Some people have to be active both mentally and physically to be happy. Retirement leaves them feeling unfulfilled and restless. For these individuals, either volunteering or taking on a new job may be the answer.
For whatever reasons, many seniors work - either a part-time or full-time job. Some take the opportunity to explore interests through their work. Others seek companionship. Some work solely for the income produced.
For companies, older workers can be a valuable resource. They bring a lifetime of experience and learning to the job and have been shown to be reliable and prompt. Many are motivated to learn and are glad to be working.
There are a number of programs designed to help potential older workers gain job skills and to find suitable employment. Many offer health care and other benefits.
Two of the larger programs are the Older Worker Program or Senior Community Service Employment Program and the Senior Environmental Employment Program.
The Older Worker Program
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), or Title V of the Older Americans Act, is a work training program for low-income persons (at or below 125% of the poverty level) over the age of 55. The US Department of Labor authorized 18 agencies to sponsor the program nationwide. They fund host agencies who provide the learning job opportunities. Jobs are typically with non-profit groups or governmental agencies and include a variety of duties - all at minimum wage. The program is intended to help participants learn job skills that will transition them into permanent full-time or part-time employment. The subsidized program is not intended to provide long-term employment in the initial job. However, many times the employer will hire the SCSEP worker independent from the program.
The program is offered by the following agencies in Region J:
| Chatham |
National Caucus & Center on Black Aged |
919-484-0123 |
| Durham |
National Caucus & Center on Black Aged |
919-484-0123 |
| Johnston |
National Caucus & Center on Black Aged |
919-484-0123 |
| Lee |
Senior Services America |
910-678-7644 |
| Orange |
National Caucus & Center on Black Aged |
919-484-0123 |
| Moore |
Senior Services America |
910-678-7644 |
| Wake |
National Caucus & Center on Black Aged |
919-484-0123 |
If you have any difficulty contacting these organizations, contact the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services at 919-733-8395 and ask to speak to the person in charge of senior employment programs.
Senior Environmental Employment Program
An Environmental Protection Agency program providing temporary, full-time and part-time job opportunities to help improve the environment. Positions are allocated and administered through cooperative agreements or grants with private, nonprofit organizations. Various types of positions are available. Salary, benefits, vacation and sick leave, and any personnel actions or issues are administered by the grantee organization.
For More Information:
Disabled Workers
The Social Security Administration encourages the disabled to work by offering incentives.
Employment Security Commission
There are also opportunities through your local Employment Security Commission and local job fairs. Remember to network and ask the people you know if they know of available job openings.
Health Care Benefits and Medicare for Older Workers
As a potential older worker consider how going to work will affect your Medicare benefits and Social Security.
Social Security
There are conditions where an individual receiving social security who goes back to work may no longer be eligible to receive the benefits as long as they work.
Web Resources for Older Workers
AARP Foundation WorkSearch
a program providing community-level job and career information and services to individuals who are seeking to remain in, or re-enter the workforce. The program helps with skills assessment, interest and abilities listings, and online courses and studies at no cost to the individual.
CareerOneStop (all workers)
sponsored by the US Department of Labor, the site offers career resources and workforce information. 1-877-348-0502 (7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Central Time) Monday - Friday)
CareerInfoNet
helps individuals explore career opportunities to make informed employment and education choices. The site features occupation and industry information, salary data, career videos, education resources, self-assessment tools, career exploration assistance, and other resources.
Service Locator
individuals to employment and training opportunities available at local One-Stop Career Centers. The site provides contact information for a range of local work-related services, including unemployment benefits, career development, and educational opportunities.
Agricultural Conservation Enrollees/Seniors Project (ACES)
The US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, through an agreement with the National Older Workers Career Center, offers temporary full-time and part-time positions for experienced workers over 40 to support conservation efforts. Assignments include clerical, editing, writing, engineering, and scientific duties. The program operates in over 30 States. Participants receive paid health insurance and other benefits.
Craigslist for the Triangle
provides a listing of various types of local job opportunities.
JobLink Career Centers
the NC Department of Commerce provides centers that offer a variety of employment and training services that can help job seekers find a new or better job. 919-715-3300
National Council on Aging's Work and Volunteering Links Section
linking mature workers with national work and volunteer resources.
National Older Worker Career Center
brings together experienced workers and organizations seeking support, to ensure that older workers can continue to contribute their skills and knowledge.
Senior Counseling and Employment (Durham)
a job referral agency in Durham that focuses exclusively on the employment needs of seniors.
US Department of Labor Employment and Training Resources
offers web links to sites offering employment assistance - especially related to disabilities.
Please note that there are many online self-help and assisted employment websites. Some are designed for mature workers and some for all workers. Some have a focus on specific groups such as the disabled or Hispanic workers or women. A little research will provide a seeker with a wealth of online information.