Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
Funded by the US Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, the National Association for Hispanic Elderly administers one of SCSEP’s national grants. The SCSEP is funded through Title V of the Older American’s Act. It has become the preeminent model for the successful placement of low-income older workers 55+ in community service jobs. NAHE serves over 1200 older workers per year. With over 76% of our older workers representing minority groups, including Hispanics, African Americans, Asians and Native Americans. Many of our SCSEP participants speak only their native language, and for many, SCSEP is their only source of income; for most, it is a means to dignity and fulfillment in their mature years.
Some SCSEP participants work for agencies that serve senior citizens, others serve the general community. Both public and private non-profit organizations serve as job placement sites for the SCSEP. In all cases, the SCSEP strives to find meaningful jobs that are comparable to work situations in the regular job market. Many seniors are helped to find permanent employment outside the SCSEP umbrella. In spite of the difficult obstacles facing older minority workers, NAHE and our SCSEP participants have consistently met or exceeded the Department of Labor’s job placement goals.
The SCSEP’s success is proof that the pressing needs of thousands of low-income older workers can be met, in ways that capture for the community the full benefit of their wisdom and experience.
To participate in the SCSEP, an older worker must be:
• Age 55 or older;
• Legally eligible to work in the United States;
• Living in a household with income no more than 125% of the federal poverty level;
SCSEP participants are paid a minimum wage, while they gain marketable job skills working part-time in non-profit and public agencies, including: senior centers, schools, libraries, community health centers, meals on wheels, day care centers and other community service projects. While providing community service, the SCSEP participants develop their own job skills, self-confidence and a restored sense of self worth.
NAHE’s SCSEP serves over 400 work sites in four States and the District of Columbia.
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