WORKING WITH BARRIERS
WORKING WITH
SENIORS Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc. giveit2goodwill.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction
2
Chapter 1: Defining the Target Audience
3
Chapter 2: Appropriate Language Dos and Don’ts
6
Chapter 3: How to Conduct an Intake
7
Chapter 4: Steps to Eliminate Barriers Client Faces
8
Chapter 5: Legal Terminology and Potential Resources
9
Chapter 6: Types of Financial Benefits – Am I Eligible?
15
Chapter 7: Social Media Resources for Clients
17
1
INTRODUCTION Once a person reaches the age of 55, they start to enter the senior age demographic. The age of senior citizenship may vary. For example, Medicare says a person who is aged 65 years or older is a senior citizen. However, Social Security Benefits are available for seniors starting at 62, even though the Social Security Office reports that 67 is the required age of retirement. Altogether, being a senior citizen may be based on age, but it is not a specific age. The most common age for retirement is 65 years. Retirement may no longer be a key factor in becoming a senior citizen because there is an increasing number of senior citizens who work after the age of 65. It can be safe to say after the age of 65, a person is designated a senior regardless of their working status.
2
Chapter 1: Defining Target Audience 15 THINGS TO KNOW WHEN WORKING WITH SENIORS 1. Age does not determine success. A person can be successful at any point in their life. 2. Creativity does not diminish with age. 3. Learning can improve the quality of the brain. 4. Senior Citizens are not as frail as you think. 5. Senior Citizens are still active in the workforce and making a huge impact because of their wisdom and work qualifications. 6. Poverty affects seniors too. 7. Seniors do not appreciate being undervalued. 8. Working gives seniors a feeling of accomplishment. 9. Older workers look for employment that is personally meaningful, flexible, intellectually stimulating, and sociable. 10. We as a society are living longer and we are working longer. 11. Older workers can make a substantial contribution to the economy. 12. Meaningful work helps boost self-esteem and provide a purpose to life. 13. Older workers want equal access to formal and informal training including vocational and professional development. 14. Seniors have a strong work ethic. 15. The perceived technology gap can be overcome through training. COMMON REASONS FOR SENIORS RETURNING TO WORK
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Socialization Extra spending money Living expenses Sense of purpose Boredom and loneliness Personal fulfillment Paying off debt Physical and mental stimulation Health insurance Financially responsible for grandchildren
3
COMMON JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR SENIORS RETURNING TO WORK
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Receptionist/concierge for senior living facilities Auto parts delivery driver Unarmed security Retail associate Store or restaurant greeter Shuttle driver (car dealerships) Product demonstrator (Sam’s Club/Crossmark) Office clerk Home health aide Seasonal work Usher And many more! 31 Jobs for Older People
COMMON SOLUTIONS FOR SENIORS RETURNING TO WORK
● ● ● ● ● ●
Provide training on employability skills such as Virtual Interviewing for Work: Job Interview Tips for Older Workers Provide training on resume updating Financial literacy training, specifically on spam, phishing, fraudulent communication, etc. Get seniors enrolled in upskilling training programs such as Basic Digital Literacy and Office Productivity How to counter Myths of Maturity Refer client to Social Security Office for benefits information
●
Social support groups.
4
Chapter 2: Appropriate Language Do’s and Don’ts ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
DO NOT assume you know what is best for them. DO ask how the older person is feeling and really listen. DO encourage the older person to find their own solutions to their problems. DO NOT assume older people cannot learn new skills. DO consider cultural needs. DO NOT forget to call and reach out to them. DO find ways to help them. DO contact community partners that offer senior services. DO NOT assume that seniors don’t have computer skills. DO ask about senior client’s interest. DO consider seniors limitations. DO give a demonstration of www.gcflearnfree.org DO NOT assume that they will only do the type of work they have always done. DO realize that almost half of boomers have saved less than $10,000 for retirement. So, the financial necessity to stay employed is a real one, and believe it or not, working past retirement is a great opportunity.
5
Chapter 3: What to Ask Seniors During Initial Intake ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
●
●
●
● ● ● ● ● ●
● ●
What services can we help you with today? Are you currently employed? Do you want to be employed? Do you have transportation? Do you have any physical limitations? Do you receive Social Security? (Social Security should be verified before proceeding with job search assistance) Clients may need assistance with finding the SSI application. Clients may need additional information on Social Security benefits. What is your wage cap for Social Security? Resource for those with a cap on earned income: Ticket to Work. Provide clients with the Social Security Office contact information nearest them for information on their wage cap: Google Search Social Security Offices in Tennessee. How much money do you need to make a month? Refer clients to Financial Literacy Training if needed. Is your driver’s license valid? Refer clients to Driver Services if needed. Do you have a social security card? If not, refer clients to replacement services. How many hours a week can you work? What does an ideal work schedule look like to you? What skills do you have? What work do you enjoy doing? How are your computer skills? Do you need computer skills training? Refer to computer skills training if needed. Do you have access to a professional/current email and know how to access email from your phone? If not, create an email address with the client and demonstrate how to access it. Create a list of the client’s skills and job desires and search for jobs that fit the criteria. Discuss transferable skills from past jobs.
6
Chapter 4: Steps to Eliminate Client Barriers Step 1 – Establish a realistic job search target Step 2 – Utilize Onet; My Next Move interest assessment Step 3 – Improve computer skills (attend class and/or www.gcflearnfree.org) Step 4 – Address the era of applying for jobs online vs in person Step 5 – Discuss the following common barriers: • Transportation • Home and Community Based Services • Haven’t interviewed for a job in many years Step 6 - Identified Barriers: Identification Assistance Career Coach: Ask clients if they have two forms of identification for employment. This is something that can often be taken for granted, but it is vital for employment and housing. Many of those that have been released from prison do not have credible identification and this makes the application process nearly impossible. We have included resources in each part of middle TN that can help someone get the identification that they need. No Social Security Card: The Social Security Administration has introduced the expansion of online services for residents of Tennessee available through its My Social Security portal at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. To apply for an original card, you must provide at least two documents to prove age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or current lawful, work-authorized immigration status. No State ID: To apply for an ID card, residents must visit a local Driver Services Center to complete the identification card application in person. Applicants cannot get an ID card online or by mail. • • • • • •
Proof of U.S. citizenship, authorized stay or lawful permanent resident status Primary proof of identity, such as a U.S. photo driver license, birth certificate, military ID or U.S. passport Secondary proof of identity, such as a union membership card, computerized check stub, work identification, health insurance or Social Security card Proof of name change (if the applicant’s name differs from the name on his or her primary identification document) Two proofs of state residency (must include the applicant’s name & resident address) Proof of Social Security Number (SSN) or an SSN Affidavit
7
Identified Barrier: Transportation Resources Career Coach: Ask clients if they have a reliable form of transportation. Public transit available: Does Tennessee have public transportation? Public Transportation is available in every county in Tennessee, with a wide range of services. ... Options include fixed-route service, demand-response service, express buses, local shuttles, and complementary paratransit in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Identified Barrier: Food Assistance Career Coach: Ask clients if they are in need of food assistance. Food Pantries: Please provide clients that are in need of food assistance with a contact list for local churches, food pantries, and food distribution centers in their local area. Please recommend eligible clients to sign up for SNAP benefits as a way to supplement their needs. Identified Barrier: Phone and Email Career Coach: Ask clients if they have access to a phone and email. If the client does not have an email please assist them with creating a gmail account. Lifeline is a government benefit program that offers eligible customers FREE cell phone service every month. You must participate in federal programs such as Medicaid and SNAP, or by income in order to qualify for this FREE benefit. The Emergency Broadband Benefit, or EBB, is a limited-time program that provides discounts on monthly broadband Internet access service and certain connected devices. This program is funded by the US government's COVID-19 relief efforts and operated by the FCC. While this program lasts, qualifying customers will receive UNLIMITED Data, Talk & Text! Sign up now to see if you qualify. Q Link Wireless Identified Barrier: Adult Literacy/Education Career Coach: Ask clients what their education background is and if they’re interested in getting their GED. Identified Barrier: Interview Clothing Career Coach: Ask clients if they have proper interview clothing to wear.
8
Chapter 5: Legal Terminology & Potential Resources Community Resources ● Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) ● Middle Tennessee Resources ○ NCOA National Council on Aging ○ SSA - South Central Human Resource Agency ○ UCHRA ● West Tennessee Resources ○ Tennessee Community Services Agency ○ Southwest HRA ○ SSA - Northwest Tennessee HRA ○ Mertian ● East Tennessee Resources ○ ETHRA ○ ETHRA - Oak Ridge ○ Alliance for Business and Training ○ SSA - Chattanooga Goodwill Industries ○ SSA - First Tennessee Human Resource Agency
● Stage Agency on Aging Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability Andrew Jackson Building Nashville, TN 37243 (615) 741-2056 Website 8:00am-4:30pm Central Time
9
Information and Assistance ● Greater Nashville Area Agency on Aging and Disability 501 Union Street Nashville, TN 37219 (615) 862-8828 Website 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Central Time Monday to Friday ● Southwest Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability 102 East College Street Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 668-6967 Website 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Central Time Monday to Friday ● Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging and Disability 1225 South Willow Avenue Cookeville, TN 38506 (931) 432-4111 Website 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Central Time Monday to Friday ●
Dyer County Office On Aging 1400 Hornbrook Street Dyersburg, TN 38024 (731) 286-7832 Website 7:30 am - 3:30 pm Eastern Time Monday to Friday
● Obion County Office On Aging 204 S 1st Street Union, TN 38261 Website (731) 885-1246
10
Aging and Disability Resource Centers ●
Greater Nashville Area Agency on Aging and Disability 501 Union Street Nashville, TN 37219 Marilyn Wade (615) 862-8828 Website 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Central Time Monday to Friday
● Southwest Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability 102 East College Street Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 668-6967 Website 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Central Time Monday to Friday ● Area Agency on Aging & Disability-GNRC 501 Union Street Nashville, TN 37219 (615) 862-8838 Website 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Central Time Monday to Friday ●
Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging and Disability 1225 South Willow Avenue Cookeville, TN 38506 (931) 432-4111 Website 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Central Time Monday to Friday
Area Agencies on Aging ● Greater Nashville Area Agency on Aging and Disability 501 Union Street Nashville, TN 37219 (615) 862-8828 Website 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Central Time Monday to Friday
11
● Southwest Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability 102 East College Street Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 668-6967 Website 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Central Time Monday to Friday ● Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging and Disability 1225 South Willow Avenue Cookeville, TN 38506 (931) 432-4111 Website 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Central Time Monday to Friday Legal Services ● Southwest Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability 102 East College Street, Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 668-6967 Website 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Central Time Monday to Friday ● West Tennessee Legal Services Senior Law Project 210 West Main Street, Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 423-0616 Website 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Central Time Monday to Friday ● Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee & the Cumberland 300 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37201 (615) 244-6610 Website 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Central Time Monday to Friday ●
West Tennessee Legal Services-Dyersburg Office 208 East Church Street Dyersburg, TN 38024 (731) 285-8181 Website 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Eastern Time Monday to Friday
12
●
Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging and Disability 1225 South Willow Avenue Cookeville, TN 38506 (931) 432-4111 Website 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Central Time Monday to Friday
● Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging and Disability 1225 South Willow Avenue Cookeville, TN 38506 (931) 432-4111 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Central Time Monday to Friday Website Transportation
West Tennessee ● MyRide West TN (serving Madison and Henderson Counties) 844-803-0169 www.myridewesttn.org ● iTN Memphis (operates in the I-240 loop in Shelby County) 901-833-7666 www.itnmemphis.org ● MyRide Northwest Tennessee (serving Gibson County) 731-587-4213 https://nwtdd.org Middle Tennessee ● MyRide Bedford 931-703-0286 ● · MyRide Maury 931-307-5307 ● · MyRide Upper Cumberland 1-833-9MyRide (833-969-7433) www.myrideuctn.com
13
● ·SeniorRide Nashville (Davidson County) 615-610-4040 www.seniorridenashville.org
● ·MyRide Lawrence County 931-244-RIDE (7433)
East Tennessee ● ·WayToGo Fairfield Glades (Fairfield Glade community only) 931-456-7272 https://www.fgrservices.org/home/programs/way-to-go/ ● ·Senior Smiles (Blount County) 865-724-1331 http://www.blountcaa.org/programs/ ●
MyRide Johnson County 423-727-8883
14
Chapter 6: Types of Financial Benefits - Am I Eligible? ● Clients may need assistance with finding the SSI application. ● Clients may need additional information on Social Security benefits. ● Provide client with the Social Security Office contact information nearest them for information on their wage cap: Google Search Social Security Offices in Tennessee ● Assist clients with a budget if needed. ● Google programs for seniors who can get access to low cost wifi. ● 25 Resources that Provide Financial Assistance to Seniors ● Financial Help for Seniors: Government Benefits, Paying Debt ● Suggest our Financial Literacy Class and our Operation Hope Program
Comparison of SSI and SSDI Factor
SSI
SSDI
Eligibility based on
Age (65+) OR blindness Disability AND sufficient (any age) OR disability (any work credits through age) AND limited/no income own/family employment and resources
When benefits begin
1st full month after the date the claim was filed or, if later, the date found eligible for SSI
Average benefit (monthly)
$ 841
6th full month of disability; 6-month period begins with the first full month after the date SSA decides the disability began
$ 1358
15
Comparison of SSI and SSDI Factor
SSI
SSDI
Maximum benefit (monthly)
$841/$1261 (single/married couple) (based on income)
$3,148 per individual based if both have benefits based on each person’s work history in 2022 (based on work history)
Health Insurance
Automatically qualifies for Automatically qualifies for Medicaid upon receipt of SSI Medicare after a 24-month (in most states) waiting period from time benefits begin
16
Chapter 7: Social Media Resources • • • • • •
Social Media Lessons and Tutorials (gcflearnfree.org) Social Media for Older Adults Tips Getting Started with Facebook Learning with YouTube Facebook: AARP Programs Facebook: Fifty Forward
17
Goodwill Training Programs: Online & Virtual Trainings: Interviewing for Work, Applying for Work, Explore Jobs Online, Preparing for Success at Work, Resume Writing, Financial Literacy (monthly), Working from Home Training (monthly). Virtual Training Sign Up- 2022 Training Programs Overview & Registration Instructions Basic Digital Literacy/Computer Skills and Resume Class: (FREE) Class topics include: Computer Basics, Email, Online Job Search, Resume Office Productivity Skills Training: (FREE) A two day introduction into the Microsoft Office suite and Google Suite. You will learn Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, Google Docs and Google Spreadsheets. Call Center: (PAID TRAINING COURSE - $240 after completion of course) A three-week paid training course teaching participants how to manage and respond to incoming phone calls from customers. Trainees may earn a Contact Center Associate certification. Pre-training assessments are required prior to starting training. Please call 615-742-4151 for information. Construction: (PAID TRAINING COURSE - $100/week) A four-week paid construction training program providing classroom and hands-on training to those interested in a construction career. Trainees may earn an NCCER certification. Contact Tim.Kahn@givegw.org. for application information. Custodial: (PAID TRAINING COURSE = $30/DAY) This is a 4-week custodial certificate program.The program is designed for front-line custodians and teaches basic and advanced skills in all areas of commercial building cleaning. Call 615-742-4151 for more information. Forklift: (THIS COURSE COST $100) An OSHA approved forklift certificate program that is a three to four-hour course including classroom instructor led training and hands-on training using a forklift. Some fees may apply for this program. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Google IT Professional Certificate Training: Full scholarships are available through Goodwill for an IT training program designed to prepare students for entry level IT positions such as Google IT Support, Facebook Social Media Marketing, Automation With Python, Google Project management, Google Data Analytics, and Google UX Design.
18
