Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP) - Workforce Development & Adult Learning

The Maryland Department of Labor (MD Labor) Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP) is available to jobseekers, ages 55 and older, who are unemployed, meet established low income guidelines, and desire an opportunity for training and employment. MD Labor’s Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning is committed to promoting the employment of all workers, including older workers through SCSEP. The mission of SCSEP is to support our underserved senior communities by developing workplace skills that will enable them to attain permanent employment.

SCSEP provides on-the-job training with local non-profit or government agencies, also known as partner host agencies, as a crucial part of helping seniors serve as catalysts for a more equitable and diverse workforce in Maryland's labor force. Individuals are matched with a training assignment that most closely aligns with their personal goals for meaningful employment while earning an income. Stipend earnings are paid at the established hourly minimum wage rate for a commitment of 20 hours per week. Additionally, Congress has exempted SCSEP wages from income eligibility for Federal housing programs and food stamps.

Our Maryland partners include a variety of employers allowing diversified training opportunities. These include colleges, state and local government offices, hospitals, senior and veteran service providers, community service providers, retail stores, and administrative and management entities. Older workers have proven to be valuable assets to the companies where they train. They have demonstrated characteristics that present strong work ethic, high productivity, extensive experience, and low absenteeism and turnover rates.

SCSEP is authorized under Title V of the Older Americans Act (OAA), 42 U.S.C. 3056 et seq., as amended by the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2016, Public Law 114–144 (Apr. 19, 2016). Maryland SCSEP is funded by a $1,101,646 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor that provides 90% of the support for SCSEP with Maryland matching 10% or $110,165.

The MD Labor administers the program in the following jurisdictions: Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Garrett, Kent, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Talbot, and Washington counties, and Baltimore City.

Please contact your local SCSEP representative for service:

Allegany and Garrett Counties
Chap Richardson 301-777-1221
chap.richardson@maryland.gov

Baltimore City
Please contact the SCSEP Representative
410-767-2160 or 410-767-1113

Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties
Beverly Williams
301-374-1161
Beverly.williams@maryland.gov

Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties
Helen Rookard
410-822-3030, Ext. 311
helene.rookard@maryland.gov

Washington County
Melody Hain
301-393-8216
Melody.hain@maryland.gov

Maryland’s American Job Center
American Job Centers are located throughout Maryland to serve businesses and job seekers. Use the county directory to find the center nearest you.

Those seeking further information may contact the SCSEP Program Manager, Josephine Cabi, at 410-767-2160 or email josephine.cabi@maryland.gov.

For participation in other Maryland counties, please contact our national SCSEP Grantee partner, the Center for Workforce Inclusion - CWI at 301-578-8900 or the numbers below:

Center for Workforce Inclusion/ HQ Contacts:
Rita Monroy, Program Officer
301-578-8871
Chris Garland, National SCSEP Director
301-578-8932