1. Title V and the Older Americans Act: Closing the Loop Ryan Kibby OAA Program Analyst State Unit on Aging

2. Training Goals Overview of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) – Title V of the Older Americans Act. This presentation will cover: The goals, history and structure of SCSEP When to make referrals to SCSEP How SCSEP compliments other OAA services

3. SCSEP Overview  Only federally mandated job training program specifically for low-income adults 55 & over.  Serves some of the most disadvantaged older persons: Minorities Low income Limited education

4. What are the purposes of SCSEP? “Foster individual economic self-sufficiency and promote useful opportunities in community service assignments for unemployed low- income persons who are age 55 or older, particularly persons who have poor employment prospects, and to increase the number of older persons who may enjoy the benefits of unsubsidized employment in both the public and private sectors.” (20 CFR 641.120)

5. …what does that mean?

6. SCSEP helps participants become more independent by:  Providing employment training and job placement  Promoting useful community service activities

7. Program History  Established as a pilot in 1965 called Operation Mainstream to provide job opportunities for chronically unemployed, poor adults.  OAA Amendments of 1973 converted pilot project to permanent program and allowed for funding to states.  Amendments of 1978 designated as Title V

8. Coordination with other OAA services  Participants often need other OAA services Transportation Nutrition Health and wellness programs Family Caregiver Support Programs  AAA/APD consumers may need help finding work

9. Who is Eligible?  SCSEP has strict eligibility requirement for participants. Individuals must be: 55 or older Unemployed and eligible for work in the U.S. Have family income no greater than 125% of FPL  $14,363 for a single person HH in 2012

10. Priority enrollment is given to individuals that: Are veterans or their qualified spouses 65 and older Have a disability Have limited English proficiency Have low literacy skills Live in a rural area Have low employment prospects Are unable to find employment through WIA Are homeless or at risk of homelessness

11. Participant Services  Individual Employment Plan (IEP) development  Orientation  Community service placement  Community service assignment training  Supportive services  Wages and fringe benefits  Annual physical  Assistance in securing unsubsidized employment  Access to local One-Stop Career Centers

12. Community Service Assignment (CSA)  Participants are placed in community service assignments (host agencies) where they work an average of 20 hours per week  Participants earn minimum wage (currently $8.95 in Oregon)  Participant wage is subsidized by SCSEP Host agency gets worker paid by outside entity SCSEP participant gains job skills/training

13. Program Structure  Funding allocated by U.S. DOL - ETA  Statute requires funds be divided between National grantees (78%) and states (22%).  Two National grantees operate in Oregon: Experience Works Easter Seals  Oregon contracts with Experience Works for state grant

14. SCSEP Services Wide range of services to help older workers obtain unsubsidized employment:  Assessment  Individual Employment Plan (IEP)  Skills training  Paid community service experience  On-the-job training  Annual physical examination

15. Benefits for Host Agencies:  Expanded ability to provide service  Experienced, dependable and qualified workers  Wages subsidized by SCSEP

16. Benefits for Participants  Access to training & counseling  Paid real-world experience  Reduced risk of social isolation  Networking opportunities

17. How you can help  Refer older job-seekers to SCSEP  Alert SCSEP to job vacancies  Become a host agency  Give a qualified worker the OPPORTUNITY they need!

18. When to make a referral  Refer clients to SCSEP when they are: At least 55 years of age Low-income Unemployed and wants to work  Local SCSEP office contact information: http://www.oregon.gov/dhs/spwpd/Pages/sua/scsep-project-map.aspx Note: SCSEP available in all Oregon counties except Sherman and Gilliam.

19. Questions? For more information about SCSEP: Ryan Kibby OAA Program Analyst State Unit on Aging 503-373-1877 ryan.e.kibby@state.or.us