Overview
New York State offers a wide variety of employment and volunteer opportunities to those age 55 and older. Staying active and engaged in your community is one of the keys to remaining independent and engaged. Find jobs and volunteer opportunities near you by accessing the resources below.
Employment Assistance
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) exists for New York State residents who are income eligible and age 55 or over.
Many employment opportunities exist in New York State. For general questions about working in New York State, worker's rights, or unemployment benefits, please visit the New York State Department of Labor's website.
Additionally, find out how you can apply for a job working in state government.
You can file a complaint and find help with the Division of Human Rights.
Volunteering
Volunteers play a vital role in New York State's communities by contributing their talents and experience. If you think you may be interested in volunteering, take the next step!
Opportunities for Older Americans
The New Yorkers Volunteer website is an interactive site designed to help you find opportunities to volunteer across the state and to enhance the recruitment capabilities for so many of New York's community organizations.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program offers maximum flexibility and choice to its volunteers. RSVP matches the personal interests and skills of older Americans with opportunities to help solve community problems. RSVP programs are currently in New York City, Long Island, and the majority of counties of upstate New York.
The Foster Grandparents Program
The Foster Grandparent Program provides assistance to children and youth with special needs. Foster Grandparents help children learn to read, provide one-on-one tutoring, and serve as role models. Foster Grandparents serve from 15 to 40 hours per week in public schools and other places, like faith-based groups, Head Start Centers, and day care centers. All volunteers receive training, assistance with the cost of transportation, and an annual physical examination. Low income older adults may also qualify for a tax-free hourly stipend. To learn more about volunteering as a foster grandparent, contact our office.
The Senior Companion Program
Senior companions, through the Senior Companion Program, reach out to adults who need extra assistance to live independently in their homes or communities. Senior companions assist their adult clients in basic but essential ways: they provide companionship and friendship to isolated frail seniors; assist with simple chores; provide transportation; and add richness to their clients' lives. Senior companions serve frail older adults and their caregivers, adults with disabilities, and those with terminal illnesses. There are 21 Senior Companion Programs located in New York State, which are operated by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities or nonprofit organizations.
New York State Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program
The New York State Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) provides free, confidential, accurate and unbiased health insurance information, counseling, and assistance. Become a trained HIICAP volunteer counselor or staff member and explain the coverage, costs, and options of Medicare, managed care, Medigap insurance, and long term care insurance to others. Contact the HIICAP program closest to you.
New York Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman
The New York Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman is looking for volunteers to serve as certified Ombudsmen to improve the quality of care and quality of life for New Yorkers who live in long term care facilities. If you are interested in learning more about this volunteer opportunity, please visit the Long Term Care Ombudsman website.
Contact your Local Office for the Aging for More Opportunities
There are 59 local offices which serve each county, the City of New York, the St. Regis Mohawk Indian Reservation and the Seneca Nation of Indians. Local offices for the aging offer opportunities for older volunteers and can be an important source of information on other volunteer opportunities available in your community. Contact the local office for the aging near you.