Does AARP help older people find jobs near me?

According to AARP Research, over a million jobseekers aged 50+ have utilized AARP Foundation employment programs since 2013. For those asking, "Does AARP help older people find jobs near me?", the answer is a resounding yes, through various resources, including a specialized job board, training initiatives, and local assistance programs.

Quick Summary

AARP assists older adults with employment through its specialized job board, training programs like SCSEP and BACK TO WORK 50+, career coaching, and local resources. The support helps individuals over 50 build skills, find age-friendly employers, and re-enter the workforce with confidence.

Key Points

• Access Specialized Job Boards: The AARP Job Board connects experienced workers with employers committed to an age-diverse workforce and allows searches by location.

• Participate in Free Training Programs: The AARP Foundation offers programs like the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and BACK TO WORK 50+, providing skills training and career coaching.

• Get Local, In-Person Support: You can find local SCSEP offices and in-person BACK TO WORK 50+ workshops by using online locators or calling the helpline.

• Receive Personalized Career Coaching: AARP Foundation provides access to professional career coaches who understand the challenges facing workers over 50.

• Explore Entrepreneurship Options: The Work for Yourself@50+ program offers tools and resources for those considering freelancing or starting a small business.

• Find Age-Friendly Employers: The AARP Job Board highlights companies that are part of the Employer Pledge Program, making it easier to find a supportive workplace.

How AARP Supports Older Job Seekers

AARP is a powerful advocate for older adults in the workforce, providing a comprehensive suite of resources designed to address the specific challenges faced by job seekers over 50. Their assistance goes far beyond a simple job board, encompassing career development, skill enhancement, and local support. Through its various programs, AARP helps mature workers not only find new employment but also build the skills and confidence to thrive in today's market.

The AARP Job Board

One of the most direct resources AARP offers is its dedicated job board. This platform is specifically designed to connect experienced workers with employers who are committed to an age-diverse workforce.

• Employer Pledge Program: Employers who sign the AARP Employer Pledge publicly affirm their commitment to an age-diverse and inclusive workforce. This helps older job seekers identify companies that value their experience.
• User-friendly filters: The job board offers easy-to-use filters to search by job title, keyword, company, location, and preferred work arrangements, such as full-time or part-time.
• Career Navigator Tool: This tool helps users explore potential career paths, identify necessary skills for advancement, and find relevant job openings.

AARP Foundation's Workforce Programs

For job seekers who need more than just job listings, the AARP Foundation provides targeted programs to help older adults return to the workforce or advance their careers.

• Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP): For unemployed, low-income individuals aged 55 and older, SCSEP offers paid, on-the-job training in community service assignments at local non-profit or public agencies. This program helps participants update their skills and build self-confidence.
• BACK TO WORK 50+: This program provides free workshops, career coaching, and online sessions to help job seekers over 50 master modern job search skills. Participants receive one-on-one coaching, interview tips, and guidance on standing out in the hiring process.
• Work for Yourself@50+: This initiative provides free tools and resources for older adults interested in exploring self-employment, freelancing, or starting a small business.

Accessing Local Resources Near You

While many AARP resources are available online, a key part of the answer to "Does AARP help older people find jobs near me?" involves its local presence. AARP connects job seekers with trusted community partners and specific local offices that can provide in-person assistance.

To find local help, job seekers can:

1. Call the Work Resources Helpline: The AARP Foundation offers a toll-free helpline (1-855-850-2525) where team members can confidentially connect you with the right program based on your skills and needs.
2. Use the SCSEP Locator: The AARP Foundation has a locator tool on its website where you can enter your zip code to find SCSEP offices or partner agencies near you.
3. Attend local workshops: Through the BACK TO WORK 50+ program, you can find free in-person workshops hosted by AARP Foundation or its community partners in your area.

Comparison of AARP Job Resources

Feature	AARP Job Board	AARP Foundation SCSEP	BACK TO WORK 50+	Work for Yourself@50+
Best For	Active job seekers ready to apply	Low-income job seekers needing skills & paid training	Job seekers needing modern skills & coaching	Individuals considering self-employment
Eligibility	Open to all, but designed for 50+	Unemployed, age 55+, meet income guidelines	Job seekers 50+	Job seekers 50+
Cost	Free for job seekers	Free for eligible participants (paid training)	Free	Free
Focus	Connecting with age-friendly employers	On-the-job training at non-profits	Career coaching and skill-building	Guidance for entrepreneurship
Local Access	Filter search by location	Find local offices via online locator	Find local workshops and partners	Online modules and workshops

Conclusion

AARP and its charitable affiliate, the AARP Foundation, provide a robust ecosystem of support to help older people find jobs, with both national online resources and local, in-person assistance. From a specialized job board connecting experienced workers with age-friendly employers to intensive training and coaching through programs like SCSEP and BACK TO WORK 50+, the organization offers solutions tailored to the diverse needs of older adults. Whether you're looking for a new full-time role, a part-time position, or considering self-employment, AARP has multiple avenues to help you succeed in your job search near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find AARP job resources near me?

To find AARP job resources near you, you can use the SCSEP locator tool on the AARP Foundation website, call the Work Resources Helpline at 1-855-850-2525, or search the AARP Job Board by your location.

Is AARP's job search assistance free?

Yes, many of AARP's job search services and programs, such as the AARP Job Board, BACK TO WORK 50+ workshops, and SCSEP, are free for eligible participants.

What is the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)?

SCSEP is a paid training program for unemployed, low-income individuals aged 55 and older. It matches eligible participants with local non-profits or public agencies for on-the-job training and helps them build skills for unsubsidized employment.

Can I get personalized career coaching through AARP?

Yes, through the BACK TO WORK 50+ program, older adults can receive personalized career coaching from professionals who specialize in assisting job seekers over 50.

Do I need to be an AARP member to get help finding a job?

No, you do not need to be an AARP member to access many of the AARP Foundation's employment programs and resources. These are available to all eligible older adults.

Does AARP help with skills training for older workers?

Yes, AARP Foundation offers several programs that help older workers upgrade their skills, including training in job search techniques and specific vocational areas through SCSEP and BACK TO WORK 50+.

What is the AARP Employer Pledge Program?

The Employer Pledge Program consists of companies that publicly affirm their commitment to an age-diverse workforce. The AARP Job Board highlights these employers to help older job seekers identify supportive workplaces.