Pennsylvania Department Of Aging

Pennsylvania Hall Of Fame Of Champions Of Older Workers

Outstanding Small Employer - Lawrence County Social Services, Allied Transportation Services Department, New Castle, Pennsylvania

When someone resigns from the Allied Transportation Services Department at the Lawrence County Social Services (LCCS), you can almost bet it's one of the younger workers. For nearly 20 years, LCCS has been successfully recruiting and retaining older workers in its transportation department, and today those ages 55 and older account for 76 percent of the department's 25 employees. Retention of these older workers is so strong that the one or two employees who leave LCSS each year are almost always younger than 55.

"Possible reasons for the positive retention rate of older workers within this program are fulfillment, flexibility, and fellowship. The nature of the driving position permits older workers to assist individuals throughout Lawrence County who are similar to themselves with regard to age and stage in the life cycle. Drivers and dispatchers are permitted to work as much or as little as their schedule allows. LCSS special events for all employees include an annual picnic and a [Pittsburgh] Pirates baseball game outing," says Vanessa Cousins, the transportation program coordinator for LCSS.

The starting salary for all drivers, full or part time, is $8.45 per hour. Employees are guaranteed an annual cost-of-living increase, which typically ranges between 25 and 50 cents per hour. Mandatory overtime is never required, as drivers willingly fill in for absent co-workers. Employees are represented by Teamster Local Union 261, whose bargaining agreement maintains employment benefits and paid holidays for full-time workers. Drivers also actively participate in developing policy and procedures for their job positions and express themselves as questions or concerns arise.

Lawrence County Social Services' mission is to meet the needs of and to support citizens throughout Lawrence County. This extends to its workforce, as it has taken great strides to meet the needs of all employees, particularly those mature workers in its transportation program. In return, these workers have made a long-standing commitment to LCSS and to those they serve in the community.