The importance of each decade’s census cannot be understated; getting an accurate count for the population in various metrics (such as community growth/decline, population shifts, etc.) can help designate resources to needed areas and most accurately plan for the future.
Earlier this month, the United States Census Bureau announced it has increased the hourly rate for census takers in Camden County to $20 per hour. Currently, the bureau is still recruiting and hiring thousands of part-time applicants from the county in an effort to gain an accurate count so that Camden County may receive the correct amount of funds and get appropriate representation in Congress throughout the next decade, according to a county release.
“The census is one of the most consequential events to impact our community each decade, so we need to make sure that we are counting every person in Camden County,” Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services, said in the release. “Census jobs are perfect for folks in between jobs or who are looking to supplement their income after work. Census taker positions are temporary and flexible and provide a great opportunity to support your community while adding to your income.”
In preparation for the 2020 Census, the U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting more than 400,000 part-time workers across the country, with as many as 3,000 in Camden County. Majority of openings are for census taker positions, according to the county, whose jobs are to conduct in-person follow-ups with households that have not completed their household questionnaire.
Potential census employees must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid Social Security number, amongst other requirements. More information regarding pay, hours and more can be found by visiting 2020census.gov/en/jobs/job-details.html.
Additionally, county officials are working to prepare community stakeholders for their role in assisting in getting an accurate count.
On Saturday, Jan. 25 at Camden County College, local government leaders will gather for training from the New Jersey Department of State on organizing a Local Complete County Committee. On Thursday, Jan. 30, the Camden County Department of Children’s Services will also be hosting a child care provider meeting at the Camden County Technical School in Pennsauken to help teach how to ensure all children are counted during the 2020 Census.
“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.”
To ensure an accurate count, state and federal officials are reminding residents that the 2020 census is safe, secure and 100 percent confidential, as census data is not shared with other federal agencies, local officials or law enforcement. While taking the census, no officials should ask for a Social Security number, bank account number or money.
