Senior Community Service Employment Program Seeks Participants In Barbour County

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is calling for individuals aged 55 and older in Barbour County who are seeking to enhance their job skills and improve their employment prospects. This initiative, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor and managed by the National Council on Aging, offers valuable training and experience for seniors.

The SCSEP program is designed to provide training and skill development opportunities to older adults, helping them transition towards meaningful employment. Participants receive hands-on training at various local sites and are compensated with a stipend equivalent to minimum wage. The program is open to individuals with lower incomes and does not consider disability income, such as SSI, SSDI, or Veterans Disability benefits.

Available Training Opportunities Include: Barbour County Courthouse: Custodial/Janitorial; Heart and Hand House Garden Market: Customer Service, Stocking, General Custodial; Heart and Hand House Thrift Store: Customer Service, Stocking, General Custodial; and Animal Friends: Animal Care, Custodial as Needed.

Participants are placed at training sites, where they gain practical skills either in a classroom setting or "on the job." Training involves an average of 25 hours per week and participants receive a training stipend at minimum wage. Once participants are job-ready, they receive assistance with job search activities. While training sites are encouraged to hire participants, there is no obligation.

If a training site does not offer employment, participants may transition to another site to continue developing their skills.

SCSEP is actively seeking additional training sites and welcomes inquiries from organizations interested in participating in this valuable program.

For more information or to refer potential participants, please contact Karen Graham, SCSEP Director, Southwestern Community Action Council, Inc. at 304-525-515 or at karen.graham@scacwv.org.