The San Diego Regional Policy and Innovation Center (SDRPIC) and the San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP) are launching the Older Adult Workforce Program in 2023, targeting job-seeking individuals aged 55 and older. This program will provide tailored workforce development services, including training, education, and career assistance, using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model for customized, small caseload services and peer support cohorts. SDWP will lead outreach, recruitment, job readiness workshops, and personalized employment and training assistance. They will also address employment barriers, offer supportive services, and provide time-unlimited support for older adults to achieve employment placement and retention, based on research commissioned by Del Mar Healthcare, which suggests this approach can yield better employment outcomes. SDRPIC will lead the research and work with SDWP to assess the program's effectiveness. Additionally, the community at large, including social services, libraries, faith-based organizations, banks, and others, plays a role in supporting individuals with dementia through various strategies, communication tips, and resources to promote their independence, safety, inclusion, and dignity.

Learning Objective:
1. Understand the reasons for increased numbers of older adult job seekers, their unique challenges to entering/reentering the labor market and learn about the Individualized Placement and Support model of supported employment
2. Understand the role of sectors in meaningfully supporting people with dementia and their care partners and identify community resources that can help sectors respond to these situations