pr-dfta-launches-work-program-for-retirees-at-city-agencies

Department for the Aging


Press Releases

Press Releases
Commissioner Column
Newsletters
Publications
Reports

Press Releases

Commissioner Column

Newsletters

Publications

Reports


Department for the Aging Launches Work Program for Retirees at City Agencies

New Silver Stars program allows civil service retirees to return to work and contribute their skills and knowledge to City agencies

The New York City Department for the Aging has launched Silver Stars, a new work program for retired city employees to return to work at City agencies and support City business needs. By enlisting experienced City civil service retirees, Silver Stars allows City agencies to staff their workforce with talented, skilled professionals, while also providing agencies with cost-saving measures and an expedited hiring process.

“What better opportunity for our retired city employees who wish to and can return to the work force to do so via the Silver Stars program through our Department for the Aging,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “The skills, knowledge, and expertise our retirees acquired while working for the city for years will benefit the work our agencies continue to do every day, while also allowing us to be more age inclusive and to diversity the workplace.”

“With individuals living longer than ever before many older adults, whether because they want to or out of necessity, are working later into their lives. The Silver Stars programs not only gives older adults an opportunity to find work, but also allows the City to benefit from the extensive knowledge and skills they bring to agencies” said Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez. “Our workforce efforts continue to have a positive impact on the lives of older residents and I want to applaud the city’s commitment to this program.”

Silver Stars employees work part-time and are assigned projects that are typically a year long, based on the agency’s needs. In addition to providing their talents and skills, Silver Stars also support organizational growth by sharing their knowledge and experience with newer employees. The Department for the Aging is working closely with the Office of Management and Budget to post positions quickly and the Department of Citywide Administrative Services to make sure City agencies are aware of how to hire a Silver Star. Both agencies have been long term age inclusive partners by making sure the City is a model on how to reduce ageism in the workforce.

Silver Star employees may earn up to $35,000 per year and will continue to receive benefits from the city pension system. Participants must be fully retired from City employment, receiving a pension from a City retirement system, have no remaining sick or vacation time balance and unless the job posting specifies otherwise, a resident of New York City.

"For many, the urge to work in public service does not end at retirement, it is a lifelong calling," said Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock. "Through programs like Silver Stars, we are charting new pathways and reimagining what life after retirement can look like for those who still want to make a meaningful impact in New York City - the greatest city in the world! We are excited to support DFTA in the implementation of this program and look forward to drawing from the institutional knowledge and experience these Silver Stars can contribute to our workforce."

“The Silver Stars program is a win-win: providing retired New Yorkers the opportunity to continue to help children and families, while enabling ACS to continue to benefit from their skills, knowledge and historical knowledge,” said Administration for Children’s Services Commissioner Jess Dannhauser. “ACS is grateful to all of our Silver Stars, and to the Mayor, OMB and DFTA for their support for this essential program.”

“Being part of Silver Stars has made the transition to retirement better for me existentially. I enjoy working three days a week in the agency I have been a part of most of my career, and the money I earn is put into a special travel fund for future adventures” said Cheryl Moch, Silver Star at the Department for the Aging.

The Silver Stars program builds on the success of the Department for the Aging’s Older Adult Employment Program, where there are already several programs that support connecting older New Yorkers to workforce opportunities.

City retirees looking to become employed through the Silver Star program can email SilverStars@aging.nyc.gov, or call Aging Connect at 212-Aging-NYC (212-244-6469).

###