Community program helps seniors find work

Just the word retirement may conger up visions of traveling, fishing, golfing, gardening or any other activity that could be done endlessly if one didn’t have to work.

But for some seniors, this portrayal of their golden years is not accurate. Some find all that leisure time can be exhausting, and that there is something to be said for having a place to go in the morning, and sense of purpose, perhaps.

There are also seniors who find it hard to make ends meet. For them, a job is more than something to fill their days, it is a direct link to their quality of life.

“Some older people may not know where to look for a job,” said Jim McGrath, program coordinator for the Senior Community Service Employment Program through the Office of Elder Services. “We may be able to help. SCSEP is a federally funded work-training program designed to help older people upgrade employment skills while providing them with an income.”

Seniors enrolled in SCSEP work 20 hours a week, earn minimum wage, and generally are placed in a nonprofit or public setting such as social service agencies, schools, libraries and town offices. Because this program has a community service component, the organization where the enrollee is assigned can tailor the position to suit the senior’s skill level.

So it is a win-win situation. The trainee gains knowledge while the organization gets the help that usually is desperately needed. Such is the case when a participant is placed in a town office. The entire community benefits as the office runs more smoothly because of the extra pair of hands.

Sometimes, looking for a job can be stressful for even the most educated and qualified of applicants. But for people who have not worked in awhile or are getting older, the process can be very intimidating. SCSEP reduces the fear factor.

“Our goal at SCSEP is to assist a person in finding a job that will make them happy, and help them stay active, make friends and hopefully have better health,” said McGrath. “People with a more positive view of aging tend to live longer.”

To participate in the SCSEP program, applicants must be 55 years of age or older and have an income of no more than $12,762 for a single or $17,113 for a couple. Participants in the program are paid minimum wage and must be a resident of Maine.

“There are certainly some benefits to organizations if they hire an older worker,” said McGrath. “Older workers are reliable, have a good work ethic, seldom call in sick and make excellent mentors for younger workers.”

Everyone who participates in the SCSEP program is required to register at their local Career Center, where they will receive assessments, help with resume writing and interviewing, and job search skills.

“SCSEP is a government funded training program, so the wages are not counted as income in the calculations for food stamps, subsidized housing and in most cases for home energy assistance eligibility,” said McGrath. “If you are receiving other benefits, check with your SCSEP or DHHS counselors to be sure SCSEP wages will not create a problem with other benefits you may be receiving.”

“I think this is a wonderful program,” said Marjorie, 76. “I have been a participant for a year now and I really enjoy it. It’s a great way to get back into the work force. And the extra money is very important in helping with expenses. And I feel very useful.”

There is nothing quite like sharing your skills and experience with someone who needs them.

For information on SCSEP or other employment opportunities for older adults, call the Office of Elder Services at 800-262-2232.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. E-mail Carol Higgins at chiggins@eaaa.org. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, toll-free 800-432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org or visit www.eaaa.org. TTY 992-0150.