Senior Community Service Employment Program

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a program offered through the State of CT Department of Social Services.  SCSEP provides seniors who were once in the workforce with an opportunity to return to the workforce and also provides seniors who have had difficulties entering the workforce the opportunity to gain skills that will essentially assist them in finding permanent employment.

Since 1968, the SCSEP has provided service work and training through Title V of the Older Americans Act.  In Fairfield County the SCESP is administered by two agencies: the Jewish Family Services and Associates for Training and Development.

Seniors (age 55 or older) have the opportunity to work up to 20 hours per week in a community service agency (host agency) for one year.  During this time, the senior will develop and enhance skills while receiving on the job training.  The goal is that after the year at the host agency, the worker will gain permanent employment at either the host agency or another employer.

Host agencies are non-profit or public agencies that can provide on the job training and opportunities for learning to SCESP participants.  During the first year of employment, the SCESP participant is paid through the Title V Program and the host agency is not responsible to pay any wages to the participant.

Participant eligibility requirements for the program are as follows:

• Age 55 or older
• Have limited income of no more than $1,256 per month for a single person and no more than $1,692 per month for a married couple
• Eligible candidate cannot be currently employed

To apply for the program or to become a host agency, please contact: