Title V and the Older Americans Act:Closing the Loop

Ryan KibbyOAA Program AnalystState Unit on Aging

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

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

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)

…what does that mean?

SCSEP helps participants become more independent by:

Providing employment training and job placement

Promoting useful community service activities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SCSEP Services

Wide range of services to help older workers obtain unsubsidized employment:AssessmentIndividual Employment Plan (IEP)Skills trainingPaid community service experienceOn-the-job trainingAnnual physical examination

Benefits for Host Agencies:

Expanded ability to provide service

Experienced, dependable and qualified workers

Wages subsidized by SCSEP

Benefits for Participants

Access to training & counseling Paid real-world experience Reduced risk of social isolation Networking opportunities

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!

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.

Questions?

For more information about SCSEP:

Ryan Kibby

OAA Program Analyst

State Unit on Aging

503-373-1877

ryan.e.kibby@state.or.us