Transitioning from SCSEP to Gainful Employment Presented by Tracy Alexander, Project Director AARP Foundation SCSEP Sacramento, CA March 25, 2015 SCSEP Northern Regional Training

MINDSET…EVERYTHING STARTS IN THE MIND From the time a person calls the office and starts the process of the intake application to orientation to becoming a full fledged participant on the program, the message of the program’s goal is echoed consistently. There should be one voice throughout the office that mimics leadership or management and reflects the program’s mission Changing the thought process. In this unstable economy 55+ jobseekers can be very uncertain regarding their ability to have a successful job search that leads to gainful employment, therefore, we as coaches, must build confidence by providing positive support. We have to counter negative conversations with words of encouragement. We have to motivate mature jobseekers, who are experiencing challenges, toward making positive moves that lead to successful efforts. The mind IS a terrible thing to waste. If we can reimage the vision of the jobseeker and assist them in creating confidence, half the battle is won.

TOOLS THAT LEAD TO SUCCESS Assessment Tool –The Individual Employment Plan is a great tool to document the participants process through the program. It determines where the participant is and where they need to be to obtain employment. –VCN is a tool used to determine possible interest areas of a SCSEP participant by using the RIASEC score. The RIASEC categorizes participants as one of six personality types: Realistic (Doers), Investigative (Problem Solvers, Artistic (Creators), Social (Helpers), Enterprising (Persuaders), and Conventional (Organizers). By using the top three scores in these environments we can help identify job options for participants. Host Agency –Ensure the participant has the skill set to match the host agency’s need or the host agency is willing to engage and train the participant. Specialized Training or Request Training Funds (ST or RTF) –Training opportunities to enhance employment – ST or RTF’s On the Job Experience (OJE) –This is a win-win incentive! What better way to introduce participants to employers. It’s a sure fire way to at least create an opportunity to get their foot in the door. Trial Employment is for the participant to get a chance to showcase their skills and the employer to see if they are a good fit in their work environment. Intensive Services –Intense 30-day self investment to obtain employment. This is an Intense job search that allows the participant to be fully invested in the type of work they desire with the assistance of their employment specialist.

BUILDING EMPLOYER RELATIONSHIPS Attend events outside work –Chamber meetings or other organizations honoring the movers and shakers in the community for networking opportunities Contact employers by mass –Reach out to employers by creating a marketing letter to introduce the OJE incentive Publication memberships (ex. Business Journal) –Publications such as these provide vital information regarding new businesses and owner/management contact information. Marketing materials –Canvas the community and leave marketing materials with small businesses. Host Agency hire Letter –This letter is used for leverage to encourage hiring by showing proof of how much the program contributes to the host agency in time and money saving efforts. Working with National Employer Partnerships on the local level –Once a relationship has been established on a national level it is the responsibility of the project director of someone at the local level to partner with that employer on behalf of the participant.