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Older Workers Can Boost Your Productivity

December 16, 2011

NCOA Media Contact:
Ken Schwartz
Director, Marketing & Communications
202-600-3131
ken.schwartz@ncoa.org

SCSEP Offices in 11 States Match Seniors with Employers Who Need Them

Washington, D.C. – As the holidays approach and most people look forward to taking time off from work to spend with their families, millions of older adults are asking for one important gift this year – a job.

New data from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) shows that older workers employed through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provide exceptional skills, productivity, and experience to employers looking to fill temporary and part-time positions. At the same time, SCSEP helps older workers gain critical skills that can lead to permanent employment.

Funded through the U.S. Department of Labor, NCOA’s SCSEP program matches eligible older Americans aged 55+ with training and part-time jobs for community service organizations through 27 offices in 11 states. In the 2010-11 program year, over 6,000 older adults were served by NCOA, providing over 4 million hours of community service. Upon completion of the training program, 62.4% of participants were placed into permanent employment.

On average, older adults employed through NCOA’s SCSEP program earned over $7,200, which, when combined with other benefits, served as a lifeline for these struggling older adults, many of whom are one step away from economic crisis.

According to a report released earlier this year by the Congressional Research Service, once they have lost a job, one out of eight (12%) older Americans are more likely than any other age group to remain out of work for 99 weeks or more. Many have spent almost two years looking for work, considerably higher than the 6% figure among unemployed workers under age 35. Additional data comes from a recent AARP report on unemployment.

“New data released yesterday by the U.S. Labor Department shows the unemployment rate dropping in the U.S. and while this is great news, it’s not necessarily true for older workers,” said Sandra Nathan, senior vice president for economic security at NCOA. “Thousands of older adults are still seeking employment today. Their skills and experience can be a welcome addition to employers struggling to find qualified applicants, and we hope to connect thousands more mature workers with employers in 2012.”

For employers interested in utilizing this experienced population, and older adults looking for assistance and information, please visit www.ncoa.org/SCSEP.

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About NCOA  The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA’s mission is to improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities.
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