Ohio offers free employment resources for workers 55 and older

COLUMBUS, Ohio - During National Workforce Development Month and National Employ Older Workers Week, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt Damschroder and Ohio Department of Aging Director Ursel J. McElroy remind all Ohioans that older workers bring tremendous value to any workplace. In addition, Ohio offers many free resources for unemployed Ohioans 55 and older who would like to work.

"Adults 55 and older make up nearly 23% of Ohio's labor force, and they bring a variety of invaluable assets to the workplace," Damschroder said. "They're experienced, insightful, and productive, and they often have great interpersonal skills, instincts, and patience."

"Older Ohioans are a vital part of the workforce in our state, bringing decades of wisdom, experience, and expertise wherever they go," McElroy said. "We encourage older Ohioans to utilize the resources available to them so they can share their value with employers across the state, and we challenge employers to discover the value that older adults can provide to their place of business."

OhioMeansJobs Resources
OhioMeansJobs.com has resources just for older workers, including information about career transitions, employment rights, updating your job search skills, and workplace communication. At either the website or the state's local OhioMeansJobs Centers, older workers can find and apply for job openings, take skill and career interest assessments, create or improve their resumes, and more. To find contact information for your nearest OhioMeansJobs Center - and a dashboard map showing what services are available there - visit OhioMeansJobs.com and select "FIND A JOB CENTER" at the bottom of the page.

Ohio Department of Aging Resources
The Ohio Department of Aging's Working as You Age website has links to information to help older workers appreciate the value they bring to the workplace, brush up on their job search skills, and update their work skills to be competitive. For employers, the website has information about the benefits of hiring older workers, ways to optimize workplace policies for a multigenerational workforce, and tips for supporting working caregivers as they balance work and personal responsibilities.

Senior Community Service Employment Program
In addition to state resources, the federal Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) offers paid community service work and training for income-eligible, unemployed adults 55 and older. Participants work an average of 20 hours a week at local nonprofit and public organizations within the SCSEP employer network. Priority is given to veterans, spouses of veterans, those over 65, minorities, and those with limited English or literacy. Contact a SCSEP provider for more information.

About ODA - The Ohio Department of Aging serves and advocates for the needs of Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers and communities. Programs include home and community based long-term supports and services, as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Visit aging.ohio.gov.