(Camden, NJ) – The United States Census Bureau is continuing to recruit and hire individuals from hard-to-count communities for the 2020 Census. In response to the continued demand for workers in our area, the Bureau recently announced an increase to the minimum hourly rate for census positions in Camden County, from $16.50 to $17.50, and is paying over $20 an hour for certain positions.
Some communities have historically been more difficult to count than others, including those with large populations of those living in poverty, the homeless, children, and racial and ethnic minorities. The Bureau is prioritizing hiring members of these communities to help collect Census data in the neighborhoods they know.
“You know your friends and neighbors better than anyone, and that’s why we need you as a Census taker in your community,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services. “Census jobs are temporary, flexible, and excellent for anyone who needs extra income or is looking to supplement their paycheck after work. This is a great opportunity to support your community while adding to your income.”
Recruiting sessions will be held at two locations in Camden City on Dec. 12, to assist interested applicants in understanding the work that is available and helping them to apply for positions.
The following locations will host recruiting sessions in hard-to-count areas, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:
Puerto Rican Unity for Progress (PRUP)
Address: 818 S Broadway, Camden, NJ 08103
Phone: (856) 541-1418
Additional info: Bilingual staff will be on site to assist Spanish-speaking/Latino applicants.
Youthbuild Housing Authority Camden City (HACC)
Address: 150 Boyd Street, Camden, NJ 08105
Phone: (856) 756-0241
Staff at all branches of the Camden County Library System, as well as the Camden County One-Stop Center, are also available to assist interested applicants during regular operating hours.
“The Census dictates the size of our community’s representation in Congress and the level of funding we will be appropriated for social services and other projects,” Rodriguez said. “An accurate count is critical to ensuring that we are given the resources we need.”
In preparation for the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau is recruiting more than 400,000 part-time workers across the country, and as many as 3,000 in Camden County, to help collect census data in their communities.
Most openings are for census taker positions. These individuals conduct in-person follow-ups with households that have not completed their questionnaires in order to make sure they are counted.
Census jobs in Camden County pay an hourly rate of $17.50 and offer flexible hours that can include evenings and weekends. The community is especially in need of individuals who speak Spanish and other non-English languages to work with the diverse community in the City.
The Census Bureau is already accepting applications for these positions and encourages prospective applicants to apply as early as possible, so they don’t miss their opportunity.
Census employees must be 18 years or older and have a valid Social Security number, among additional requirements. More information regarding pay, hours, and requirements are available by visiting https://2020census.gov/en/jobs/job-details.html.
For more information regarding participation in the 2020 Census, how to respond to the Census questionnaire, and why every response is critical, residents are encouraged to visit www.2020census.gov.