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With outdated or obsolete job skills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
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