Tacoma Goodwill » Help me find a job

Older workers wanting to get back into the workforce can benefit from a Goodwill training program. The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP, pronounced: See-Sep) provides temporary subsidized, part-time community service work for low-income persons age 55 and older to help them build current work skills and develop a current work history. Call Goodwill at 253.593.7356 or 800.606.9849 for information.

What is it

Participants in the SCSEP program create an Individual Employment Plan, receive orientation and training specific to their paid community service assignment, and receive support counseling and other benefits. After a period of time, participants will get assistance finding competitive employment in the community. Access to local, One-Stop Career Centers also is available. Openings can be found throughout 13 of Tacoma Goodwill’s 15-county service area, plus additional sites in Kitsap and Clark Counties.

Who can apply

Participants must be at least 55 and have a family income of no more than 25 percent above the federal poverty level, about $12,225 per year for an individual, $16,500 for a couple. Enrollment priority is given to persons over age 60, veterans, and qualified spouses of veterans. Preference is also given to minority, limited English-speaking and Native American eligible individuals and those who have the greatest economic need.

How it works

A work-based training program, participants train at nonprofits and public agencies, everything from daycare and senior centers, to schools and hospitals. The participant works an average of 20 hours a week and Tacoma Goodwill pays all the participants wages, FICA and workers compensation. The employer is asked to consider the participant should an unsubsidized position become available in which the duties are similar.