WAPES NASWA Forum Washington DC Early intervention to prevent long term unemployment: Australia s Strategies Presented by: Sally Sinclair, CEO National Employment Services Association 21 February 2013
NESA is the voice of the Australian employment services industry NESA is an industry association and the peak body for the Australian employment and related services industry Australia has a fully outsourced employment services delivery model NESA represents and advocates on behalf of contracted providers to ensure that we achieve: Continuous improvement to design, implementation and performance of employment services for stakeholders, and A sustainable and vibrant industry.
Background Australia s Social Security System Australia s social security (welfare) is: a Commonwealth responsibility financed from general taxation (non-contributory) is subject to asset, income and/or means tests but is not time limited is administered through Department of Human Services/Centrelink, a public service delivery agency Centrelink also acts as the primary gateway to employment services and manages the job seeker compliance framework
Australian Employment Services Framework Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations Policy & Program Administration, Development & Implementation Purchasing & Contract Management Centrelink Social Security Employment Services Gateway Job Seeker Compliance Framework Complementary Programs New Enterprise Incentive Scheme, Harvest Labour Services, Experience + Youth Connections, Language, Literacy & Numeracy, Indigenous Employment Programs National Employment Services Data Base National Performance Assessment Framework
Activation Access to employment assistance All unemployed and significantly underemployed people of working age are eligible to receive assistance through Australian Employment Services. Early engagement All new income support claimants are connected to employment services on first contact with Centrelink Appointment with employment services providers scheduled for a time within 2 working days through an electronic diary Granting of income support subject to commencement with employment services provider Additional direct registration pathways for voluntary (non activity tested) job seekers
Activation Mutual Obligation Australia has strong mutual obligation policies that promote the responsibilities of job seekers in return for unemployment benefits Foundation Activity and participation requirements: be actively looking for paid work and/or be participating in another approved activity, and be willing to take any suitable job that you are capable of doing, including full-time, part-time and casual jobs. Requirements are recorded in an Employment Pathway Plan job search requirements referrals to employment services providers paid work referrals to specialist assistance, and other approved activities that you will undertake to improve your chances of finding work.
Risk Based Service Streaming Streaming mechanisms determine employment program and service intensity based on assessment of relative labour market disadvantage and risk of long term unemployment (LTU) Key tools: Job Seeker Classification Instrument Employment Services Assessment Job Capacity Assessments Change of Circumstance Review
LTU Risk Assessment - JSCI Factors
More intensive assistance for those at relatively more risk Tailored Service Provision
Tailored Service Provision Flexible, Tailored Service Model enables integrated wrap around service assistance to address individual needs Job Placement Services Job Search Support Employer Services Job Search Facilities Skills Assessment Individual Case Management Employment Pathway Plan Community Linkages Access to resources to support interventions Post Placement Support Work Experience Range of Activities Work for the Dole Training Volunteering Work Trials Complementary Programs New Enterprise Incentive Scheme, Harvest Labour Services, Experience +, National Green Jobs Corps, Youth Connections, Language, Literacy & Numeracy, Indigenous Employment Programs
Tailored Support Employment Pathway Fund Flexible pool of funding to purchase assistance to help job seekers get and keep a job, such as: Vocational & Employability Skills Training Work related clothing and safety equipment Licences & certificates Short term travel costs Relocation costs to commence employment Other personal support services. Employer Assistance Wage subsidies, on-the-job training or mentoring for job seekers.
Focus on Performance The performance framework is a key driver of focus on the achievement of sustainable employment outcomes particularly, for those most disadvantaged New Enterprise Incentive Scheme, Harvest Labour Services, Experience + Youth Connections, Language, Literacy & Numeracy, Indigenous Employment Programs
Focus on Performance Job Services Australia Program Performance The number of job placements recorded, is approaching 1.5 million (as at the end of December 2012 it is 1.448 million). Sustained Employment Outcomes Stream 1 61.3% Stream 2 53.0% Stream 3 38.1% Stream 4 30.7% Education and/or training Outcomes Stream 1 20.5% Stream 2 21.7% Stream 3 21.5% Stream 4 18.4% Data source DEEWR Annual Report July 2012 New Enterprise Incentive Scheme, Harvest Labour Services, Experience + Youth Connections, Language, Literacy & Numeracy, Indigenous Employment Programs
Responsive Policy & Service Framework Targeted Industry Support Structural Adjustment Packages Cohort Focused Initiatives Mature Age Workers Early school leavers Long term unemployed Wage Connect Geographically Targeted Initiatives Local Connections to Work Local Employment Coordinators Disaster Response Packages Skills Focused Initiatives Apprenticeship Kick Start Initiative
Contact Details NESA Level 8, 20-22 Albert Road South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Australia Phone: (03) 9624 2300 Email: nesa@nesa.com.au Website: www.nesa.com.au