Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

The Senior Community Service Employment Program is a community service and work-based training program for older workers. It provides subsidized, part-time, community service training for unemployed, low-income persons 55 or older who have poor employment prospects. Through this program, older workers have access to SCSEP services and employment assistance through American Job Centers. Program participants work an average of 20 hours a week and are paid the highest of the federal, state, or local minimum wage. SCSEP participants are placed in a wide variety of community service activities at nonprofit and public facilities, allowing these agencies to enhance and provide needed services and older workers to gain job skills. These community service training assignments promote self-sufficiency; provide assistance to organizations that benefit from increased civic engagement; and support communities. These assignments are intended to serve as a bridge to unsubsidized employment. In turn, regional economies and employers benefit from an expanded pool of experienced, dependable labor in the local workforce. SCSEP participants also receive a variety of services including Individual Employment Plan development, orientation, community service placement, training specific to an individual’s community service assignment, and other training, as necessary. Supportive services, annual physicals, assistance in securing unsubsidized employment, and access to local American Job Centers are also available. 

• Enhance employment opportunities for older job seekers 
• Promote older workers as a resource for businesses seeking a trained, qualified, and reliable workforce.

Program participants must be at least 55 and have a family income of no more than 125% of the federal poverty level. Enrollment priority is given to individuals who are veterans; are over age 65; have a disability; have limited English proficiency or low literacy skills; reside in a rural area; have low employment prospects; or are homeless or at risk for homelessness. Individual participation is limited to 48 months, unless an extension is authorized based on statutory requirements. 

SCSEP is authorized in Title V of the Older Americans Act and is administered by the United States Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration.

• Older Americans Act, 2006 amendments 
• WIOA Final Rule 

16-PI-13: SCSEP Documentation and Record Retention Guidelines

The Draft Approved SCSEP WIOA Combined Plan 2020-2023

• United States Department of Labor Senior Section
• Data Collection Handbook
• New Measure on Volunteerism Revision to Handbook 
• Definition of Family Handbook Revision
• Charter Oaks: For the latest information on the SCSEP data collection system, the data collection forms, and related issues.