Article by Kimberly Carr, Employment and Training. Department of Family Services
(Posted 2021 March)
Ms. S had been unemployed for more than a year when she joined the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). She had limited work experience, most recently working as a cashier, and while she enjoyed engaging with the customers, Ms. S felt she needed to expand her customer service portfolio and grow her skills.
With this information, SCSEP was able to provide Ms. S with a biweekly stipend to train with the Consumer Wellness Center’s peer support program to assist community members struggling with mental illness, substance abuse, or homelessness.
While providing receptionist duties she was also able to join peer recovery meetings and further build her skills as a co-facilitator.
When the National Health Emergency was declared in March 2020, Ms. S shifted her work to a virtual platform, participating in trainings while staying safe and following social distancing guidelines.
By July, the center was able to develop and implement the proper safety protocols and Ms. S felt safe enough to return to the site to do what she did best, engage with those in the community most in need.
Found to be a tremendous asset to the center, it was not long after that Ms. S was offered and accepted a paid position on the center’s team! Her supervisor shared they had been very impressed and were delighted when a position became available, and they could hire Ms. S.
SCSEP, administered by the Fairfax County Department of Family Services, is continuing to enroll eligible unemployed adults ages 55+ to participate in on-site trainings with organizations that follow pandemic safety protocols. Alternatively, participants who prefer to stay home due to the pandemic may choose to participate in virtual training to prepare for on-site training and employment.
For more information, send an email or 703-488-8196. You may also listen to the Fairfax 50+ podcast and hear Linda Siam, project coordinator, talk about the SCSEP program and hear about other participants’ positive experiences..
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).