Senior Community Service Employment Program

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a program of the United States Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, to help more senior citizens get back into or remain active in the labor workforce.  SCSEP was authorized by the United States Congress in Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 and its later amendments  to provide subsidized, part-time, community service work based training for low-income persons age 55 or older who have poor employment prospects.

Department of Labor

The Senior Community Service Employment Program is a training for employment program through community service activities for low-income unemployed adults age 55 years and older who have poor employment prospects.  It is dual-focused, providing both community service opportunities benefiting the community and valuable work experience.  Participants work in subsidized, part-time positions in community service organizations (non-profit or governmental agencies) where they learn news skills and enhance their talents while gaining the work experience and the skills necessary for permanent employment. 

SCSEP is anOlder Americans Act program (Title V ).  In the Older Americans Act SCSEP definition, the program is meant..."to foster individual economic self-sufficiency and promote useful opporunities in community service activities (which shall include community service employment) for unemployed low-income persons who are age 55 or older, particularly persons who have poor employment prospects, and to increase the number of persons who may enjoy the benefits of unsubsidized employment in both the public and private sectors..."

Older Americans Act – Administration on Aging

SCSEP participants receive an assessment to determine individual needs for training, supportive services, and potential for employment. Based on the personal goals they identify in their Individual Employment Plan (IEP), participants are placed in a community service assignment that will help them to fulfill those goals.  They work approximately 20 hours per week and are paid minimum wage for their time.  Other job related training may consist of upgrading old or developing new skills, limited educational opportunities, job counseling and assistance for employment and supportive services.  The SCSEP is also a mandated partner with the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) which gives participants access to employment assistance available through their One-Stop Career Centers.

Career One Stop

Eligible SCSEP participants are:

• Age 55 or older;
• Legally eligible to work in the United States;
• Living in a household with income no more than 125 percent of the federal poverty level.

Enrollment priority is given to those who:

• Are 65 years of age or older;
• Have a disability;
• Have limited English proficiency or low literacy skills;
• Reside in a rural area;
• Are a veteran;
• Have low employment prospects;
• Are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Eighteen national nonprofit organizations and 56 units of state and territorial governments receive grant awards from the Department of Labor to operate SCSEP. In most States, the Governor has selected the State Office on Aging to administer the program. Some states utilize the State Labor Department. States often sub-grant with Area Agencies on Aging or with community based organizations to operate local projects.

SCSEP State and Territorial Grantees – 2009 Contacts

National Grantees – 2009 Contacts

NASUA's Letter to the Editor of USA Today