BROCTON — Goodwill of Western New York is currently looking for senior program participants and non-profit host agencies in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties for its popular Senior Community Service Employment Program.

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provides training and part-time employment opportunities for motivated individuals over the age of 55 at participating 501c3 non-profit organizations and government agencies in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.

Their mission is to meet the staffing needs of organizations while helping seniors update their job skills, build work experience, grow confidence, and strengthen their economic security.

Seniors receive paid training and their wages do not count toward HUD and SNAP intake determinations.

Previously referred to as the Senior Aide Program, the Senior Community Service Employment Program has operated in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties for many years and transitioned to being administered by Goodwill of Western New York in January of 2021 who has operated similar employment programs in the region for more than 100 years.

Past SCSEP participants have helped food banks, pet rescues, libraries, day care centers, and more to accomplish their missions by becoming valuable employees and team members.

“The Senior Community Service Employment Program is a great extension of Goodwill’s current Workforce Development programs in Western New York,” says Dr. Gregory Hall, Goodwill Project Director. “The senior workforce brings unmatched experience, emotional intelligence, and generational diversity to the workplace.”

Goodwill is committed to expanding the program in the two county area through a dedicated Project Coordinator, Betty Crowell, based in Brocton who will work with senior participants and host agencies in both counties.

If you are age 55 or older, unemployed, live in Chautauqua or Cattaraugus counties, qualify as low income, and want to contribute to your community while receiving paid on-the-job training you may be eligible for a SCSEP part-time position.

If you are a non-profit or government agency and are interested in becoming a host agency, it is a win-win situation.

Through a grant from the Center for Workforce Inclusion and the US Department of Labor, Goodwill of Western New York is able to cover 100% of the wages of employees hired through SCSEP in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. Their team will work with Host Agencies to identify and screen these job seekers to match their skill set and interests. Potential SCSEP participants or a organizations interested in becoming a Host Agency, are encouraged to contact Crowell at716-410-0731 or bcrowell@goodwillwny.com.