by Becky Cole

As pensions dwindle in the stock market, many people who have not worked in a long time are now finding they need to find a way to supplement their income. The Senior Community Service Employment Program is a program that benefits both the job-seeker and community organizations.

What is the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)?*

The Senior Community Service Employment Program provides part-time community service assignments for people 55 years of age or older who have earnings of less than 125 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines. (According to the 2009 federal poverty guidelines, the income level for one person is $10, 830). The community service assignments is used as a training opportunity to acquire skills or improve existing skills to gain unsubsidized employment in the private sector or other employment opportunities after completion of the community service assignment.

For Job Seekers:

Who should use the Senior Community Service Employment Program?

The SCSEP is designed to serve people 55 years of age or older who meet the above income guidelines. This group includes:

* Retired individuals who wish to return to the working world on a part-time basis.
* Widowed individuals who may not have worked outside of the home.
* Older Adults who are unemployed and wish to learn new skills.

How does it work?

After eligibility is determined, individuals will start their community service assignment. They are paid no less than the federal or state minimum wage or the local prevailing rate for similar employment, whichever is higher. Participants receive annual physical examinations, personal and job related counseling, job training, and placement into unsubsidized jobs depending upon their job readiness. Workman’s compensation is also paid by the program.

For Nonprofit Organizations:

People in this program can be placed for up to 20 hours per week for up to a year at no cost to your organization. What you need to do is provide work that can help them learn skills that can lead to permanent employment, either with your organization or outside of your organization.

The agency who will supervise the placement pays the participant, making the paperwork on your end very minimal.

For more information on how this can work, contact your local placement agency. For a list of placement agencies, see the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s website: http://www.deed.state.mn.us/oldwkr/

* source: http://www.deed.state.mn.us/oldwkr/

Becky Cole is a consultant for non-profit organizations specializing in capacity building for both individuals and corporations throughout the Twin Cities.  She has an Education Specialist Degree from Indiana University. Becky Cole can be reached at: bcole@employmentnewsmn.com