SmartHIRE- A Program for Employers
Subsidized Employment Program (SEP)

Employers- make your next hire a SmartHire and receive monthly reimbursements totaling up to $5,000.

The SmartHIRE subsidized employment program offers employers a reimbursement of $1,000 a month up to 5 months ($5,000 total) to hire and train new eligible employees. Employers interview and select potential employees from a group of pre-screened eligible candidates. We will only send you applicants that are already eligible to participate in SmartHIRE and meet your hiring needs.

  • Employers use your regular hiring process- we send you the pre-screened applicants and you make the hiring decision. You get to interview, select and hire your candidates.
  • Positions must range from 25 to 40 hours per week
  • Employers must sign a wage subsidy agreement prior to hiring and employment must begin after the agreement is signed.
  • Employers will be reimbursed in monthly installments of $1,000 a month up to 5 months, as long as the new hire continues to work between 25 and 40 hours per week.
  • Employers must meet non displacement provisions.

    Form more information on the SmartHIRE program- contact (831) 423-8611 and ask for SmartHIRE!

    This program is funded by Santa Cruz County Human Services Department and Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.
Additional information and resources :

HelpSCC

Santa Cruz County Government

Workforce Santa Cruz County