The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Help for Those Age 55 and Older

If you are a senior age 55 and older with a limited income and you are finding it increasingly difficult to get your income to cover the month’s expenses, you’re not alone. The current cost of living increases have made it hard for those on fixed incomes particularly. Perhaps you have been thinking about going back to work part-time. However, you may have not been working recently and you don’t know where to begin.

If this describes you, the Senior Community Service Employment program (SCSEP) is a good place to start.  Sponsored by the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging and the Illinois Department on Aging, for DuPage, Kane and Will Counties, this program provides a transition for mature workers from a grant provided by the US Department of Labor under the Older Americans Act. The program is designed to help those 55 and older, with a low or limited income, who are currently unemployed, to receive on the job training and eventually regular employment. It is not a regular job, but it is on the way to you finding one!

The program uses on the job training with host agencies to accustom you to being back in the workforce. This training is with a non-profit or public agency for a part-time assignment. The transition allows you to begin earning some income while you learn to search for regular job opportunities.  In addition, you are also contributing to the community close to where you live by spending 20-25 hours a week helping agencies stretch their limited budgets.

Additional training may also be available to you through the local IETC sites (WorkNet) or community training centers. Counseling is provided by an Employment Specialist who is available to discuss your resume, job search or training and it is a good way for you to get back into the workforce.

This program helps you, helps your community and helps employers to find good employees.

To see if you may qualify contact: The Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-528-2000
Represents the SCSEP Program in DuPage, Kane and Will Counties.

For a printer-friendly brochure on the SCSEP please click here