Senior Community Service Employment Program

Overview

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), administered by the Department of Labor, aims to assist unemployed individuals aged 55 and above with low incomes and limited job prospects. This program provides part-time training in community service assignments to help them develop skills and experience necessary for their transition to unsubsidized employment. Its goals include promoting individual economic self-sufficiency, creating valuable part-time opportunities in community service for older individuals, particularly those with poor employment prospects, and increasing the number of older persons benefiting from unsubsidized employment in both public and private sectors.

In Minnesota, in alignment with Section 503 of the 2006 amendments to the Older Americans Act, the state strives to successfully implement effective training in community service organizations for all eligible SCSEP individuals. Placing older individuals in community service positions not only enhances their self-sufficiency but also provides much-needed support to organizations benefiting from increased civic engagement. Moreover, it strengthens the communities being served. SCSEP offers temporary training opportunities that contribute to the general welfare of the community, including training in school systems, hospitals, senior citizen centers, nutrition program sites, and day care systems.