Senior Employment

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is administered through the Rockland County Office for the Aging.  The program provides paid, part-time temporary work experience at government or non-profit agencies (community service assignments) for low-income Rockland job seekers who are 55 and older.  Trainees are paid at least the current minimum wage through federal or state grant funds.  

The training assignments are carefully matched in accordance with the skill level and employment goals of the trainee along with the needs of the agency.  Training opportunities provide host agencies with responsible workers and provide trainees with current job skills useful in today's competitive job market. With the assistance of project staff, trainees are actively seeking unsubsidized permanent employment. 

SCSEP is a community service and work-based job training program for older Americans operated under a U.S. Department of Labor grant. We thank the Center for Workforce Inclusion, Inc. for selecting our organization to operate SCSEP in our community.

The Rockland County Office for the Aging SCSEP program is funded by a $46.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. This funding provides 90% of the support for SCSEP with the Center and its subgrantees providing approximately $5 million in nonfederal match. The SCSEP Program is an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

The following outlines key points about the SCSEP program: 

• Provides valuable on-the-job skills training to low-income older job seekers. 
• Increases job seekers's chances of becoming a valuable member of Rockland's permanent workforce.
• Reduces or eliminates the need for public assistance to those who secure desired employment. 
• Provides local employers with no-cost recruiting and access to a pool of skilled and dependable workers.
• Provides community non-profit and government agencies with limited resources additional manpower at no cost.
• Provides economic stimulus to the community by generating income through training wages to job seekers. 
• Keeps job seekers actively engaged in their community through service assignments.

 Testimonials from Job Seekers

"SCSEP offers a great deal of resources, training and opportunities for senior citizens that still have a dream and enough vigor to go for it. I can say for myself that this program saves Rockland County a ton of money by introducing back to the work force men and women w/ DECADES of remarkable wisdom, knowledge, loyalty and determination at a fraction of the cost of an appointed hire."  – Harry

"In my opinion this program is vital to the welfare of people in this county, and must not be discontinued. It does great things for the people that live here. Thank you for being such a great caring director."  – John

"I believe that Rockland County Office for the Aging is really a great blessing for Seniors like me. Normally, retired Seniors find difficulty looking for a job especially now with the present economic turn down situation that we are experiencing. But with the help of the SCSEP, I was given the chance to be included as one of the participants in the program. At present, I live with my wife independently, happy, and with peace of mind, and I would say, am not a liability, but an asset to the community of Rockland County. To the management and staff of the Office for the Aging, I'll be forever grateful. Thank you so much and more power!!!"  – Ed

"As a participant of the Senior Employment Program, I am honored to offer my services to the Health Promotion and Education Department. Not only has it made a remarkable impact on me but also taught me what a valuable asset they are for the Rockland community in also coming up with such beneficial solutions to help preserve through education and promotion the imperative quality of life. I am honored to be part of this accomplishment only made possible through working for the Senior Employment Program proving that elder workers do help contribute to society in more ways than one." – Rita

Testimonials from Host Agency Supervisors

"SCSEP has been a tremendous help at DSS-Adult Services Unit. Our worker has been a valuable asset and has become indispensable to the Adult Services Unit. SCSEP provides older workers the opportunity to reenter the workforce and use their experience and knowledge to benefit an organization. Thank you for all the support and guidance you provide." – Madelin

"Being a part of the SCSEP program has proven to be a valuable asset to our department. Throughout discussions with our participant, the experience has been as fulfilling for her as it has been for us. It appears to be a win-win for both sides. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity." – Jennifer

"SCSEP has helped the Probation Department in so many ways. The applicants who have been employed to work in the department are professional, courteous, and knowledgeable. They are important to our day-to day-responsibilities by sharing in the burden of the work. Our two receptionists help oversee the people in our reception area answering numerous questions and calls and directing them to the appropriate personnel in the office. Our file clerk has helped to expedite the process of organizing and storing files which has enabled us to be ahead of our target date. Without these individuals the department wouldn't run as efficiently as it does and we are grateful for them. Thank you."  – Diane