Overview

 

The Experienced Worker Program (EWP), authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, and implemented in USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) offices, is a legislative older worker program for those 55 and older. EWP is a grants-based program administrated through a 5-year umbrella agreement between NEW Solutions and ERS.

Experienced Worker Program was modeled after the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program at the USDA-NRCS and USFS.

NEW Solutions has developed this EWP Enrollee Handbook as an informational tool for the purpose of acquainting you with the policies, procedures, benefits and restrictions that affect your participation in the Experience Worker Program. This Handbook is also a source of information for USDA-ERS Coordinators and Monitors.

Provisions outlined in the Experienced Worker Program Handbook are not intended to bestow any rights or privileges on Enrollees or guarantee employment for any definite period of time. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Program is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an at will relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate his or her enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and USDA-ERS have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.

NEW Solutions ERS Experienced Worker Program Participants (Enrollees), assist USDA-Economic Research Service in fulfilling the agency mission. Enrollees serve in administrative, technical and professional positions to carry out a variety of assignments.

For complete information about benefits, policies and procedures, please contact your NEW Solutions Field Office Staff.

Ask your Monitor to:		Contact your NEW Solutions Field Office if you:
clarify assignments determine regular work schedules approve timesheets approve leave resolve initial problems		have problems filling out your electronic timesheet have questions about the use of leave or other benefits have questions about your paycheck are returning to your assignment after an extended medical absence have a problem you cannot resolve with your Monitor have concerns about your health or safety are injured while on duty

Enrollment Agreement 

Under the federal statutory structure of the Experienced Worker Program, EWP Enrollees do not have employee status with either ERS or NEW Solutions. Enrollees are not eligible to receive the benefits accorded to Federal government employees nor NEW Solutions employees.  Enrollees are eligible to receive benefits listed in this enrollee handbook.

Before an enrollee can begin an assignment under the EWP an Enrollment Agreement must be executed.  NEW Solutions Experienced Worker Program Enrollment Agreements are between the Participant (Enrollee) and NEW Solutions.  Following are the wage range set for each position level:

Position Level	Wage Range
1	$16.00 - $32.00
2	$24.00 - $40.00
3	$30.00 - $52.00
4	$42.00 - $82.00

 

Health & Safety

Because EWP Enrollees frequently work in field settings, it is critical that Enrollees adhere to the following guidelines for avoiding accidents:

• Know the safety rules and follow every precaution to protect yourself and your colleagues from injury and illness.
• Know the standard procedures for the tasks you perform and use all required protective equipment.
• Report all unsafe conditions, practices and equipment.
• Obtain first aid for every injury, however minor it may seem.
• Seek immediate medical attention if seriously injured.

Workers's Compensation

 

If You Leave the Program

A resignation should be submitted in writing, with notice, if possible. Remember to address your resignation to your NEW Solutions Field Office and copy your Monitor.

Prior to Leaving: All ERS property must be returned to your Monitor.

Last Paycheck: Your final paycheck will be issued to you in the same manner you have requested for all paychecks to be issued

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