Options for Low Income Older Workers

Presented by

Ms. Gayle Gamauf-McCoy

Vice-President Senior Services & National SCSEP Programs

About National Able Network®

National Able Network, Inc., is a nonprofit agency working to serve

individuals, families and communities by bringing together

qualified job seekers and businesses.

About National Able Network®

Able was founded in 1977 Able is a special advocate for mature

workers Able serves more than 40,000 clients

(each year) who are seeking: Employment Counseling Training Immediate Job Placement

About National Able Network®

Our MissionOur Mission

“To enable people of every age and skill level to get back

to work and life.”

Our Beliefs

Mature workers provide a valuable resource to the needs of the modern workforce.

Mature workers bring a wealth of experience to the work environment.

Mature workers can be positive role models for younger workers.

Aging Workforce Challenges

What are some challenges that our mature workers are facing today?

Maintaining independent living

Accessing employment and benefits opportunities

Confronting myths surrounding older workers Can’t adapt Uncomfortable with technology

Aging Workforce Challenges

Volunteering - “Serve America Act”

Pulling networks together

Mobilizing older adults for advocacy and human rights

What is SCSEP?

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is an employment training program that is federally funded under the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

What is SCSEP?

SCSEP is designed to be used in conjunction with other programs and services which are provided by public, private, and not-for-

profit agencies.

History of SCSEP

SCSEP helps mature workers by providing…

Training to improve job skills Training to improve job search

skills Short-term subsidized

employment at a host (training) site

History of SCSEP

The Senior Community Service Program (SCSEP), Title V of the Older Americans Act, is a product

of President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s “War on Poverty”

campaign of the 1960s.

History of SCSEP

SCSEP was designed to address the needs of mature adults seeking employment due to:

Loss of employment

Economic changes

History of SCSEP

Many older workers may find themselves…

With outdated or obsolete job skills

Joining or returning to the workforce after many years of

homemaking

Demographic Considerations

55 years of age or better Qualifying level of income Willingness to provide community service

and attend training Willingness to develop a personalized

“Individual Employment Plan” (IEP) Willingness to complete skills assessments Currently unemployed

Able Staffing Resources

More than 20 years in operation

Designed to address the needs of older workers who fall through the cracks of eligibility for government safety nets

Process: locating workers, assessing their skills and connecting quality workers with businesses who need them

Blended Learning Model

Studies showHands-on, computer-based training plus instructor-led classroom training…

Enhances the learning experience and retention in technology based learning

Facilitates assessment processes that discern holistic needs of an individual and skill levels

Achieving Impact via Training

Stay on message encouraging older workers to relax, and let go of anxiety about tackling new skills and ideas.

Assure older workers that there is nothing to prove; their life accomplishments more than offset any lack of skills.

Offer a variety of training topics appropriate to their needs. Computer Skills for the Workplace, being the most obvious.

Achieving Impact via Training

Empathy which produces patience in the delivery of Training Arts

Create setups for success rather than failure Many older workers have experienced

frustration and humiliation accessing services from traditional providers

Provide hope and optimism and an increase in self-esteem