP's affiliated charity. Foundation programs provide security, protection and empowerment for older persons in need. Foundation programs are funded by grants, tax-deductible contributions and AARP.
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AARP SCSEP is a program of the AARP Foundation.
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