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Plan: Louisiana PYs 2024-2027
Combined Plan C

Section: Senior Community Service Employment Program

Narrative: b. 5.

Published
Located in:

b. 5. The State’s long-term strategy to improve SCSEP services, including planned long-term changes to the design of the program within the State, and planned changes in the use of SCSEP grantees and program operators to better achieve the goals of the program. This may include recommendations to the Department as appropriate. (20 CFR 641.302(k))

View corresponding narrative from PYs 2022-2023 (Mod)

Current Narrative:

Louisiana and National SCSEP grantees will continue to strive to meet the required goals and targets established by DOL. To achieve and exceed goals and targets, Louisiana SCSEP will continue to develop new relationships and partnerships with local and national employers within the state by reinforcing awareness and outreach efforts. 

Additionally, Louisiana will apply the following strategies to improve SCSEP services:

  • Expanding supportive services to include meeting transportation needs for seniors through mass transportation (bus tokens, jobs on bus lines, etc.), car repair, and collaboration for transportation with other agencies serving seniors. Also, linking the participant with additional services for their caregiving responsibilities. Tailoring supportive services to address these barriers can increase participants' success in sustained employment.
  • Incorporate technology-driven training and skill development to equip participants with relevant digital literacy, remote work capabilities, and proficiency in emerging job sectors. This could include online training modules, virtual job fairs, and remote work placements.
  • Work with new and existing host agencies in an effort to improve and increase training opportunities for participants.
  • Expand opportunities for participants through On the Job Experience-OJE, which means to develop employer relationships in the private sector.
  • Collaborate with community colleges, adult learning centers and libraries to provide basic computer training for seniors.
  • Develop a more tailored approach to training and employment services based on individual participant needs, skills, and career goals. This would involve personalized career coaching, skills assessments, and customized training programs to enhance participants' employability in fields with high demand.
  • Develop initiatives to address systemic barriers that older workers may face in the labor market, such as age discrimination, limited access to transportation challenges, and caregiving responsibilities.

The following are recommendations to the U.S. Department of Labor for better program participation and services:

  • Develop guidelines that will allow program participants to continue receiving government benefits such as Social Security Income, Medicaid, and SNAP benefits.
  • Increase funding levels to serve those more of the “most in need” population and increase “service level” goals to provide training and supportive services, as well as, the amount of staff time required to serve participants with multiple barriers to employment.
  • Realistic and effective coordination between WIOA and SCSEP should be implemented at the National level.  This will encourage Career Solution Centers to improve assistance to older workers. 
  • Increase the poverty guideline for income eligibility from 125% to 150%.