Assisting Unemployed Older Workers to Become Reemployed: An Experimental Evaluation

Abstract

Unemployed older workers face significant labor market obstacles when attempting to find employment. Social workers employed in community-based gerontology settings often intervene with older workers as they search for employment. This article presents the findings from an evaluation and replication of a Job Club intervention strategy designed to assist older workers in regaining employment. Using an experimental pre-post control group design, the results indicate that Job Club programs are more effective than traditional job search assistance strategies in helping participants obtain employment. The benefits of using behavioral strategies such as the Job Club in social work practice with unemployed older workers are discussed.