PAsmart is committed to ensuring that all Pennsylvanians can work and learn in their preferred way. For Pennsylvanians who have been removed from the workplace for a period, PAsmart has identified helpful resources based on your circumstances to help you reenter the workforce.

After Retirement

The Senior Community Service Employment Program provides unemployed, low-income adults who are age 55 and older with hands-on training and assistance finding employment. This program is administered by the AARP Foundation and local Area Agencies on Aging in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. To learn more or determine if you’re eligible, contact your local Area Agency on Aging.

In addition, the Commonwealth Workforce Development System (CWDS) links businesses and potential employees to information, resources and services through PA Careerlink®.

If you have a Criminal Record

The U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop site includes information and job search help you need to move past your criminal record. There are also nonprofit and national reentry resources that can help you prepare to rejoin the workforce.

For friends and family of an inmate incarcerated in a state prison, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) offers many services and resources to provide the education and training opportunities they may need to re-enter the workforce. You can encourage your loved one to reach out to the education guidance counselor at their facility if they are interested in education and training opportunities.

All of Pennsylvania’s state correctional institutions are official GED test centers. Nationally-recognized vocational trade certifications are also available. The DOC provides reentry support through Transitional Housing Units and Reentry Service Offices, which provide helpful resources to successfully re-enter the community.

After Resettlement

As a new resident of Pennsylvania, you need the resources and support to get settled into your new home and life. Through the Refugee Resettlement Program, we provide assistance in getting you on your feet through a broad range of services intended to help you get a job fast, stay employed, and develop new skills to help you advance professionally. We provide education and can assist with English as a second language. Learn more about the wide range of services available to help you to gain employment and get settled in Pennsylvania.

You can also contact your local area service providers for assistance.

After Parenthood

Returning to work after the birth of a child can be challenging, especially when outside child care is needed. Child care costs can add up quickly, but you may be eligible to receive financial assistance to help. We also provide an easy way to find child care and other early learning programs near you. For more specific information on a facility or child care in your local community, contact the appropriate Early Learning Resource Center near you or call the Child Care Works Helpline at 877-4-PA-KIDS.

You can also learn about and apply for other health and human service programs and manage your benefits with Pennsylvania’s online tool, COMPASS.