Sourcewise is one of fifteen Area Agencies on Aging that administer the Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP) in California. Supporting Santa Clara County’s low-income seniors, Sourcewise offers personalized career counseling, supervised on-the job training, and classroom training designed for a transition to unsubsidized employment. 

 

For the past 16 years, Henri Villalovoz, Director of Senior Employment Services of Sourcewise, has fostered strong relationships with both nonprofit and for profit employers throughout Santa Clara County, achieving a 95% rate of unsubsidized placement for participants in the program. 

 

Two training programs are offered through the Senior Employment Program: On-The-Job Training (OJT) features supervised assignments at local nonprofit community based organizations; The Homecare Aide Training Program strengthens the skills of caregivers. 

 

OJT assignments teach contemporary job skills, and create a relationship with a training supervisor, which increases confidence in participants’ abilities. 

 

The Homecare Aide Training Program is taught by a registered nurse and a certified CPR-First Aid instructor. Students learn techniques to properly care for persons who are elderly and/or disabled. Local home care agencies actively solicit graduates. Henri states, “Lou Ann, owner of a local homecare company, recently said that the graduates of [our] homecare training course are the most reliable and professional caregivers that she has ever hired. She looks forward to recruiting future graduates.” 

 

Each September, The National Employ Older Worker’s Week highlights and promotes the importance of recognizing seniors in the workforce. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that by 2020, workers age 55 and over will encompass 25 percent of the U.S. civilian labor market. These experienced workers comprise a valuable and skilled segment of the labor force.