Support to find and keep a job
The government funds a large range of programs out there to support you to find and keep a job, and this page aims to bring together linkages to those programs, help you to find providers in your area, and provide some general guidance on the types of questions to ask service providers.
Government employment programs are subject to regular change; therefore, we have provided general information and linkages to program resources to so that this page does not become outdated.
What do I ask providers?
Remember that providers are funded to provide a service to you. Most of the providers working within the programs explained below are funded under a competitive model. We encourage you to talk to a range of providers, some things to consider when choosing which providers to talk to:
- Their geographical location, and accessibility
- Their performance and track record
- The support that they provide to you.
Some suggested things to ask a provider:
- What is your success rate in placing people into employment?
- What support will you provide for me?
- What services will you provide?
- How often am I required to see you?
- What information do you require from me?
- How long will your support last?
- Are you able to assist with work related expenses, if so what sort of things will you fund?
Jobactive is by far the largest service funded by the government to help jobseekers and employers connect, at over 1700 locations nationally.
Jobactive providers can help you with:
- Resumes and cover letters
- Pre-employment training and work-related equipment
- Job applications and reverse marketing
- Job placement
- Support to settle in at work
- Access to wage subsidies for employers as an incentive to hire you.
Jobactive covers a large range of clients with varying support needs. The best way to move forward is to talk to a few providers, and decide which one you think will be best placed to assist you.
How to find a Provider
The federal government funds a diverse group of organisations to provide Jobactive services, these include private organisations, community and non-profits.
To find a provider, the government has provided a search tool. Simply enter your suburb or postcode, choose ‘Jobactive’ and hit ‘Search’. Providers have a Star Rating displayed in the search results, the higher the rating, the more successful they are in keeping their clients in employment for the long term. Higher performing providers will rank higher in your search results.
You can also browse the list of local employment agencies.
DES providers can assist you to find and keep a job if:
- You have a disability, injury or health condition,
- You meet specific eligibility requirements,
- You are not studying full time,
- You are not already working at your capacity, and
- You have the ability to work 8 or more hours per week.
A DES provider will help you with similar things to Jobactive, however they have specialist staff who can support you to understand your capacity, and work with employers to accommodate any special needs that you might have at work.
How to find a Provider
The government funds a panel of providers nationally under a Grant Agreement, this includes private companies, community and non-profit organisations. To find a provider, the government has provided a search tool. Simply enter your suburb or postcode, the type of provider you would like to talk to and hit ‘Search’. From mid-2019 DES providers will have a Star Rating displayed in the search results, the higher the rating, the more successful they are in keeping their clients in employment for the long term.
Private Recruiters
Private recruiters charge employers placement fees when they provide them with candidates that are successful, they usually do not charge candidates. Recruiters may help you with a resume, but they do not usually provide the same support as government funded employment providers. Their main aim is to link employers looking for staff, with candidates on their books that meet the employer’s expectations. When talking to a private recruiter, make sure that you understand their fees and charges, and ask them what experience they have in placing people in the occupations that your are seeking.
The NDIS does provide support for people at work, and certain NDIS providers are funded to provide this support. In relation to employment, NDIS services are mainly focused on assisting people with a disability who are not eligible for government funded employment services like DES and Jobactive, this includes students with a disability who are still studying full time.
The NDIS is subject to change regularly, for more information refer to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, or talk to a provider in your area. It is best to talk to a provider under the Registration Group ‘Coordination of Supports’, and/or ‘Assist Access/Maintain Employ’ in the provider list.
How to find a provider
Once you’ve identified the types of services that may help you achieve your goals, it’s time to find out more about the providers in your area and whether they are right for you. Your ECEI Coordinator, LAC or Support Coordinator can also help you. To find NDIS registered providers you can search the Provider Finder on the myplace portal.
You might want to research providers on the internet, check reviews, get advice from friends or family and speak with different providers either face-to-face or over the phone before you agree to work with them.
Other programs
The federal government regularly update employment programs, and add new initiatives. To keep up to date with these changes, we recommend that you visit the Department of Jobs and Small Business website.
The Cessnock City Jobs Portal has been jointly funded by the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund – Community Projects Stream, and Cessnock City Council.
