How SCSEP Helps Enrollees
For many older workers, returning to the workforce is neither an option nor a whim. It is often a necessity fueled by perpetual, progressive or sudden financial crises brought about by circumstances such as:
- dwindling savings
- lost pensions
- job displacement
- divorce or death of a spouse
- disabilities or health issues, and
- prolonged unemployment due to a host of other circumstances
But, through the AARP Senior Community Service Employment Program, low-income job seekers are getting the help they need to turn their life around. (All participants must meet age, income, and residency requirements.) This program provides training, encouragement and job search assistance to enrollees as they prepare to (re)enter the workforce with employers in the community.
It enables many older job seekers to hone their skills through paid training assignments with nonprofit community organizations and, in some cases, through formal training at the AARP SCSEP site or at local vocational facilities. Once enrolled, participants receive a skills assessment to help determine additional training needs and options. While assigned temporarily to local organizations, participants gain recent work experience and have an opportunity to show what they can do.
Participants also receive help developing a resume, learning interview skills, and obtaining potential job leads to improve their chances of landing a job and increasing the pool of highly motivated and qualified older workers. Through this program, older low-income job seekers are learning new skills, helping their community, and earning an income while continuing to pursue job prospects with employers in their community. They are gaining jobs, income, job confidence and independence through this free community service program.
During the 2002 grant year, 53% of AARP SCSEP participants transitioned into permanent unsubsidized jobs, far beyond the 20% goal set by the U.S. Department of Labor which funds the program.
