docs.jobs.gov.au Web viewCHAPTER 2STATEMENTOFREQUIREMENTS9Request for Tender for Job Services...

CHAPTER 2STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENTS

9Request for Tender for Job Services Australia 2012–2015

This chapter describes the services a Tendererwill be required to deliver if awarded anEmployment Services Australia 2012–2015

Deed. Successful Tenderers will be required tocommence delivery of JSA on 1 July 2012.

2.1 OBJECTIVE OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

The objective of JSA is to prepare Job Seekers tosecure sustainable employment.

JSA focuses on the needs of the most disadvantaged Australian Job Seekers and

assists them to achieve greater social inclusion.JSA boosts employment participation and productive capacity by better meeting theneeds of employers.

2.2 OVERVIEW OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

In most cases Job Seekers will connect withProviders following a referral by Centrelink. The Job Seeker’s level of disadvantage will be assessed by the Job Seeker Classification Instrument (JSCI) or, where required, an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt).The JSCI measures a Job Seeker’s relative difficulty in gaining and maintaining employment. The JSCI is a robust and accurate measure of Job Seeker relative disadvantage.

Some Job Seekers will be connected with Employment Services Providers following a Job Capacity Assessment (JCA). The Department of Human Services (DHS) Assessment Services conducts ESAts and JCAs.

Job Seekers will be placed into one of four Streams, based on their level of disadvantage. Service is demand driven. Servicing and funding are dependent on the assessed level of disadvantage of the Job Seeker.

Providers will work with Job Seekers to negotiate an individualised pathway to employment (an Employment Pathway Plan, or EPP). The EPP will be tailored to the needs of each Job Seeker outlining agreed activities to be undertaken to assist the Job Seeker becomework ready and gain sustainable employment.

The EPP must contain activities which willsatisfy the Job Seeker’s participation requirements under Social Security Law and that are specifically tailored to address the Job Seekers’ level of disadvantage, individual needs and known barriers to employment. The EPP will identify the mix of vocational andnon-vocational activities as appropriate, thatthe Job Seeker is to undertake, with particular focus on developing the skills they need to improve their chances of obtaining ongoing sustainable employment. Depending on the needs of the individual Job Seeker, the EPP will integrate education, training, non-vocational assistance, work experience, job search requirements and other support. The EPP will be regularly updated and renegotiated with the Job Seeker.

Providers must be able to:

• help all eligible Job Seekers, regardless oftheir level of disadvantage, by providing individually tailored assistance to develop pathways into sustainable employment

work with employers to understand and meet their skills and labour needs, including working with employers to identify job

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10 Request for Tender for Job Services Australia 2012–2015

vacancies and match suitable candidates tothose vacancies

connect Job Seekers to appropriate skills development opportunities

respond rapidly to changing labour market conditions and policy settings to ensure Job Seekers are connected to all opportunities, and

build strong linkages and work collaboratively with other stakeholders, including local community and health services, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), state, territory and localgovernment, and other service providers.

Fully Eligible Participants into sustainableemployment or education, as will Placement Fees. Service Fees, Placement Fees and Outcome Fees are fixed and not subject to price competition.

Providers will be expected to actively engage with employers in order to understand their needs and ensure that Job Seekers receive the assistance that enables them to meet employer demand. Outcome Fees are weighted to reflect the importance of Providers working with employers, and the Performance Management Framework also rewards responsiveness toemployer needs.

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Providers will be paid Service Fees to assist JobSeekers in each Stream.

For Streams 1 to 3, Job Seekers will generally receive 12 months of service before moving into the Work Experience Phase of the Stream and then an additional 12 months of service before moving into the Compulsory Activity Phase, unless they exit earlier or move to a higher stream. Stream 4 Job Seekers will receive up to18 months of service in Stream 4 before moving into the Work Experience Phase unless they exit Stream Services earlier. They will then moveinto the Compulsory Activity Phase after a further 12 months (see Section 2.8.6).

A Job Seeker’s information on the JSCI may be updated at any time that circumstances change or additional information is disclosed that may indicate that a change in Stream may be appropriate.

The Employment Pathway Fund (EPF) is a flexible pool of funding that will be available for use by Providers to purchase assistance to address vocational and non-vocational barriers and to provide Work Experience Activities.

Outcome Fees, which are weighted to the most disadvantaged, will be paid for assisting most

2.2.1 Building Australia’sFuture Workforce

Some of the specific JSA servicing arrangementsintroduced under Building Australia’s FutureWorkforce (BAFW) include:

Wage Connect Subsidy

Providers are required to build strongrelationships with employers and broker employment opportunities for Job Seekers who have been long term unemployed, who have substantial barriers to employment such as a disability or mental illness, or who have been out of the workforce for extended periods of time due to caring responsibilities. Providers must be able to help these Job Seekers by tailoring a pathway to employment that addresses the Job Seekers’ individual circumstances including any barriers to employment.

From 1 January 2012, a new wage subsidy, Wage Connect Subsidy, will be available as part of the BAFW package to support employment of the very long term unemployed. The aim of thesubsidy is to improve opportunities for the very


long term unemployed, that is, the mostdisadvantaged Job Seekers, to gain sustainable, ongoing, paid employment.

developing foundation and employability skills.These activities should prepare them to successfully transition to further study, training or employment and can also supplement their current hours in training or education where they are not already fully meeting their participation requirements.

Those ESLs with significant language, literacy and numeracy difficulties should be helped and encouraged to transition to the formal Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program (LLNP). Providers will be eligible for an outcome payment for ESLs participating in Transition Support for ESL activities who complete the first200 hours of LLNP. A second outcome payment will also be available for a subsequent 200 hour block of LLNP. A maximum of two LLNP outcomes can be claimed for each Transition Support for ESLs participant per unemployment period.

To assist with the costs associated in delivering and brokering these structured activities Providers will have an additional $500 credited to the EPF notional bank for each ESL participant. This credit must only be used tosupport ESLs.

The subsidy will equate to the average rate ofNewstart Allowance over 26 weeks with funding available for up to 35 000 places over fouryears. The subsidy will be paid for at least six months but could be made available for longer based on the needs of the Job Seeker.

Providers will be required to market and promote the subsidy to employers in theircontracted ESAs.

Support for Early School Leavers

Early School Leavers (ESLs) are young peoplewho have not completed Year 12 or an equivalent qualification, are not undertaking full-time study and who claim Youth Allowance(other). ESLs participation requirements are setout in the Social Security Law.

To receive Youth Allowance (Other), ESLs generally need to undertake study full-time or to participate in study, training and other approved activities for at least 25 hours per week until they attain Year 12 or an equivalent qualification and they cannot be required tolook for work. ESLs in Stream 4 fully satisfy theirESL participation requirements by participating in Stream 4 activities.

Providers have a key role in linking ESLs to suitable education, training and other approved activities which satisfy their participation requirements.

ESLs who are not fully satisfying their participation requirements through education/training and other activities are required to participate in Transition Support for ESLs. An initiative under BAFW, Transition Support for ESLs offers targeted assistance inthe form of bridging activities focused on

Training places and career advice forparents

Currently single and teenage parents competewith other Job Seekers, school leavers and existing workers for access to vocational education and training (VET). Their caring responsibilities may also act as barriers to participation in traditionally structured VET courses.

Training places for single and teenage parents are a 2011–12 Budget measure under the BAFW package. It will be provided $80 million over2011–12 to 2014–15 for additional trainingplaces to improve the work readiness of single


and teenage parents, delivered through anational partnership with states and territories. A National Partnership Agreement with states and territories to provide the training places will be in place from 1 January 2012.

Providers are required to identify and refer eligible parents to RTOs to undertake training that builds on the skills, aptitude and experience of eligible parents. These training opportunities will respond to current and emerging local workforce demands.

Career Advice for Parents is also part of theBAFW package which commences on1 January 2012.

Career Advice for Parents is a free, value-added telephone service which provides professional, informed career advice by qualified Career Advisers to assist parents in identifying transferrable skills, explore career options and develop a plan of action to help them achievetheir employment goals.

barriers. This includes coordinating access to,and supporting provision from, complementary non-vocational services such as drug and alcohol counselling, housing services, mental health services, disability services as well asservices designed specifically for Indigenous andculturally and linguistically diverse Job Seekers. Providers will need to work cooperatively with other local stakeholders including RTOs, state, territory and local government, including where applicable the targeted place based initiatives being delivered under BAFW package.

With a focus on offering support that addresses multiple barriers in a holistic manner, and ensuring it is tailored to the needs of the individual, it is anticipated that Providers will develop relationships, which may include formalised arrangements with the followingcomplementary service providers:

• homelessness services (such as SpecialistHomelessness Services providers) to provide a more integrated service to homeless Job Seekers. The Home Options and Pathways to Employment (HOPE) Project, resources have also been developed to assist Providers and homelessness services providers to develop collaborative working relationships that will benefit people experiencing homelessness

mental health services, including Medicare Locals and Personal Helpers and Mentors service providers. Online modules will be available to assist Providers to improve their capacity to identify, communicate with, and assist, Job Seekers with a mental illness to gain and maintain employment

Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) Providers where they exist (unless the CDEP Provider is also the local Provider) and Indigenous Employment Program (IEP) Providers, employers and community service organisations, tomaximise Indigenous employment in local

Providers should promote the service to eligibleparents and refer those parents who volunteer for the service.

Job Seekers who are aged 45 years or older and registered with a Provider, are currently eligible for the same service under Experience+ CareerAdvice and can also be referred to this service. •

2.2.2 Linkages to Support JobSeekers

In addition to providing the full range of JSAservices and providing linkages with other programs and services including the BAFW measures highlighted above, Providers are encouraged to forge close links and work collaboratively with other organisations delivering services to assist Job Seekersovercome vocational and non-vocational

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jobs both within their organisation andwithin the local and the wider community. The Government is currently consulting on how IEP and CDEP will work with JSA in the future

support services assisting Job Seekers with disability and their carers, including local community, health and respite services. Providers can also access free, confidential and expert advice through the Government’s JobAccess service, which can assist them engage with and support employers whomay or may not currently employ peoplewith disability, and Job Seekers with disability looking for work. These services can be accessed through the website which can be found at www.jobaccess.gov.au or by calling a JobAccess Adviser on1800 464 800

support services for Job Seekers from refugee and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds including organisations providing settlement services, interpreter services, language, literacy and numeracy programs, accommodation assistance or health services. Providers are also encouraged to forge close links with local community groups and employers to assist these Job Seekers obtain sustainable employment, and

mature age Employment Service Providers including organisations delivering career planning, employment and training-related assistance to mature age Job Seekers and workers, such as the Experience+ Career Advice service. Providers are also encouraged to engage proactively with employers, employer peaks and industry associations to increase the recruitment of mature age people and to help employers manage their ageing workforce. Resourcessuch as the ‘Investing in Experience’

Employment Charter and Tool Kit areavailable for this purpose.

Additionally, JSA Providers should have an understanding of the place-based measures that are being delivered in some of the most disadvantaged locations in Australia and cooperate with key stakeholders delivering these measures. This includes current place based measures, those included in as part of the BAFW package, and any future place based measures that the Government may announce in the future.

In areas identified as priority employment areas and targeted areas of disadvantage as part of BAFW package, JSA Providers are encouraged to create linkages and work collaboratively with Local Employment Coordinators (LECs) whohave been engaged to coordinate and drive local responses to meet the demand for skills and labour in 20 priority employment areas around Australia. This may also include working collaboratively with other JSA Providers, all levels of government, business, employers, the community sector and training organisations to help deliver local solutions to skills and employment issues and boost participation inthese areas.

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2.2.3 Meeting Employer Needs

JSA focuses on providing Job Seekers with theskills and training that employers need.

Providers must work with their local employers to understand what their needs are and how best to meet them with the Job Seekers on their caseload.

Providers will be required to work with industry and local employers to identify employment opportunities for Job Seekers and develop skills and training activities for Job Seekers to enablethem to match, screen and refer Job Seekers to

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vacancies or assignments canvassed from localemployers.

The emphasis on addressing the labour needs of employers is reflected in the payment and performance management structures and the RFT selection criteria.

Outcome Fees are weighted to reflect the importance of engaging with employers, with

vacancies secured and filled by a Providerattracting a higher payment. In addition, there are bonus Outcome Fees for placing Job Seekers in apprenticeships in occupational areas of skills shortage or when a Job Seeker is placed in employment after completing training directlyrelated to the job (see Section 2.10.4).


Working with employersMr Brown runs a small factory producing highly specialised machine parts. As part of the business he manages a distribution area, has a sales and marketing area, and has both skilled and unskilled workers on the factory floor. With close to 40 staff already, his business is doing well and ready to expand. However, he is unable to find the skilled staff he needs in the stamping and machining sections and has high turnover in the unskilled jobs. At a local Chamber of Commerce meeting recently, a presentation was given by a Provider who explained the type of services they could provide to employers and offered to come and talk to businesses about their specific needs. Having had yet another worker move on,Mr Brown decides to give them a call and see whether they can help.

At the meeting the Provider gives an overview of the sorts of services they provide, highlighting thatthey can work in partnership with the employer and local Registered Training Organisations to develop a skills package tailored to Mr Brown’s needs. The Provider also presents the résumés of a number of Job Seekers that may meet Mr Brown’s immediate vacancies. Mr Brown takes the résumés but makes no commitments.

The Provider continues to keep in contact with Mr Brown and by screening and referring suitable Job Seekers, demonstrates that they understand the business. The Provider suggests that Mr Brown consider having a Job Seeker on an unpaid Work Experience placement and also that he consider takingon some enthusiastic workers who, with some training organised by the Provider, may meet Mr Brown’sneeds. The Provider also discusses the option of a wage subsidy for approximately three months.Mr Brown now trusts the Provider and decides to work with them on developing a training package. The Provider also discusses the range of apprenticeships available and assists Mr Brown to access appropriate services. By continuing to work with Mr Brown, the Provider becomes the first point of contact for Mr Brown’s firm when sourcing staff or finding new apprentices. The firm also occasionally provides unpaid Work Experience opportunities, often taking the participant on as an employee during or soon after the activity.

Mr Brown has also become a strong advocate of the Provider and JSA, encouraging business associates to contact the Provider when they need staff.

2.3 WHO CAN RECEIVE ASSISTANCE?

The main categories of Job Seekers who areeligible for Stream Services are:

• vulnerable young people who are full-timestudents (those who are aged 15 to 21 who present in crisis and have at least one serious non-vocational barrier—they are only eligible for Stream 4 services), or

people not on income support who may be ineligible for most employment services but who choose to participate in Drought Force activities (Drought Force Only participants)can be assisted to do so.

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Fully Eligible Participants

Partially Eligible Job Seekers, and

Job Transition Support participants. •

2.3.1 Fully Eligible Participants

Fully Eligible Participants are eligible for StreamServices, with eligibility for Stream 1 to 3 dependent on the level of self-disclosed disadvantage assessed through the JSCI. Eligibility for Stream 4 is determined by the identification of complex and/or multiple barriers through an ESAt or JCA.

Fully Eligible Participants, fall into one of the following categories:

See Appendix B for a comprehensive list ofeligible Job Seekers.

From time to time DEEWR may deem groups of people eligible for JSA, for example, people in receipt of labour market adjustment packagesor targeted labour mobility strategies.

2.3.2 Partially Eligible JobSeekers

• recipients of Newstart Allowance, YouthAllowance (other) and Parenting Payment who are subject to the Activity Test Requirements or participation requirements including parents and people with disability who have part-time participation requirements

recipients of another form of qualifying government income support payment such as Disability Support Pension, Parenting Payment (Partnered or Single) or Carer Payment who are not subject to participation requirements but who volunteer

young people (those who are aged 15 to 21, not employed for more than 15 hours a week or in full-time education and not inreceipt of income support)

Partially Eligible Job Seekers are those JobSeekers who register with Centrelink or register directly with the Provider who are not FullyEligible and who are not:

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full-time students

working in paid employment for 15 hours or more per week and not on income support

overseas visitors on working holiday visas or overseas students studying in Australia, or

prohibited by law from working in Australia.

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• Partially eligible Job Seekers are also describedas Stream 1 (Limited) Participants in this document, including the Draft Deed.

Stream 1 (Limited) Participants are eligible for the services provided within the first three


months of Stream 1, including an initialinterview, assistance with preparing a résumé, and advice about the local labour market. They may also be eligible for relevant skills training delivered by the Government or the relevant state/territory government. Job Seekers who register for the sole purpose of obtaining an apprenticeship or traineeship are also eligiblefor Stream 1 (Limited) services.

• be retrenched or redundant from1 January 2011.

Catego ry C

A Job Transition Support participant Category Cmust meet all the following eligibility criteria to access Job Transition Support services:

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aged 50 and over

in receipt of Income Support (including nil rate)

living or working in a Priority EmploymentArea, and

be retrenched or redundant from1 January 2011.

2.3.3 Job Transition Support•

Job Transition Support is designed to helpspecific groups of mature age workers and Job Seekers who may be at risk of job loss and long- term unemployment to transition seamlessly from one job to another. It is available toeligible participants who are aged 50 years andover and are living or working in a DEEWR designated Priority Employment Area. Job Transition Support participants fall into one of three categories – A, B or C:

Cate g o r y A

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Acceptable proof of redundancy orretrenchment is either a copy of a redundancy letter or an employment certificate from the employer outlining the date of the Job Transition Support participant’s redundancy or exit date.

For Category A participants, a physically demanding role must be assessed by the Provider at the time of Direct Registration such that a reasonable person would consider the role to be a ‘physically demanding role’ for a healthy worker without disability or injury. This decision is to be recorded in a file note, or inthe comments screen of DEEWR’s IT Systems orheld as a copy of a letter from an employer outlining the demanding nature of the potential Job Transition Support participant’s currentrole.

A Job Transition Support participant Category Amust meet all the following eligibility criteria to access Job Transition Support services:

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aged 50 and over

not in receipt of Income Support


working in a physically demanding role.•

Catego ry B

A Job Transition Support participant Category Bmust meet all the following eligibility criteria to access Job Transition Support services:

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aged 50 and over

not in receipt of Income Support



2.4 HOW DO JOB SEEKERS CONNECT TO SERVICES?

Providers will be contracted to help aproportion of Fully Eligible Participants in anEmployment Service Area (ESA). This is called a‘Business Share’. The proportion may be up to100 per cent of the business in a particular ESA, excluding Stream 1 (Limited) Participants.

In most cases Job Seekers will connect with Providers following a referral by Centrelink. Providers must accept and help all eligible Job Seekers referred to them. Where possible, the referral process will manage the allocation of Job Seekers to within a 30 per cent ‘tolerance’ of a Provider’s contracted Business Share. Job Seekers can also approach Providers directly tovolunteer for services.

be requested to nominate another preferredProvider.

For Job Seekers who do not nominate a Provider, Centrelink will refer them to an appropriate Provider with available appointments. Where the Job Seeker agrees, the allocation can also include any Specialist Provider in the ESA (that is, not above itsmaximum tolerance of Business Share).

2.4.2 Referral of Job Seekersto Specialist Providers

A Provider that is contracted as a SpecialistProvider to assist a defined group of JobSeekers (for example, Indigenous Australian Job Seekers) will be referred Job Seekers from that defined target group who have chosen that Provider or agreed to Centrelink proposing that Provider to the Job Seeker. Subject to a Specialist Provider not exceeding its upper tolerance for Business Share, Centrelink willalso refer Job Seekers who are not members ofthat defined group to the Provider and a Job Seeker may request to be placed with a Specialist Provider, even if the Job Seeker is nota member of that defined group.

2.4.1 Job Seeker Choice

All eligible Job Seekers will be able to choosetheir Provider. To inform this choice, Job Seekers will have access to information delivered by Providers and Centrelink on the services available in their area.

From 1 January 2012, Job Seekers will be able to access new functionality on the Australian JobSearch website, called Connections for Quality. This new web page will allow Providers to enter detailed information on the range and relevance of the services they offer to Job Seekers at each of their sites. This will enableJob Seekers to make a more informed choice ofProvider.

A Job Seeker who nominates a preferred Provider (including Specialist Providers—see Section 2.4.2) will be referred to that Provideras long as the Provider has not already achieved its upper tolerance of Business Share. If the preferred Provider has achieved its uppertolerance of Business Share, the Job Seeker will

2.4.3 Changing ProvidersDuring Period of Service

Job Seekers will usually remain with the sameProvider as long as they are still looking for work. However, in certain circumstances, JobSeekers may change Provider.


A Job Seeker may change Provider if the JobSeeker:

such as by mutual agreement or because a JobSeeker and a Provider are unable to maintain a reasonable and constructive servicing relationship or due to Site closure.

When a Job Seeker is transferred to a different Provider during an Outcome Period, the Provider with whom the Job Seeker was registered at the time the placement was anchored will be eligible to claim an Outcome if all requirements are met. This applies to 13 and26 Week Period Outcome claims.

EPF arrangements for Job Seekers who transfer between Providers are as follows:

• changes residential address and can nolonger access their Provider’s Site

requests DEEWR to change Providers if, at any time, the Job Seeker and Provider are unable to maintain a reasonable and constructive servicing relationship

requests to change Provider and bothProviders agree to the change, or

requests DEEWR to change Provider where they can demonstrate they would receive better services from another Provider that could enhance their employment prospectsand DEEWR agrees.

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• when a Job Seeker transfers betweendifferent Sites of the same Provider, the distribution of EPF credits is an internal matter for that Provider

when a Job Seeker transfers between Providers by mutual consent, any movement of EPF credits will be decided between the losing and gaining Providers

when a Job Seeker transfers because they change residential address and can no longeraccess their Provider’s Site:

Certain rules apply in the treatment of Fees forJob Seekers who change Providers.

If a Job Seeker changes address, and their Provider has a Site in the new location that can be accessed by the Job Seeker, the Provider must accept that Job Seeker at the new Site. This is regardless of limits on Business Share. The new Site will be responsible for providing ongoing services to the Job Seeker. Any transfer of Service Fees between its Sites is an internal matter for the Provider.

If a Job Seeker changes their residential address and can no longer reasonably gain access to a Site belonging to their original Provider, the Job Seeker will be removed from the Provider’s caseload and will be referred to a new Provider that will accept the Job Seeker and provide ongoing services. Providers that gain Job Seekers on transfer will receive a pro rata Service Fee paid when the Job Seeker commences with them, based on the relevantStream and 13 Week Period the Job Seeker is in.

Service Fees will also be payable to a new Provider in the way described above if a Job Seeker changes Providers for other reasons,

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o from the Provider to anotherEmployment Services Provider, any amounts credited to the EPF prior to that transfer, remain with the Provider, but may be transferred to the other Employment Services Provider, by agreement with the Provider, or

to the Provider from another Employment Services Provider, in addition to any amount transferred by agreement with the former Employment Services Provider, the Provider will be credited with any amounts that may fall due at a future date, including a once only credit where, following the transfer,a Drought Force Only Participant

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commences a new Drought Forceactivity with the Provider.

When a Job Seeker transfers to a new Provider for any other reason (such as breakdown in a constructive servicing arrangement or Site closure), DEEWR may make a pro rata EPF credit to the new Provider. DEEWR may reduce theEPF balance of the relinquishing Provider by thesame amount.

2.4.5 Vulnerable Youth withNon-Vocational Barriers to Employment

Vulnerable youth aged 15 to 21 years mayparticipate in JSA where they meet the Vulnerable Youth criteria. Young people not employed for 15 hours or more per week, infull-time education and not in receipt of IncomeSupport Payments who present with at least one serious non-vocational barrier (for example, homelessness, drug issues, mentalillness, physical disability or social isolation) andhave a legal right to work in Australia are able to register directly for employment assistance and can provisionally commence in Stream 4. The Provider will be required, among otherthings, to:

2.4.4 Volunteer Job Seekers

Job Seekers can approach Providers directly tovolunteer for services if they are:

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in receipt of Disability Support Pension

in receipt of Parenting Payment and do not have participation requirements, or

a prisoner with approved day or partial release by their correctional institution to engage in paid work through a work-releaseprogram.

•• immediately assist the young person in

dealing with any non-vocational barriers, and

refer the young person to Centrelink within four weeks to discuss their potential eligibility for Income Support Payments, completion of a JSCI and referral for an ESAt, if necessary, to determine the employment services they are eligible to continue toreceive.

•Providers must assist Fully Eligible Participantswho volunteer for JSA and can register theseJob Seekers without the need for a referral from Centrelink. Where Providers directly register these volunteers, they will administer the JSCIto determine the level of disadvantage. Oncethe JSCI assessment is completed the Provider can commence the Job Seeker in the appropriate Stream. Job Seekers sourced by Providers through direct registration will not be taken into account in managing contracted Business Shares but will be included in the assessment of Providers’ performance.

Job Seekers who are meeting their part-time participation requirement or any other Fully Eligible Participant advised by DEEWR can also volunteer for services if they are working towards achieving full-time employment oreducation.

The Provider is eligible to receive Stream 4Service Fees and EPF credits on the Job Seeker’s commencement after being directly registered. Subsequent Service Fees and EPF credits will be determined based on the outcome of the assessment process conducted by Centrelink.

If an ESAt is not required after Centrelink conducts the JSCI or the ESAt does not confirm Stream 4 eligibility, the young person will become eligible for either Stream 1 to 3 based on their JSCI or another service asrecommended in the ESAt. Providers will not be


required to repay any of the initial Service Feesor EPF credits where this occurs.

an ESAt, if necessary, to determine theemployment services they may be eligible to continue to receive.

2.4.6 Vulnerable Youth whoare Full-Time Students

The Provider is eligible to receive Stream 4Service Fees and EPF credits on the Job Seeker’s commencement after being directly registered. Subsequent Service Fees and EPF credits will be determined based on the outcome of the assessment process conducted by Centrelink.

If an ESAt is not required after Centrelink conducts the JSCI or the ESAt does not confirm Stream 4 eligibility, the young student will be exited from JSA. Providers will not be required to repay any Service Fees or EPF credits wherethis occurs.

Where appropriate youth services areunavailable in the community, young people in crisis who are full-time students (15 to 21 years), have a legal right to work in Australia and who directly approach a Provider with at least one serious non-vocational barrier are immediately eligible to receive Stream 4 services.

The Provider will be required to:

2.4.7 Other Young People• register the young person directly foremployment assistance, in which case theProvider will be eligible to receive Stream 4Service Fees and EPF credits

immediately assist the young person to deal with their non-vocational barriers, and

refer the young person to Centrelink within four weeks to discuss their potential eligibility for Income Support Payments (or confirm their correct Income SupportPayment), complete a JSCI and referral for

Young unemployed people (15 to 21 years) whodo not meet the criteria for Vulnerable Youth orVulnerable Youth Student, and are not in full-time education, have no seriousnon-vocational barriers and are not in crisis areFully Eligible but need to register for services through Centrelink.

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2.5 HOW IS THE SERVICE STREAM DETERMINED?

The Stream in which a Fully Eligible Participantis assisted will be determined by the Job Seeker’s potential level of disadvantage as assessed by the JSCI and, where needed and available, an ESAt or JCA. The JSCI relies largely on information disclosed by the Job Seeker along with information gathered by Centrelink to identify the likelihood of a Job Seeker remaining unemployed without assistance. Further information on the JSCI is atwww.deewr.gov.au/employment/jsci.

DEEWR is currently re-estimating the JSCI,through detailed econometric analysis, using the most recent available labour market and Job Seeker outcomes data. Any necessary refinement to the relative scores for the18 factors or adjustment of the JSCI score bandwidths to allocate Job Seekers to service streams will be implemented for 1 July 2012. Appropriate refinement of the barriers that identify Job Seekers who may require referral for an ESAt may also occur as an outcome ofthis research.


An ESAt and a JCA are comprehensiveassessments used for people who require a more thorough assessment of their employment barriers, or for granting of the DSP, respectively. These assessments are conducted by appropriately experienced and qualified DHS Assessment Services staff.

An ESAt or a JCA also assesses the Job Seeker’s capacity to work and identifies interventions

that will help the Job Seeker overcome anybarriers they have in finding and keeping a job. Assessors will refer people to the most appropriate service for overcoming their barriers and assisting them in finding work, including referring them to services other than JSA (for example, Disability Employment Services). More information on ESAts is at www.deewr.gov.au/Employment/Programs/Pages/ESAt.aspx.

2.6 WHEN IS A JOB SEEKER IN SERVICE?

A Job Seeker is considered to be receivingservices in a Stream from the time they commence in that Stream until they move into another Stream or Exit service. During a Job Seeker’s Period of Service, however, there may be times when service is Suspended because of the Job Seeker’s individual circumstances. Forexample, service may be Suspended where:

Periods of Suspension halt the Period of Serviceand Payment Period and do not attract ServiceFees.

Job Seekers may also Exit service for a numberof reasons, including if the Job Seeker:

• stops receiving Income Support payments

is a Principal Carer Parent or has a Partial Capacity to Work and commences participation in activities that fully meets their part-time participation requirements and does not volunteer for further services

commences education or training that changes their income support status to Austudy, ABSTUDY or Youth Allowance (Student)

is a Volunteer (Non-Activity Tested) and commences in a job at the level required to achieve a Full Outcome

is a Volunteer (Non-Activity Tested) Job Seeker and chooses to withdraw from services, or

has both a current and a future Partial Work Capacity of less than 15 hours and does not elect to volunteer for JSA.

•

• Centrelink notifies the Provider of anexemption from participation (Centrelink will also notify the Provider when the exemption is lifted) via DEEWR’s IT Systems, or

•• the Job Seeker is a Volunteer (Non-ActivityTested) who faces a situation that impacts on their ability to participate for a period of time–this Suspension period must be recorded by the Provider in the DEEWR’s IT Systems.

Where a Job Seeker has a placement that is expected to result in a Full Outcome, the Provider must record a Provisional Exit in DEEWR’s IT Systems. During a Provisional Exit, the Job Seeker’s Period of Service and Payment Period are Suspended and the Period ofUnemployment is interrupted.

•

•

•


wish to receive services; the Provider can Exitthe Job Seeker.

Job Seekers with a temporarily reduced or partial work capacity of less than 15 hours, as assessed by an ESAt or a JCA (regardless of the period), will be suspended until their period of temporarily reduced work capacity expires or they volunteer for employment services. Job Seekers with a Partial Capacity to Work, both current and future, of either zero to seven or eight to fourteen hours, are volunteers in JSA ifthey wish to receive services.

2.6.1 Volunteers

If a Volunteer (Non-activity Tested) Job Seekerdoes not attend activities or appointments with a Provider and has not advised that they wish to cease services, the Provider must attempt to contact the Job Seeker on at least two occasions over a 48-hour period. This is a courtesy to confirm the Job Seeker wants to be Exited. Ifthe Provider is not successful in being able tocontact the Job Seeker or, as a result of the contact, the Job Seeker advises they no longer

2.7 STREAM SERVICES—PARTIALLY ELIGIBLE

A Job Seeker who is Partially Eligible (a Stream 1(Limited) Participant) will be provided with a résumé and local labour market advice. The Provider is required to interview the Stream 1 (Limited) Participant face to face (except in exceptional circumstances such as naturaldisasters), at which time they will:

• load the Job Seeker’s résumé and recordcompletion of the interview on DEEWR’s IT Systems.

Stream 1 (Limited) Participants will remainregistered for 90 days. After this time, these Job Seekers can renew their registration online if they want their résumé to remain listed. Providers will allow Stream 1 (Limited) Participants reasonable access to on-site job search facilities whether or not they are currently registered.

Providers will be paid a Stream 1 (Limited) Participant Fee of $63 for each Stream 1 (Limited) Participant they assist. It should be noted that Stream 1 (Limited) Participants donot have access to EPF.

• confirm the Job Seeker’s eligibility for serviceand confirm their identity

assist the Job Seeker in preparing a résumé

explain the use, access and availability of jobsearch facilities

provide the Job Seeker with an initial list of appropriate job vacancies

provide advice about the best ways to look for and find work and discuss local employment opportunities

provide advice about skills shortage areas and information about relevant Government or state/territory government skillsprograms

explain the services the Provider will deliver

provide access to an interpreter, whererequired, and

•

•

•

•

•

•

•


2.8 STREAM SERVICES—FULLY ELIGIBLE

A key feature of JSA is the provision of servicesin accordance with a Job Seeker’s assessed level of disadvantage. The services are provided in four Streams, with Stream 1 for the more job ready Job Seekers up to Stream 4 for the most highly disadvantaged Job Seekers with multiple vocational and non-vocational barriers. Each Stream also offers access to Work ExperienceActivities.

• have regular face-to-face contact with theJob Seeker unless there are exceptional circumstances

update and renegotiate the EPP as required•

• provide ongoing training and developmentactivities that meet the skills and labour needs of employers and assist the Job Seeker in obtaining sustainable employment

monitor and record the Job Seeker’s attendance at appointments and participation in activities such as education or training and Work Experience, as set out in a Job Seeker’s EPP

update the Job Seeker’s information on the JSCI at any time that circumstances change or additional information is disclosed thatmay indicate that a change in Stream may be appropriate

refer a Stream 4 Job Seeker for an ESAt where the Job Seeker discloses a significant change in their circumstances that cannot be addressed in their current Stream

deliver tailored services for Job Seekers for the duration of the Work Experience Phase, and

maintain appropriate records (for example, attendance at Work Experience Activities with an attendance requirement), asrequired by DEEWR Guidelines.

•

2.8.1 Common Elements ofStream Services 1 to 4

Services within each Stream will be tailored tothe individual needs and circumstances of eachJob Seeker. There is a focus on ensuring thatJob Seekers are best placed to meet employers’needs.

All services for Job Seekers should be delivered within a framework that recognises other factors relevant to the individual, for example, caring responsibilities, disability, age and cultural and linguistic diversity. Irrespective ofthe Stream, the Provider will:

•

•

•

• conduct an initial interview face-to-face(except in exceptional circumstances such as natural disasters) •

• work with the Job Seeker to develop an EPPwhich contains items that enable Job Seekers to meet their Activity Test or participation requirements under Social Security Law (where relevant)

use the EPF to support the Job Seeker’s agreed EPP

Providers should also work cooperatively withother programs and services provided by DEEWR, other Government agencies, state or territory or local governments and community services to maximise a Job Seeker’s capacity toobtain sustainable work.

•


• details of the activities which will enable theJob Seeker to meet their activity test or participation requirements, including participation in Work Experience Activities for Job Seekers in the Work Experience Phase including the Compulsory Activity Phase, and job search requirements (whererelevant).

Employment Pathway Plan (EPP)

The EPP underpins the provision of services to aJob Seeker. The EPP is recorded on DEEWR’s IT Systems and is the key document that will set out an individualised pathway to employment for each Fully Eligible Participant.

Providers must ensure that all Job Seekers have a current EPP. The EPP will be tailored to the needs of each Job Seeker outlining agreed activities to be undertaken to assist the Job Seeker to become work ready and gain sustainable employment. An EPP is a flexible living document that is updated as the Job Seeker progresses along their pathway to employment or to reflect other changes in their circumstances. The EPP must contain activities that will help the Job Seeker meet theirActivity Test or participation requirementsunder the Social Security Law. Information on the Activity Test and participation requirements can be found in the Guide to Social Security Law at www.fahcsia.gov.au/guides_acts/ssg/ssg- rn.html.

Job Seekers with Activity Test or participation requirements need an EPP outlining the agreed activities to be undertaken.

Job Seekers undertaking activities or participating in services voluntarily should also have their activities outlined in an EPP.

Elements that must be included in each EPPinclude:

• the frequency of contact between theProvider and Job Seeker

EPPs for Early School Leavers must includeeducation, training or other approved activities which will satisfy their participation requirements and must not include looking for work as a compulsory activity.

In addition to the above requirements, the EPP for a Job Seeker with participation requirements can also include voluntary activities (for example, psychological counselling and drug and alcohol treatment).

Centrelink will complete an initial EPP forStream 1 Job Seekers. Providers are expected to negotiate EPPs with Streams 2 to 4 Job Seekers in their initial interviews. Providers will also update the EPP for Job Seekers in Stream 1 if they are still registered at the end of their first three months in service.

Providers must update the EPP regularly throughout the Period of Service with the Job Seeker as the Job Seeker’s needs change. Providers will also need to supply a copy to theJob Seeker.

Employment Pathway Fund

The EPF is a flexible pool of funds that can bedrawn down by Providers to help Fully Eligible Participants obtain employment. Providers will receive an EPF credit for each registered Fully Eligible Participants on commencement commensurate with their level of disadvantage, see Table 2.1 and Section 2.13. Arrangements for transition will include EPF transition credits.The credits are not limited to any one Job

• the timing and details of mandatoryvocational and non-vocational activities such as education, training, Intensive Activities, financial counselling and work experience that Providers and Job Seekers willundertake with the objective of gainingemployment, and


Seeker in a particular Stream and can be usedflexibly to provide services to any Job Seeker or group of Job Seekers. Unused EPF moniescannot be retained by the Provider.

items that can be reimbursed under the EPF.Providers will have regard to the vocational and non-vocational barriers identified in each individual’s EPP in deciding how best to use the EPF. The EPF will also be available to fund awide range of Work Experience and otheractivities, including individual and group activities such as Work for the Dole and Green Corps activities.

For individual EPF purchases of up to $300, Providers will only be required to keep an invoice or receipt as proof of purchase.

Providers will be able to claim payment through the EPF for an additional contact after theyhave made six contacts in a 13 Week Period forJob Seekers in Streams 1–4 (except for the first13 Week Period for Stream 1). Providers will be able to claim from the EPF for the cost of additional contacts under the Work Experience Phase once they have met with a Job Seeker more than twice in a 13 Week Period. DEEWR’s IT Systems will provide information on the number of contacts for this purpose. Providerswill not need to keep separate records.

Employment Pathway Fund principles

Providers will use the EPF to purchasevocational and non-vocational goods and services that will assist the Job Seeker inobtaining employment. EPF purchases must:

• be commensurate with the Job Seeker’slevel of disadvantage

provide value for money

comply with any occupational health and safety laws that may apply

withstand public scrutiny, and

not bring JSA or the Government into disrepute.

•

•

•

•

The EPF can be used to purchase a wide rangeof assistance for Job Seekers, within these principles, based on the Job Seeker’s individual needs and barriers to employment. Providerswill not be limited to a fixed shopping list of


Examples of the goods and services that could be purchased through the EPF are:

• travel assistance

• driver’s licence and driving lessons

• personal presentation, hygiene packs and basic haircuts

• work clothing, uniforms and safety equipment

• wage subsidies and work trials

• services/materials needed to set up Work Experience Activities, including group activities

• interpreters

• job search phone use

• outreach servicing costs (where approved by DEEWR on a case by case basis)

• essential work tools, tickets and licences

• apprenticeship fees, training courses and text books

• self-employment training and assistance

Providers may use the hourly rate of $84 forStream 1 and Stream 2 clients and $93 for Stream 3 and Stream 4 clients to determine what fees can be claimed from the EPF forin-house servicing such as additional contacts,post-placement support, reverse marketing and mentoring. If Providers believe that the costsfor these services exceed this amount, they are required to provide information to justify the increased rate to DEEWR for consideration.

Providers may utilise the EPF to access professional services including mental health support services to assist Job Seekers in overcoming vocational and non-vocational barriers. If services are provided by a professional employed by a Provider, the hourly rate of up to $150 for a qualified psychologist or$125 per hour for other qualified allied health professionals can be claimed from the EPF. Where services are provided in-house by non- professionally qualified staff, Providers may use the hourly rate of $84 per hour for Stream 1and Stream 2 clients and $93 per hour forStream 3 and Stream 4 clients. If Providers believe that the costs for these services exceed this amount, they are required to provide information to justify the increased rate to DEEWR for consideration. It is expected that, if services are purchased externally and it is applicable, consideration should be given to the Fully Eligible Participant claiming under Medicare with the EPF used to fund the gap fee.Note that these amounts are GST inclusive.

Providers cannot purchase or claimreimbursement for certain items from the EPF including items such as those that breach occupational health and safety or public safety, inappropriate wage subsidies that exceed the Job Seeker’s wage costs or are paid to the Provider’s own business or a related entity, and employer costs such as insurance or workers compensation. Use of the EPF is also prohibited for any cash incentives, inducements, gifts or rewards, reimbursement of the Provider’s own running costs or for services already funded under the Deed. It is, however, envisaged that under certain circumstances, Providers might be able to use the EPF to cover the marginal costs associated with a place for one of their own Job Seekers in a group-based Work Experience Activity another Provider is running. The prohibited list (as outlined in the Guidelines)also makes it clear that it is not appropriate touse the EPF for a Job Seeker’s general living costs, household bills and discretionary expenditure. Use of the EPF is prohibited for housing expenses, beauty treatments, general bills or credit card repayments, legal costs and payment of fines.

For Stream 4 clients, the EPF can also be used to provide assistance with:

•

•

•

rent and crisis accommodation

food and utilities

medical costs, medication and alternative therapies


• dental and optical services

• pre-employment checks (including police checks for Work Experience Activities)

• vehicle repairs or registration

• mental health support services, counselling, rehabilitation services (including drug and alcohol), personal development and self-esteem courses, family mediation, financial counselling, anger management courses, either provided in-house or purchased externally, and

• post-placement support, mentoring, reverse marketing and additional contacts, and relocation assistance.

• legal costs (including legal documentationand advice but not payments of fines and court fees), and

additional mentoring and support services.The payment of additional fees to NEIS Panel Members is limited to Streams 3 and 4 and Indigenous Australian Job Seekers. These additional fees over and above the fixed $1480 payable to NEIS Panel Members must be accessed from a Provider’s general pool of EPF. See Section 2.8.7 for more information on NEIS.

Providers will be able to move EPF credits between their Sites within an ESA at their own discretion. Providers will be able to move EPF credits from one ESA to another ESA with DEEWR’s approval.

In the case of a Fully Eligible Participant referred to Stream 4 for whom Centrelink has indicateda requirement for interpreter assistance(including Indigenous Australian Job Seekers), the EPF will be credited an additional $1000.

• other items specified in the Guidelines.

Because Providers will be delivering flexible services personalised to the needs of individual Job Seekers, not every Job Seeker will need the same type or amount of assistance through the EPF. There will be no overall cap on the cost of assistance that a Provider can purchase through the EPF for any single Job Seeker. It is expected, however, that EPF expenditure on an individual Job Seeker will be commensurate with their level of disadvantage.

Providers will be credited their full EPF credits as Job Seekers commence, see Table 2.1. Asmall proportion (six per cent) of Streams 1 to 4 credits will be identified separately on DEEWR’s IT Systems to be used for the payment of self- employment mentoring and support services.As Providers access NEIS small business mentoring and support, the costs of this purchase will be paid from their EPF NEIS quarantined balance, without affecting the funds a Provider has available for general use.

This arrangement means that Providers have access to a dedicated pool of EPF credits for use especially for those Job Seekers for whom small business offers a path to sustainable employment outcomes. Providers will have full information about how much EPF they have available for general use, while also being sure that there is a quarantined amount that they can access to support small business outcomes for their Job Seekers.

In recognition that some Job Seekers have greater disadvantages and therefore may require greater levels of assistance while undertaking self-employment mentoring and support services, Providers may choose to payadditional fees to NEIS Panel Members for

Employment Pathway Fund payments inrelation to group-based Work ExperienceActivities

Advance EPF payments can be sought for anygroup-based Work Experience Activities including Work for the Dole and Green Corps. These funds can be used to pay for items directly associated with the establishment andrunning of these activities. Costs related directly to Job Seeker participation can be accommodated through either reimbursement or through the advance payment process (for example, items such as safety clothing andpolice checks).

Providers will be able to have advance EPF payments up to $20 000 per group-based Work Experience Activity. Where a Provider is seeking more than $20 000 in advance, prior approval from DEEWR will be required. Regardless of the specific amount sought, only one advance payment per activity is possible. Advance payments will need to be acquitted against anactivity budget. Any extra activity cost, over and


above the amount already paid in advance, willbe able to be claimed by reimbursement.

Providers can choose to fund all relevant items required for group-based Work Experience Activities via the reimbursement mechanism.

The advance payment for group-based Work Experience Activities that can be used to cover the costs of setting up and running activitiesinclude:

•

•

transport of participants

rent of premises and associated infrastructure where directly related to the activity

activity materials (for example, cement and timber), and

structured training for Job Seekers participating in Work for the Dole and GreenCorps activities.

•

•

• supervisor costs

• capital equipment

Table 2.1: Employment Pathway Fund credits*

Service Fee

Service Fee

(commencing 1 July 2012)

Experience phase


Services Participant Details Credit - Non- remote ESA* When Credited

Stream 1 All Fully EligibleParticipants $11 At payment of second 13-Weeks

Stream 2 All Fully EligibleParticipants $550 On Commencement

Stream 3 All Fully EligibleParticipants $1100 On Commencement

Stream 4 Year 1 – all Fully EligibleParticipants $1100 On Commencement

Additional amount credited for interpreter assistance**

$1000 Upon Centrelink notification**

After 12 months and 1 day of assistance in Stream 4

$550 Upon payment of fifth 13-Weeks

Stream 2 – 4Early SchoolLeavers

Early School Leavers $500 On Commencement in JSA

Work ExperiencePhase

All Fully EligibleParticipants $500 On Commencement in the Work

*Streams 1–4 include a six per cent quarantined component for NEIS mentoring and assistance, except for Work ExperiencePhase credits and Stream 4 interpreter service credits.

** An additional $1000 will be credited for Stream 4 Job Seekers who require interpreter assistance in the following situations:

• a Job Seeker is referred by Centrelink and Centrelink has identified the Job Seeker as requiring interpreter assistance

• a Vulnerable Youth or Vulnerable Youth (Student) registers directly with a Provider and upon their subsequent registrationwith Centrelink is identified as Stream 4 and needing interpreter assistance, or

• any other Job Seeker who may register with a Provider directly (such as a pre-release prisoner or Community DevelopmentEmployment Projects (CDEP) participant, is commenced into Stream 4 and either the Centrelink system has recorded them as requiring interpreter assistance or there is no registration required with Centrelink and the Provider records that interpreter assistance is required.

Local Connections to Work 2.8.2 Stream 1

Providers should support Job Seekers’participation in Local Connections to Work (LCTW). LCTW is a Centrelink initiative implemented from selected Centrelink Customer Service Centres.

Under LCTW, disadvantaged Job Seekers and their families are able to access, in one location, financial assistance, advocacy, housing, employment and health support services, education and counselling, and other services which may help overcome barriers toemployment.

The service level in Stream 1 is commensuratewith the relative job readiness of Job Seekers eligible for this Stream. Providers will be paid Service Fees for each Fully Eligible Participants in this Stream (see Section 2.10.1 for moreinformation).

Initial Interview

A Provider will assist all Stream 1 Job Seekersimmediately in preparing a résumé and advise them about local labour market opportunities, job search methods and access to relevant Government or state/territory government skills programs.

At the initial interview for Stream 1 Job Seekers, the Provider will, at a minimum, be required toundertake the following:

Commonwealth, state and local governmentservices, Job Services Australia, Disability Employment Services, education providers and community welfare and service organisations have joined with Centrelink to provide improved links between services fordisadvantaged Job Seekers. • confirm the Job Seeker’s identity


For All Fully Eligible Participants in their 2nd year of WorkExperience (CompulsoryActivity Phase)

$1000When Job Seeker attends the First Compulsory Activity Phase Contact (commencing 1 July 2012)

Drought Force OnlyServices

A once only credit made payable during Term of this Deed, for each Drought Force Only Participant

$500 On Commencement

•

•

assist the Job Seeker in preparing a résumé

explain the use of and access to job search facilities and the location of those facilities

provide the Job Seeker with an initial list of appropriate job vacancies

provide advice about the best ways to look for and find work and discuss local employment opportunities provide information about skills shortage areas and access to relevant Government orstate/territory government skills programs

• the Customer Service Adviser will engagewith Job Seekers about current job seeking activities, including job search experiences

Job Seekers will be asked to bring their Job Seeker Diary (or Participation Activity Record) to the Workshop, which would be used as the basis for discussion. Successes could be celebrated and used as positive reinforcement for other Job Seekers

in addition to using the existing self-help facilities to search for vacancies on Australian Job Search, Job Seekers will be encouraged to search commercial employment vacancy websites and considerother approaches (e.g. checking newspapers,cold canvassing, word of mouth)

Job Seekers will be encouraged to widen the diversity of their job search beyond their preferred or previous employment toinclude a broader range of vacancies suitedto their skills

Job Seekers will be encouraged to explore careers in key industries such as mining, construction, hospitality or in locations they may not have previously considered

the Customer Service Adviser will identify and suggest job vacancies to Job Seekers – noting that Centrelink will not broker jobs directly from employers

Job Seekers will also be informed about training and skills development opportunities that may be relevant to theiraspirations such as résumé courses, relevantTAFE courses, career advice and career planning

Job Seekers will be provided with information on other programs and opportunities (for example, Language Literacy and Numeracy Program, AustralianApprenticeships Access Program,

••

•

•

•

•


explain Centrelink Job Seeker workshops(where applicable)

explain the rights and obligations of the JobSeeker

provide access to an interpreter where required

load the Job Seeker’s résumé and record completion of the initial interview on DEEWR’s IT Systems, and

provide each Career Advice Eligible Job Seeker with information about the professional Career Advice telephone service and make a referral if the Job Seeker agreesto undertake a Career Advice session.

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Job Seeker workshops•

Centrelink-managed Stream 1 Job Seekers willbe required to attend Centrelink-run Workshops in their first 13 weeks of unemployment and be required to attend Centrelink at the 4, 8 and 10 week periods after Registration.

While the precise content of Workshops will be guided by local conditions and the dynamics of the workshop, the workshops will involve thefollowing:

•


Apprenticeships Centres and AdvancedMigrant English Program), and

• Job Seekers will be reminded about their requirements, particularly job searching, reporting earnings and other issues affecting income support payments.

Providers will be invited to attend and participate in the workshops.

• training or other interventions needed tohelp the Job Seeker obtain sustainable employment.

Outcomes of the Skills Assessment shouldinform a Job Seeker’s Intensive Activity and be recorded in their updated EPP.

Intensive Activity

All Job Seekers with Activity Test orparticipation requirements will have an Intensive Activity arranged by the end of the fourth month and undertaken as soon as possible after their Skills Assessment is completed. The activity must be relevant to the Job Seeker and be designed to improve their ability to obtain and sustain employment.

Job Seekers with full-time Activity Test or participation requirements who are not in paid employment are required to undertake an activity of at least 40 hours over a fortnight. The hours of participation for people with a Partial Capacity to Work and Principal Carersnot in paid employment will be 20 hours over afortnight. All Job Seekers undertaking an approved activity (for example, studying or in paid employment) will have their required hours of participation in their Intensive Activity reduced on an hour-for-hour basis. Scheduling of the activities for parents and carers should take in to consideration caring responsibilities.

As long as the activity or combination of activities meets the required hours of participation for the individual Job Seeker,activities could include:

Skills Assessment

Before the end of the fourth month of services,if a Fully Eligible Participant has not exited, the Provider must conduct a Skills Assessment and then update the Job Seeker’s EPP.

The purpose of a Skills Assessment is to determine what work or educational skills and experience a Job Seeker currently possesses and to identify and develop strategies for the Job Seeker to obtain sustainable employment.

The Skills Assessment should identify a Job Seeker’s employment pathway, next steps, including appropriate interventions, activities for their Intensive Activity and future support.The Skills Assessment may cover:

• the Job Seeker’s work readiness, currentemployment skills and experience, including an assessment of their existing skill set and aptitude for various types of sustainable employment

the Job Seeker’s current educational achievements, skills and experience in direct relation to the local labour market, including areas of skills shortage and the future skills needs of the Job Seeker

the Job Seeker’s job search experience, résumé and any written applicationssubmitted by the Job Seeker, and

•

•

•

skills training

those intended to address vocational or non- vocational barriers

Work Experience Activities, including Work for the Dole or Green Corps activities

•

•


•

•

work in a social or community enterprise

the Language, Literacy and NumeracyProgram

the Adult Migrant English Program, or

training in job search techniques.

be negotiated between the Provider and theJob Seeker. The contacts should be face-to-face, unless there are exceptional circumstances andwill focus on:

•

•• reviewing and updating the Job Seeker’s

EPP, where relevant

discussing the Job Seeker’s job search activities since their last contact, as per the Job Seeker’s EPP

assisting in identifying appropriate job vacancies

identifying relevant training, work experience or other interventions

reviewing the Job Seeker’s progress towards overcoming identified vocational barriers

ensuring ESLs are meeting their participation requirements, and

identifying and recording any changes inDEEWR’s IT Systems.

See Section 2.9 for details of Job Seekerobligations to undertake their Intensive Activity in accordance with their EPP.

The EPF can also be used to assist with purchasing the Intensive Activity.

•

•

•Contact Requirements and OngoingAssistance

•

For the first three months of services the JobSeeker will report to Centrelink. From the fourth month, however, the Provider is expected to maintain regular contact with the Job Seeker. Contact is to be at least monthly,but the timing and duration of the contacts will

•

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Stream 1 Job SeekerIan is a Stream 1 Job Seeker who has recent work experience. At his initial interview, Ian’s Provider gives him information about looking for work and local employment opportunities, shows him how to use the job search facilities and helps him prepare a résumé. His Provider receives the first instalment of Service Fees, which is $63.

Ian is managed by Centrelink and visits his local Centrelink office to attend a Job Seeker workshop at the4, 8 and 10 week periods after registering with Centrelink. Ian’s Provider also attends these workshops and promotes the services available under JSA.

Ian is still unemployed 13 weeks later. His Provider contacts him and makes an appointment to conductIan’s Skills Assessment. His Provider receives the second instalment of Service Fees, which is $414, and$11 is credited to the Employment Pathway Fund. As a result of the Skills Assessment, the Provider finds that Ian needs to refresh his IT skills. The Provider and Ian agree that this would be a good Intensive Activity and negotiate Ian’s EPP including this activity.

The Provider organises Ian’s Intensive Activity, a two-week full-time (40 hours over the fortnight) computer skills course run by the Provider’s RTO. This course will commence in two weeks time, when Ian has been in Stream 1 for 15 weeks.

2.8.3 Streams 2 and 3 initial interview. Providers should exercise theirjudgment, based on the level and nature of the Job Seeker’s disadvantage, about whether assistance with résumé preparation should be undertaken at the initial interview or during a subsequent contact. However, a résumé is required to be completed within the first three months. Providers should also exercise theirjudgment about when to:

Job Seekers in either Stream 2 or Stream 3 willhave greater barriers to employment than JobSeekers in Stream 1.

Providers’ Fees in Stream 2 and Stream 3 reflect that they will need to work more intensively with Job Seekers during regular contacts. Providers will also need to assess the Job Seeker’s skills and their education or trainingneeds.

• provide the Job Seeker with an initial list ofappropriate job vacancies

provide advice about the best ways to look for and find work and discuss local employment opportunities

explain the use of and access to job search facilities and the location of those facilities, and

provide information about skills shortage areas and access to relevant Government or state/territory government skills programs.

Initial Interview •

Assistance will commence when a Job Seekerhas an initial interview with their Provider. If the Job Seeker is commencing services for the first time in their unemployment duration the Provider will, at a minimum, be required toundertake the following:

•

•

• confirm the Job Seeker’s identity, prepare anEPP, including specifying interventions required


explain the rights and obligations of the JobSeeker, and

provide access to an interpreter where required.

ESLs will receive information from on educationand training opportunities as well as other approved activities that will satisfy their participation requirements.

If the Job Seeker is moving into the Stream from another Stream, the Provider would be

•

•

•

It will not be mandatory that the Providerassists the Job Seeker with a résumé at the


At week 17 Ian completes his Intensive Activity and his Provider meets with him again. At this meeting the Provider gives Ian a list of vacancies to apply for and schedules another meeting in a month’s time (at 21 weeks). At this meeting the Provider organises a job interview for Ian with a local employer. The Provider has been working with this employer to understand their business needs and ensure that candidates put forward for positions meet the employer’s needs. Ian is successful at the job interview and gets a position. Because the Provider had found the job, recorded the vacancy on DEEWR’s IT Systems and matched Ian to the vacancy, the Provider will be eligible for a Placement Fee. In this case, the Provider receives a $440 Placement Fee because Ian completed a minimum of 50 hours paid work within 10 consecutive Business Days.

expected to update the EPP, including any newcontact arrangements.

• discussing the Job Seeker’s job searchactivities since their last contact

assisting in identifying appropriate job vacancies,

ensuring ESLs are meeting their participation requirements, and

identifying and recording any changes inDEEWR’s IT Systems.

•Contact Requirements and OngoingAssistance

Assistance in these Streams will be individually tailored to the requirements of the Job Seeker and may include the following:

•

•

•

•

•

•

a Skills Assessment

identification of employment or study goals

skills development training

referral to education or training includingrelevant Government or state/territory government skills programs

job search training and supported job search assistance, and

purchase of vocational and non-vocational assistance using the EPF.

The contacts must be face-to-face unless thereare exceptional circumstances.

Concurrent Vocational and Non-Vocational Servicing

Providers are able to deliver vocational andnon-vocational interventions to Job Seekers concurrently or sequentially. The timing of concurrent servicing will be determined by the individual Job Seeker’s circumstances. This flexibility allows Providers to deliver both vocational and non-vocational assistance to the Job Seeker at an early stage of servicing ifappropriate.

•

•

This assistance can be delivered in a number ofways, for example, through:

•

•

•

in-house service provision

an external Provider, or

within the local community.

The minimum frequency of contacts with JobSeekers will be once a month but the actual frequency, timing and duration of these contacts will be negotiated between the Provider and the Job Seeker and should becommensurate with a Job Seeker’s needs. Thesecontacts will focus on:

• reviewing and updating the Job Seeker’sEPP, as relevant

reviewing the Job Seeker’s progress towards overcoming identified vocational and non- vocational barriers


•

•



Stream 2 Job SeekerRussell attends Centrelink after losing his job. Centrelink uses the JSCI to assess Russell’s level of disadvantage and finds that he has previously been unemployed for short periods over the past five years and has a few barriers to employment. Russell is placed into Stream 2.

Centrelink then provides Russell with details of the Providers that have an Employment Services Deed in the area he lives in and he makes a decision that he would like to work with Excellent Employment (a Provider) because of their success in assisting Job Seekers. Centrelink makes an appointment for Russell to meet with this Provider the following day.

At his initial interview, the Provider discusses Russell’s past employment, his qualifications and skills and the local labour market and they agree on a course of action to get Russell back into employment. The activities that Russell and his Provider agree on to assist Russell to look for work and to improve his skills are recorded in Russell’s EPP. The Provider receives a Service Fee of $271, which covers the first13 weeks of assistance the Provider will provide for Russell, and $550 is credited to the EPF.

Russell and the Provider agree that for the first three months, Russell will meet his Provider every month to discuss employment opportunities and Russell’s efforts to find work. They also agree that if Russell is still looking for work, he will undertake a more comprehensive Skills Assessment at week 6 and attend a three-day in-house training program in week 8 to help him with his job search techniques. The cost of this training is paid for from the EPF. These activities are recorded in his EPP.

During the training, the teacher notices that Russell is having trouble following the text and frequently asks others to read out the questions. He provides this feedback to Russell’s Provider. At his next meeting with Russell the Provider discusses the trainer’s concerns with Russell, who acknowledges that he has difficulty reading. The Provider completes a change of circumstances by redoing the JSCI, which identifies Russell as now eligible for Stream 3 services. The Provider updates Russell’s EPP to include literacy and numeracy training and makes the referral to the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program (LLNP). The Provider is paid a $332 Service Fee and $1100 is credited to EPF for commencing the Job Seeker in Stream 3. While Russell is participating in LLNP, his Provider continues to keep in contact.

Russell is continuing to look for work at 14 weeks. Russell meets with his Provider and a further Service Fee of $264 is paid to the Provider. At this contact, the Provider indicates that to increase the level of assistance it would be a good idea to meet more frequently—for example, fortnightly. Russell mentions that he is interested in a job in a local factory but the job requires a driving licence. The Provider offers to pay for Russell to obtain his licence using the EPF.

Three days later, Russell contacts Excellent Employment to advise that he will be starting work with the factory the following week. He has discussed this with his LLNP Provider, who has referred him to some evening classes as he wants to keep improving his literacy but really wants the job. Because Russell found the job for himself, the Provider will be eligible for $1418 in Outcome Fees at 13 and 26 weeks if Russell remains off benefit during that period. The Provider is also not required to repay any of the second Service Fee payment.

Provider will, at a minimum, be required toundertake the following:

2.8.4 Stream 4

Stream 4 will provide integrated, intensiveassistance to the most disadvantaged Job Seekers. This assistance will combine pre- employment and employment assistance. The pre-employment and employment activities will need to be tailored to the individual needs of the Job Seeker and may be delivered concurrently or sequentially, depending upon the Job Seeker’s circumstances.

Stream 4 Job Seekers will have complex and or multiple non-vocational barriers that may prevent them from obtaining and sustaining employment or undertaking further skills development. These barriers may include butare not limited to:

•

•

•

confirm the Job Seeker’s identity


explain the rights and obligations of the JobSeeker

provide access to an interpreter, where required, and

record completion of the initial interview onDEEWR’s IT Systems.

•

•

A Provider must complete an initial EPP toaddress the most urgent barriers and specify any crisis interventions required. However, because of the multiple barriers faced by Stream 4 Job Seekers it is likely that a detailedEPP will not be possible at the initial assessmentas the Provider will need to:• mental illness, such as episodic psychological

conditions, anger management issues, mood disorders, severe depression, anxiety disorders, agoraphobia, panic attacks and stress disorders includingpost-traumatic stress

social problems, including family and domestic violence, family and relationship issues, financial management difficulties, social isolation (such as alienation) and poorcommunication or language skills

• build trust and rapport with the Job Seekerover time to develop or update the EPP to include suitable non-vocational interventions to address the Job Seeker’s barriers

assess and identify appropriate interventions to address the Job Seeker’s non-vocational barriers for inclusion in the EPP, and

assess the Job Seeker’s readiness to receive employment assistance and, where appropriate, identify relevant activities andtiming for inclusion in the EPP.

••

•

•

•

torture or trauma

addictions, including gambling, drug or alcohol, and

homelessness or unstable accommodation.

The EPP should be updated as required.

Concurrent Vocational and Non-Vocational Servicing

•

Initial InterviewProviders are able to deliver vocational andnon-vocational interventions to Job Seekers concurrently or sequentially. The timing of concurrent servicing will be determined by the individual Job Seeker’s circumstances. Thisflexibility allows Providers to deliver both

Assistance will commence when a Job Seekerhas an initial interview with their Provider.

If the Job Seeker is commencing services for the first time in their period of unemployment the


vocational and non-vocational assistance to theJob Seeker at an early stage of Stream 4 servicing if appropriate. It would also beappropriate to:

• an external Provider, or

• the local community.

Providers will need to arrange ongoing monitoring of a Job Seeker’s vocational andnon-vocational barriers and early identification of support requirements.

The minimum frequency of contacts with Job Seekers will be once a calendar month but the actual frequency, timing and duration of these contacts will be negotiated between the Provider and the Job Seeker and should be commensurate with Job Seeker needs. While the fee structure is based on flexibility of contacts based on Job Seeker needs, a higher intensity of contact and assistance is required for Job Seekers in Stream 4. The contacts willfocus on:

• update the EPP based on an initialassessment of the Job Seeker’s most urgent barriers to be addressed and specifying any crisis interventions required

undertake a Skills Assessment and complete a résumé (must be done within the first12 months)

provide information about skills shortage areas and access to relevant Government or state/territory government skills programs

provide advice about the best ways to look for and find work and discuss local employment opportunities, and

explain use of and access to job search facilities and the location of those facilities and provide an initial list of relevant jobvacancies.

•

•

•

• reviewing and updating the Job Seeker’sEPP, as relevant

reviewing the Job Seeker’s progress towards overcoming identified vocational andnon-vocational barriers

discussing the Job Seeker’s job search activities since their last contact, if such activities are included in the Job Seeker’s EPP


•

•

If the Job Seeker is moving into Stream 4 fromanother Stream, the Provider would be expected to update the EPP, including any new contact arrangements.

•

Contact Requirements and OngoingAssistance •

Providers will deliver a range of services toStream 4 Job Seekers to address their vocational and non-vocational barriers and will include pre-employment and employment assistance. This includes providing or organising assessments, counselling or professional support, referral and advocacy, and other support services.

This assistance could be delivered in a number of ways, for example, through:

• in-house service provision

• assisting in identifying appropriate jobvacancies, if appropriate, and

identification and recording of any relevant changes in DEEWR’s IT Systems.

•

The contacts must be face-to-face unless thereare exceptional circumstances and details must be recorded in DEEWR’s IT Systems.

It may not be appropriate for Providers to deliver vocational servicing on commencement in Stream 4 if the Job Seeker’s non-vocationalbarriers are so severe that the Job Seeker could


not initially cope with addressing vocationalbarriers. In these circumstances vocational barriers would begin to be addressed after non-vocational barriers were stabilised.

During the first 12 months of Stream 4 assistance, the Provider will have the discretion to determine whether and what level of job search efforts are required for individual Job Seekers. This will be dependent on the individual’s barriers and their impact on the Job Seeker’s work readiness. Stream 4 Job Seekersmay need a combination of job search efforts

and other requirements associated withaddressing their non-vocational barriers. Job search efforts will be broadly defined, giving Providers maximum flexibility, and will not be limited to the number of jobs applied for in a given period. Providers should exercise their judgement, based on the level and nature of the Job Seeker’s disadvantage about when assistance with résumé preparation should be provided. However a résumé is required to becompleted within the first 12 months.


Stream 4 Job SeekerJane has been assessed by a ESAt as requiring assistance in Stream 4. She has severe depression and anxiety and is at risk of homelessness.

At Jane’s initial interview with her Provider, the Provider realises that Jane does not have anywhere to live and is staying on a friend’s couch. Jane’s Provider phones the local homeless service with whom they have an agreement and organises for an appointment for them to see Jane the next day.

The Provider receives a Service Fee of $587, which covers the first 13 weeks of assistance the Provider will provide for Jane, and $1100 is credited to the EPF.

While only a basic EPP needs to be completed at their initial interview, the Provider continues to work with Jane in subsequent contacts to update her EPP to describe how they will work together to address Jane’s barriers to employment. Jane’s Provider suggests that she would benefit from general counseling and support, to be delivered by the Provider, but that she should also be assessed by a mental health practitioner to determine what sort of treatment she needs for her depression and anxiety. The Provider makes an appointment with a mental health specialist for an assessment (funded from the EPF).

The homeless service finds Jane a room in a women’s hostel. Once her housing crisis is addressed, Jane, her Provider and her homeless service provider meet together and decide on how they will work to help Jane move into long-term stable housing and manage her other barriers. Jane and her providers set a goal of finding employment and private rental accommodation in the local area in the medium term.

Following the mental health assessment, the Provider also helps Jane organise treatment for her depression and anxiety based on the mental health assessment. The caseworker is able to get the psychologist to treat Jane at a reduced rate, but there is still an out of pocket expense, which is paid for out of the EPF. Jane is referred to a GP who conducts a review of her medication.

After 13 weeks of assistance, the Provider receives the second 13 week Service Fee of $512. Once Jane’s mental health issues are being treated and her capacity to manage improves, she begins to receive vocational assistance as well. Jane meets with her employment consultant to discuss her situation and her employment options. The employment consultant conducts a Skills Assessment for Jane. Based on this, the employment consultant puts together an appropriate pathway to employment to help Jane find a part-time job.

2.8.5 Connections InterviewsAt the interview, the Provider and Centrelinkwould use a strengths-based approach to identify undisclosed barriers, identify and resolve gaps and discrepancies in information provided by the Job Seeker, and reach an informed and shared understanding of JobSeekers’ circumstances and the agreed action to address the Job Seeker’s difficulty in meetingtheir participation requirements.

As part of the BAFW package, eligible JobSeekers will be in scope for Connections Interviews with their Provider and Centrelink if they have been unemployed for 12 months or longer, have been the subject of five or more Participation Reports within the previous12 months but have not had a ComprehensiveCompliance Assessment.

Participation in Connections Interviews by Providers will be voluntary. Where a Provider decides to participate in Connections Interviews, the Provider will be required to satisfy the requirements detained in the Deed. A Connections Interview will be treated as a regular Provider contact, delivered jointly withCentrelink. These interviews are expected to beconducted at Centrelink premises, though they may be held at Provider premises by mutual agreement. The interviews will be capped at33 900 per annum between 1 July 2012 and30 June 2015.

Connections Interviews are expected to result in better attendance rates, increased employment outcomes and agreed and coordinated approaches by Providers and Centrelink in theirongoing dealings with these Job Seekers.

2.8.6 Increased Obligationsafter 12 Months inStream Services

JSA has a focus on Job Seekers obtaining workexperience and the skills needed to gain sustainable employment. Each Stream includes a Work Experience Phase that Job Seekers will generally move into after 12 months of Stream Services (or 18 months if the Job Seeker is in Stream 4) and a Compulsory Activity Phase thattriggers once a Job Seeker has been in the WorkExperience Phase for 12 months. The Compulsory Activity phase is part of the Work Experience Phase.

Job Seekers’ obligations to undertake activities in addition to job search generally increase


To improve Jane’s social skills, the assistance is group based and includes monitored job search and non- intensive job search training paid for from the EPF. In consultation with Jane the employment consultant decides to include a low number of job searches in Jane’s EPP to help her to reconnect to the employment market. Additionally, the Provider, through their employer contacts, arranges a number of employment opportunities.

After a few job interviews organised by the Provider, Jane is successful and starts a part-time job cleaning offices. The Provider contacts the homeless service again to advise them that Jane would be able to move into the private rental market. The homeless service helps Jane to find a room in a shared house. She continues to see her caseworker once a fortnight. (If Jane remains in employment for13 weeks the Provider will receive a Pathways Outcome Fee of $1100 because they brokered the employment). As Jane worked 20 hours in the first 10 working days, the Provider is also entitled to receive a Placement Fee of $385.

during these periods of service. Providers mustfacilitate Work Experience Activities for Job Seekers to help them meet their obligations and to enhance their chances of findingemployment. Providers will also provideongoing assistance through bi-monthly contact with Job Seekers throughout these periods.

Work Experience Phase

The total number of hours a Job Seeker willundertake is outlined in the Guidelines. Providers can manage this in a flexible way in accordance with the needs and the agreementof the individual Job Seeker.

Compulsory Activity PhaseJob Seeker Requirements

As part of the BAFW package, Job Seekers whoenter the Compulsory Activity Phase, with a Work Experience Activity Requirement, will be required to undertake activities for 11 months a year.

The Job Seeker will remain in the Compulsory Activity Phase until they exit JSA or are placed in a higher Stream (except in Stream 4 as there is no higher Stream). A Job Seeker’s requirement to participate for 11 months will continue in the subsequent years of the Phase.

For both the Work Experience Phase and the Compulsory Activity Phase, participation in Labour Market and other appropriate programs or services, such as the LLNP, Australian Apprenticeships Access Program, Adult Migrant English Program and Youth Connections, or relocation to an area of high labour demand enables a Job Seeker to meet their annual Work Experience Activity requirements (as long as participation is for 11 months for those Job Seekers in the Compulsory Activity Phase). However, they would need to meet with their Provider on a bi-monthly basis and generally be required to continue to undertake job search activities.

For some Job Seekers it will be more appropriate that the Work Experience Activities initially focuses on their non-vocational barriers (for example, drug and alcohol counselling or mental health support). Participation in theseprograms and services will generally meet the

Job Seekers in Streams 1 to 3 will generallycommence in the Work Experience Phase of their Stream after 12 months of Stream Services. Job Seekers in Stream 4 will generally complete 18 months of Stream Services before moving into to the Work Experience Phase. After 12 months in the Work Experience Phase a Job Seeker will enter the Compulsory Activity Phase.

Job Seekers aged between 18 and 49 will generally have a Work Experience Activity Requirement and be required to participate in a Work Experience Activity or Activities. Whenthe Job Seeker enters the Compulsory ActivityPhase they will have an increased obligation to participate in a Work Experience Activity or Activities if they have a Work Experience Activity Requirement.

Job Seekers and Providers will identify what activities are to be undertaken during the Work Experience Phase and include them in the EPP.

The number of hours a Job Seeker will be required to spend undertaking a Work Experience Activity or Activities will depend on the Job Seekers participation requirements(full-time, part-time or other specificparticipation requirements, such as ESL), the age of the Job Seeker, the type of Activity or Activities being undertaken and if the Job Seeker is in the Work Experience Phase or theCompulsory Activity Phase.


Work Experience Activity requirements forthese Job Seekers.

When these Job Seekers’ non-vocational barriers are stabilised they should be linked to vocationally orientated Work Experience Activities, although there is no time limit for this to occur.

Job Seekers who have met their obligation to undertake a Work Experience Activity or Activities can participate in further Work Experience Activities during the remainder of the year if they request to do so and their Provider considers it would benefit the Job Seeker.

Providers will maintain bi-monthly contact with Job Seekers during the Work Experience Phase and the Compulsory Activity Phases, and will continue to support job search activities.

Job Seekers will not be required to participate in a Work Experience Activity if they are:

employment and inform them about when theyhave to commence in an activity. This discussion should take place in the monthly contact (orbi-monthly for the Compulsory Activity Phase) preceding their move into the respective Phase so that the Job Seeker‘s EPP reflects their agreed activity immediately once theycommence in the Work Experience Phase or the Compulsory Activity Phase. Providers will also need to explain what may happen if the Job Seeker does not show up to their activity—for example, No Show, No Pay rules. Providersmust ensure the agreement reached with theJob Seeker on activities they will undertake to meet their requirement is detailed carefully in the Job Seeker’s EPP.

A Job Seeker is considered to have‘commenced’ in the Work Experience Phase of Stream Services following attendance at their first Work Experience contact with their Provider and when the Provider has recorded the completion of the contact in DEEWR’s IT Systems. Service Fees will be paid to Providers and the Work Experience EPF amount will be credited to the Provider’s notional EPF account at this point.

Once a Job Seeker has had their first Compulsory Activity Phase contact, they enter the Compulsory Activity Phase and their requirements begin.

Providers are required to monitor a Job Seeker’s participation in Work Experience Activities in both phases to ensure that their requirements are met.

Providers and Job Seekers are expected to continue to meet while the Job Seeker is in the Work Experience Phase and the Compulsory Activity Phase. The minimum contact with Job Seekers required will be once every two months but the actual frequency, timing and duration of these contacts will be negotiated between theProvider and the Job Seeker to reflect the

• exempt from the Activity Test orparticipation requirements

aged 15 to 17 years

pre-release prisoners, or

aged 50 years or over.

•

•

•

These Job Seekers may, however, volunteer toparticipate in a Work Experience Activity if they wish.

Role of Providers

The Work Experience Phase and theCompulsory Activity Phase

When a Job Seeker becomes eligible for theWork Experience Phase or the Compulsory Activity Phase, Providers should outline the Work Experience options that are available to Job Seekers, discuss with them which activitywould best support their search for sustainable


individual circumstances of the Job Seeker. Theagreed contact schedule will be included in theEPP.

• monitor Job Seekers’ participation to ensurethey meet their obligations and are not exploited

ensure placements meet state or territory legislation requirements (DEEWR will provide further guidance on these requirements in the Guidelines), and

continue to seek to place the Job Seeker in employment.

•If a Job Seeker receives a part-rate of paymentthey cannot be compelled to undertake a Work for the Dole or Green Corps activity. However, Job Seekers on a part-rate will need to undertake another activity or combination ofactivities to meet their Work Experience Activityrequirement as described in the Guidelines.

•

When developing a Work for the Dole, GreenCorps or Full-Time Work for the Dole activity, Providers will also be required to:

Delivering Activities for both the WorkExperience and Compulsory Activity Phase

Providers can deliver Work Experience Activitiesin a number of ways, including through:

• undertake a risk assessment prior to thecommencement of the activity

ensure appropriate supervision of the activity, and

retain and, where required, provide information as detailed in the Guidelines onthe activity (for example, activity outcomes).

•

•

in-house service provision

an external Provider, or

the local community.

•

••

Work Experience Activities should have a focuson local skills in demand, build the skills of Job Seekers to match employer needs and secure a Job Seeker’s pathway to employment. In providing access to Work Experience Activities,Providers will:

Payments and Service Fees

Providers will have the resources to deliver arange of Work Experience Activities, includingWork for the Dole and Green Corps activities.

When a Fully Eligible Participant commences in the Work Experience Phase of a Stream the Provider will receive a $456 Service Fee and have $500 credited to the EPF account. When a Fully Eligible Participant attends their first Compulsory Activity Phase contact, the Provider will have $1000 credited to the EPF. For eachquarter thereafter, in both the Work Experience Phase and the Compulsory Activity Phase, the Provider will receive additional Service Fees for bi-monthly contacts for each Job Seeker—Table 2.2. (Note that these Service Fees and EPF are not provided if a Job Seeker undertakes a Work Experience Activity while in StreamServices).

• need to ensure they have available activitiesincluding Work for the Dole and Green Corps activities, that are sufficient in quantity, variety, geographic spread in an ESA and duration to enable Job Seekers to fulfil their obligations while in the Work Experience Phase

work with local community and business organisations to identify and establish suitable Work for the Dole and Green Corps activities

place and ensure that Job Seekers participate in suitable activities while in the Work Experience Phase and the Compulsory Activity Phase and record details onDEEWR’s IT Systems

•

•


If a Job Seeker originating from Streams 1 to 3has a Change of Circumstances Reassessment while in the Work Experience Phase and is transferred into a higher Stream and then later recommences a Work Experience Phase during the same period of unemployment, this will be treated as a new commencement in the Work Experience Phase. In this case, Providers will receive an additional Service Fee of $456 and a further EPF allocation of $500. A further EPF allocation of $1000 will be provided at the point in time the Job Seeker is required to move into the Compulsory Activity Phase.

Upon commencement of a Drought Force Only participant, the Provider may claim a once-only Service Fee of $330. Each Drought Force Only participant will also attract a once-only EPF credit of $500.

Table 2.1 details the EPF credits and Table 2.2 outlines the fees for Job Seekers in the Work Experience Phase and the Compulsory Activity Phase.

Providers will also continue to have access to the full range of Placement Fees and Outcome Fees (see Sections 2.10.3 and 2.10.4).

to build their skills and create a pathway toemployment.

The range of Work Experience Activities includes:

•

•

Work for the Dole activities

Green Corps activities

part-time study (for example, through relevant Government or state/territory government skills programs and other accredited vocational training)

part-time or casual paid employment

•

•

• brokered unpaid work experienceplacements

voluntary work in the community and not-for-profit sector

paid or unpaid work in social enterprises

Defence Force Reserves

placement in other Government or state government labour market or appropriate training or skills development programs, including LLNP, and Indigenous programs such as CDEP

participation in non-vocational programs and services (where appropriate), and

other activities as specified by the DEEWR.

•

•

•

•

•

Work Experience Activities•

Job Seekers can undertake Work ExperienceActivities at any time during Stream Services if the Provider and Job Seeker believe it will benefit them. Once they enter the Work Experience Phase, Job Seekers generally have a Work Experience Activity Requirement and undertake a Work Experience Activity or combination of activities to meet their requirements.

The flexibility to undertake activities individually or in combination allows Providers to work closely with Job Seekers in choosing the mostappropriate activity or combination of activities

Job Seekers receiving income support whoparticipate in Work for the Dole, Green Corps and CDEP activities are currently eligible to receive a supplement of $20.80 per fortnight to assist them in meeting the additional costs ofparticipation.

Work for the Dole Activities

Work for the Dole activities offer placementsfor Job Seekers that also benefit local communities. The primary Host Organisationmust be a not-for-profit organisation or local,


state and Government organisation or anagency. Job Seekers must be supervised at all times.

training can be included under the category ofnon-accredited training. In limited circumstances non-vocational courses (such as anger management) which the Provider determines to be the most appropriate option for a Job Seeker may be counted asnon-accredited training as long as thenon-vocational training will help the Job Seeker overcome relevant barriers to employment.

Where the training is not accredited, the total number of hours to be spent undertaking Work for the Dole or Green Corps is not reduced, but the training component counts towards the Job Seeker’s obligation.

To ensure that training is flexible and meets an individual’s needs, Job Seekers on the same activity may undertake different training.

Providers will be required, amongst otherthings, to ensure Work for the Dole activities:

• provide work experience that will develop orenhance a Job Seeker’s ability to work as part of a team, take directions from a supervisor, work independently, communicate effectively and improve Job Seeker motivation and dependability

seek local community involvement in activities that will generate outcomes to benefit the community

provide flexible work experience opportunities for people with a Work Experience Activity requirement, voluntary participants and Job Seekers with barriers to employment that will assist them inre-engaging with their community and workplace, and

provide relevant first aid or occupational health and safety training (note that these do not fall under the category of accredited vocational training for the purposes of reducing a Job Seeker’s obligation in Workfor the Dole or Green Corps activities).

•

•

Green Corps Activities

Green Corps Activities provide Work Experienceplacements for Job Seekers in activities that benefit Australia’s natural environment or cultural heritage.

Green Corps Activities may include:

•

• land, water and wildlife survey and datacollectionactivities related to programs that come under the ‘Caring for our Country’ initiative access control, bush regeneration, habitat protection and restoration, environmental weed control and walking track construction and restorationactivities for the natural environment, cultural heritage and community education, andactivities that extend into World Heritage and protected areas in certaincircumstances.

•Providers are encouraged to incorporatetraining (both accredited and non accredited) where appropriate and available, in a Work for the Dole or Green Corps activities.

Where the vocational training is accredited, the total number of hours the Job Seeker would be required to undertake within their Work for the Dole or Green Corps activity may be reduced. Non-accredited training should be vocationally oriented, based preferably on the skills in demand of the local labour market and build on the work experience a Job Seeker gains from participating in the Work for the Dole activity.First aid and/or occupational, health and safety

•

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•


Drought Force Activities Unpaid Work Experience placements must notdisplace paid employment, and employers must not use placements inappropriately. Providers should monitor these placements to ensure Job Seeker interests are protected, as are those of existing employees. The placement cannot be in volunteer or unpaid jobs or non-ongoing or temporary positions.

Placements must only be short term in nature and Job Seekers can participate for a minimum of eight hours a week, up to a maximum of50 hours a fortnight.

An unpaid Work Experience placement can be undertaken by a Job Seeker at any stage and can be counted towards meeting the JobSeeker’s activity requirement while in the WorkExperience Phase or the Compulsory ActivityPhase.

Drought Force is a Work Experience activity thatassists individual farms and farming communities that have been severely affected by drought. Drought Force activities can only be undertaken in areas that are covered by Government drought assistance measures. These are areas declared by the Government as Exceptional Circumstances (EC) or prima facie areas. Providers should work with individual farmers and organisations within the local community to develop Drought Force Activities. Areas currently declared drought affected can be found at www.daff.gov.au/agriculture- food/drought/ec. These areas are subject to review.

Job Seekers receiving income support who choose to participate in Drought Force Activities for 30 hours or more each week are notrequired to look for work or have regularcontact with Centrelink. However, Providers should continue the minimum bi-monthly contacts with these Job Seekers. These Job Seekers should be reviewed every 12 months to determine whether it is still appropriate that they continue to be exempt from other job search activities.

Participation in Drought Force Activities is voluntary and may be undertaken by Fully Eligible Job Seekers or by people who are not onincome support.

Voluntary Work

Voluntary Work is a Work Experience Activityundertaken in a not-for-profit community organisation. A placement should only be created where a Provider believes the skills the Job Seeker can gain in a Voluntary Work placement will directly improve the Job Seeker’s employment prospects.

Providers can approach any community not-for- profit organisation with a view to identifyingpotential Voluntary Work placements.

Paid or Unpaid Work in a Social EnterpriseUnpaid Work Experience Placements

Work for the Dole activities, Green Corpsactivities, unpaid Work Experience and Voluntary Work placements can also occur in social enterprises where they target disadvantaged Job Seekers and where the host organisation in which the placement or activity occurs meets ‘social enterprise’ criteria. In general terms, social enterprises are defined asorganisations that provide Community Benefit

A short-term, unpaid Work Experienceplacement should enable a Job Seeker to gain vocational skills and have a likelihood of sustainable ongoing employment. Placements are hosted by different types of organisations,including not-for-profit organisations.


and that may operate business activities whichcreate and support employment for disadvantaged Job Seekers. Paid part-time or casual work can also occur in organisations thatmeet the ‘social enterprise’ criteria.

either provide NEIS Services to them (if theProvider is a NEIS Panel Member) or purchase the NEIS Services and refer them to a NEIS Panel Member for further assessment of their personal eligibility and business concept.

From 1 July 2012, Disability Employment Services (DES) Participants will also be eligible to participate in NEIS while continuing toreceive services from their DES Provider.

Insurance Requirements

DEEWR will purchase personal accidentinsurance and public and/or product liability insurance to cover Job Seekers participating in Work for the Dole, Green Corps, Voluntary Work placements, unpaid Work Experience placements and Job Seekers undertaking Drought Force. Insurance purchased by DEEWR is additional to the insurance Providers are required to obtain themselves (as specified in the Deed) and will cover participants undertaking Work Experience Activities either as part of their Work Experience Phase or whilein Stream Services prior to the Work ExperiencePhase.

Referral to NEIS and the NEIS Panel

In the majority of cases, Providers will refereligible Job Seekers to NEIS Panel Members to discuss the Job Seeker’s proposed business idea, and to conduct a full check of a Job Seeker’s eligibility for NEIS. Where a Job Seeker directly approaches a NEIS Panel Member, theNEIS Panel Member is required to direct the Job Seeker back to their Provider for assessment of eligibility for NEIS and, if appropriate, entry of a referral in DEEWR’s IT System to the NEIS Panel Member.

NEIS Panel Members are responsible for screening and selecting eligible Job Seekers to undertake NEIS Training, arranging training, assisting with the development of their business plans and providing mentoring and support for NEIS Participants once they commence their NEIS Businesses.

Selection for NEIS Assistance is competitive and the NEIS Panel Member will consider the viability of the proposed business, the draft business plan and whether NEIS Assistance isappropriate for the Job Seeker’s needs.

2.8.7 New Enterprise IncentiveScheme

Up to 6300 eligible Job Seekers per year whoare interested in starting and running small businesses can access assistance through NEIS.

NEIS provides accredited small business training, business advice and mentoring for eligible Job Seekers, as well as ongoing incomesupport for up to 52 weeks.

Eligibility for NEIS

If a Job Seeker in Stream Services expresses aninterest in self-employment assistance through NEIS, the Provider must assess the Job Seeker’s personal eligibility against the requirements detailed in the Deed. If the Job Seeker meetsthese requirements, the Provider must then

Role of JSA Providers

Providers must:

• identify potential Job Seekers who may wishto undertake NEIS


•

•

determine if they are eligible for NEIS

either provide NEIS Services to them (if the Provider is a NEIS Panel Member) or purchase the NEIS Services and refer eligible Job Seekers to a NEIS Panel Member for assessment

enter the details of the referral in DEEWR’s IT Systems in accordance with any Guidelines

record an approved activity to undertake NEIS Training on the Job Seeker’s EPP on the advice of the NEIS Panel Member, and

monitor the delivery of NEIS Services provided to the NEIS Participant by the NEISPanel Member.

fees to NEIS Panel Members for extra self-employment mentoring and support services. These additional payments must be commensurate with the needs of Job Seekers as determined by the Provider. These additional fees over and above the fixed $1480 payable to NEIS Panel Members must be paid from a Provider’s general pool of EPF, not accessedfrom the NEIS-quarantined EPF.

•

• Payments—NEIS Training

The NEIS Training fee structure and paymentmechanism from 1 July 2012 will be determined and advised to Providers beforecommencement of the new Deed Period. NEISTraining fees are separate from the generalNEIS fees. NEIS Training places will be notionally allocated to NEIS Panel Members every six months unless otherwise advised in writing byDEEWR.

•

Providers are legally responsible for the qualityand provision of NEIS Services by NEIS PanelMembers.

Payments—NEIS Mentoring and OtherSupport

A fixed Fee of $1480 for each NEIS Participantwill be paid to the NEIS Panel Member at the commencement of a NEIS Business (on signing of the NEIS Participant Agreement).

The Fee covers the cost of delivering NEIS Services, including selecting Job Seekers for training, administration, business plan assessment and approval, mentoring, regular contact and ongoing support through advice and counselling.

A portion of the EPF has been set aside to payNEIS Fees. The payment process from1 July 2012 will be determined and advised to Providers prior to commencement of the new Deed period.

As Stream 3 and 4 and Indigenous Job Seekers have greater disadvantages and barriers,Providers (only) may choose to pay additional


2.8.8 Moving betweenStreams

Job Seekers will move to a higher Stream if theirdisadvantage increases to a level that would make them eligible for the higher Stream. Job Seekers will not move to a lower Stream during their current period of unemployment while they are being serviced by the same Provider. The only exception to this is Vulnerable Youth who present to a Provider and provisionally commence in Stream 4 and who subsequently have a JSCI or ESAt/JCA conducted that refers them to Streams 1, 2 or 3.

Job Seekers who moved from Stream 2 (pre- Work Experience phase in Stream 2) directly into Stream 3 are entitled to receive a maximum of 18 months of service in Stream 2 and Stream 3 combined, regardless of how thatmaximum period of time is distributed betweentime in Stream 2 and time in Stream 3. Once theJob Seeker enters the Work Experience Phase of

Movement between the four Streams, includingwhen a Job Seeker is in the Work Experience Phase and Compulsory Activity Phase of a Stream, will be determined by the Job Seeker’s individual need and level of disadvantage, as measured by the JSCI (and ESAt/JCA where applicable).

A Job Seeker may be reassessed, in accordance with the Guidelines, by the Provider at any time during participation in a Stream (including the Work Experience Phase/Compulsory Activity Phase) if their circumstances change or new information becomes available that had not previously been taken into account that may indicate that a change in Stream or Service maybe appropriate.


New Enterprise Incentive SchemeAllison has an idea that she would like to develop into a small business. She is a Fully Eligible Participant in Stream 2. Allison discusses her small business idea with her Provider. Her Provider is able to make a judgment about whether self-employment is an appropriate activity for Allison by reviewing Allison’s Skills Assessment and circumstances. Allison’s Provider accesses a list of NEIS Panel Members and with her agreement refers Allison to one that is near her home. The Provider amends her EPP to include a referral to a NEIS Panel Member and, once she commences, her participation in small business training.

The NEIS Panel Member assesses Allison’s suitability for self-employment and the potential viability and eligibility of her business proposal. Allison is assessed as suitable for NEIS Assistance, and the NEIS Panel Member advises her Provider of this before training commences.

Allison commences NEIS Training – a Certificate IV in Small Business Management. This small business training lasts for up to 13 weeks and provides Allison with the skills to implement her proposed NEIS Business if her business plan is approved.

After completing the NEIS Training, signing her NEIS Participant Agreement and commencing her NEIS Business, Allison moves off Centrelink income support and onto the NEIS Allowance. The NEIS Participant Agreement sets out all her obligations and responsibilities while participating in NEIS. Throughout the next 12 months, Allison receives regular contact and support by a qualified mentor provided by her NEIS Panel Member.

When Allison has completed her NEIS Training and 13 weeks (then 26 weeks) of continuously operating her NEIS Business, her Provider will qualify for a Pathway Outcome at the Provider BrokeredOutcome rate.

assistance they cannot return to an earlierphase of assistance of the Stream they are in, or a lower Stream, during their current period ofunemployment.

2.9 OVERVIEW OF THE JOB SEEKER COMPLIANCEFRAMEWORK

•Centrelink is responsible for makingcompliance-related decisions under the social security law.

The role of Providers is primarily to notify Centrelink when a Job Seeker fails to meet their Activity Test or participation requirements as specified in the Job Seeker’s EPP.

facilitate timely Job Seeker access toCompliance Activities, as necessary, toenable the Job Seeker to have their payment reinstated following the application of an eight week (or, where applicable, 12 week)non-payment penalty.

Providers will have discretion not to report non-compliance if it is reasonable to believe that formal compliance action is not the best means of securing re-engagement and is counter- productive to the Job Seeker obtaining employment. However, in these circumstances Providers will need to utilise other strategies (for example contact requests) to ensure that timely Job Seeker re-engagement occurs.

The Job Seeker compliance system consists of:

Specifically, Providers will be expected to:

• ensure that Job Seekers are aware of whatthey need to do in order to meet their activity test or participation requirements, particularly prior to and during their participation in a program or activity, where non attendance will potentially result in an immediate loss of payment monitor the Job Seeker’s participation or attendance at appointments and activities included in a Job Seeker’s EPP, including attendance at interviews, education or training and Work Experience Activities

make at least two attempts to contact the Job Seeker over two days following a Job Seeker’s failure to attend an appointment or activity and report non-compliance to Centrelink if the Provider considers compliance action is the best means of securing re-engagement with the Job Seeker at that time

provide a comprehensive account of any failure they decide to report to Centrelink,and

•

•

•

•

•

•

connection failures—see Section 2.9.1

reconnection failures—see Section 2.9.1

No Show, No Pay failures—see Section 2.9.2

serious failures—see Section 2.9.3

preclusion periods—see Section 2.9.4

Comprehensive Compliance Assessments—see Section 2.9.5, and

Compliance Activity—see Section 2.9.6.

•

•

Centrelink places vulnerability indicators onDEEWR’s IT Systems to ensure Providers and Centrelink carefully consider the Job Seeker’s individual circumstances, capacity to comply and barriers to participation both whennegotiating the contents of an EPP and when

•


deciding whether to report any non-complianceor record a participation failure against individuals who are vulnerable. Providers will still need to notify Centrelink if they identify a vulnerable Job Seeker who does not have a Vulnerability Indicator recorded, so that Centrelink can record a vulnerability ifappropriate.

diary in order to be able to accept thesereconnection appointments from Centrelink. If the Job Seeker attends the reconnection appointment, they will not incur a penalty. If the Job Seeker (including a Job Seeker with a Vulnerability Indicator) does not attend the reconnection appointment or give prior notice of a valid reason for their inability to attend, then their payment will again be suspended (even if they have a Vulnerability Indicator this time). If Centrelink determines that the Job Seeker does not have a reasonable excuse forthe non-attendance, or had a reasonable excusebut failed to advise their Provider of it beforehand when they could reasonably have done so, the Job Seeker will lose payment from the day they failed to reconnect until the day they do reconnect. When they do reconnect, payment will be restored without back payment.

Subject to the passage of legislation, from1 July 2012 loss of payment following a failure to reconnect will mean loss of one-tenth of the basic rate of income support for every business day the Job Seeker remains unconnected. (Under existing legislation, a reconnection failure may incur loss of one fourteenth of the basic rate of income support for every calendar day the Job Seeker remains disconnected, including weekends). Participation-related supplements, such as the Work for the Dole, Green Corps supplement or Approved Program of Work Supplement, if payable, will also be reduced. Other add-on payments, such as Rent Assistance and Pharmaceutical Allowance will continue to be paid. Family Tax Benefit will not be affected by the penalty.

Centrelink will continue to issue Job Seekers who make poor job search efforts with a Job Seeker Diary in which to demonstrate their commitment to finding work. A failure to returna satisfactory Job Seeker Diary will be deemed a

2.9.1 Connection andReconnection Failures

If a Job Seeker fails to attend an appointmentwithout giving prior notice of a reasonable excuse, the Provider may report the Job Seeker to Centrelink (through a Participation Report). This may result in the suspension of the Job Seeker’s income support payment which is then re-instated with full back-pay immediately upon the Job Seeker agreeing to attend a further appointment with their Provider. Job Seekers with Vulnerability Indicators will not have their payment suspended in the first instance. In all cases, Centrelink will also determine if the Participation Report should be applied or rejected – taking all information from the Provider and Job Seeker into account. If applied, the resulting connection failure will not directly result in a financial penalty (i.e. loss of an amount of Income Support Payment for the Job Seeker) but it will be noted on their Centrelink record and may contribute to the triggering of a Comprehensive Compliance Assessment (CCA) and a finding of persistent non-compliance. Regardless of whether or not a Connection Failure is applied, the Job Seeker will berequired to reconnect with their Provider andmay incur a reconnection failure if they fail to do so.

Providers must ensure that appointment sessions are available within the next twobusiness days at all times within the electronic


reconnection failure and will result in animmediate penalty. Centrelink will then issue the Job Seeker with Employer Contact Certificates and the Job Seeker will lose one tenth of their payment for each business day between the Employer Contact Certificates being issued and returned.

Note that failure to attend an ESAt appointment will not incur a connection or reconnection failure. Instead, Centrelink may hold a Job Seeker’s payment pending attendance where Centrelink believes that this is the best way to ensure attendance. Payment will be restored, with full back payment, when the Job Seekerattends the ESAt appointment.

attempt, at least twice over two days, tocontact the Job Seeker as soon as the absence is known.

Providers will have discretion not to report noncompliance to Centrelink if it is reasonable to believe that compliance action is not the best means of securing re-engagement and counter- productive to the Job Seeker obtaining employment. Alternatively, the Provider may negotiate for the Job Seeker to make up the day’s participation in the activity on anotherday, reinforcing the importance of participation.

Loss of a day’s income support means one- tenth of the Job Seeker’s fortnightly rate of Income Support Payment (after taking into account any earnings). As is the case for reconnection failures non-participation-related add-on payments will not be affected. However, participation-related supplements will be reduced.

Where Providers indicate on the Participation report that a Job Seeker has disengaged from an activity, suspension of the Job Seeker’s income support payment may occur to helpfacilitate re-engagement with the Provider.

2.9.2 No Show, No PayFailures

A key element of the Job Seeker complianceframework is a No Show, No Pay failure. A Job Seeker may lose one-tenth of the Job Seeker’s fortnightly income support payment for eachday that the Job Seeker:

• fails to participate in an activity (such astraining or a Work for the Dole activity) without giving prior notice of a valid reason for the non attendance

engages in misconduct (disruptive or uncooperative behaviour) while in an activity

fails to attend a job interview without giving prior notice of a valid reason, or

intentionally behaves in a manner during a job interview that results in an offer of employment not being made.

2.9.3 Serious Failures

Eight-week non-payment penalties can beincurred by Job Seekers who, following a CCA, are found to have no barriers to participation and to have been persistently and wilfully non- compliant.

Job Seekers who refuse or fail to commence in a suitable job offer, without a reasonable excuse, will have committed a serious failure and will also face an eight-week non-payment penalty. Add-on payments will also not be paid for eight weeks. However, for Job Seekers with children, Rent Assistance and Family Tax Benefit willcontinue to be paid.

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•

If a Job Seeker contacts his or her Providerbefore the activity and gives a valid reason for not being able to attend the Provider may take no further action. If the Job Seeker does notadvise the Provider in advance, the Provider will


A Job Seeker who incurs an eight-weeknon-payment penalty for a serious failure willbe able to take responsibility for re-engagement by agreeing to undertake a Compliance Activity. In this case a Job Seeker will have theirpayment, and add-on payments, reinstatedwhile they continue to participate.

If a Job Seeker does not have the capacity to undertake a Compliance Activity, their payment may be reinstated if the penalty would causesevere financial hardship.

However, all or part of the eight-weekpreclusion period can be ended if a Job Seeker is in severe financial hardship and falls within a class of persons specified by the Secretary of DEEWR. This includes, for example, parentswith dependent children and persons who incursignificant costs associated with a medical condition. Job Seekers who are subject to a preclusion period are eligible to receiveStream 1 limited services. Job Seekers who havetheir income support payment re-instated due to financial hardship are Fully Eligible Participants.

2.9.4 Preclusion Periods

2.9.5 ComprehensiveCompliance Assessments

An eight-week preclusion period will beincurred for Job Seekers who voluntarily leave a suitable job, unless it is reasonable to do so, or are dismissed for misconduct (other than for minor transgressions). Income support will not be payable during this period. This will apply both to Job Seekers who are claiming payment as a new claimant and those already on income support. Job Seekers participating in specified relocation programs may incur a 12 week preclusion period in such circumstances.

In determining whether or not a person’s resignation was reasonable, Centrelink will, in accordance with the social security law and guidelines, consider the suitability of the job and the personal circumstances of the individual. In determining whether there was misconduct, Centrelink will also consider the suitability of the job and circumstances of the individual and the misconduct. A person who is dismissed for lack of ability to do the job or for incompetence will not be considered to beunemployed due to misconduct.

A Job Seeker who incurs three failures for notattending appointments or three No Show, No Pay failures in six months will receive a CCA. A Provider or Centrelink may also manually request a CCA if they are unable to determine the reason for observed non-compliance.

During this assessment, Centrelink will look at why the Job Seeker has been failing to meet their requirements, identify any barriers to employment and, if appropriate, refer the Job Seeker to more appropriate service options. Once a Job Seeker has undergone a CCA, the count of failures that will trigger another assessment will start again.

Where the likely outcome of a CCA is a recommendation for the Provider to consider an alternate item for inclusion in the EPP or other servicing suggestions without change of stream or program, Centrelink will give Providers the opportunity to provide further information before the outcome of the CCA is finalised. This opportunity will be made available on a voluntary basis to Providers. Thepurpose of such a discussion is to ensure that allpertinent information from the Provider has

Job Seekers who are subject to a preclusionperiod will not have the option of commencing a Compliance Activity in order to have their payment granted or reinstated.


been taken into account before the actualoutcome of a CCA is finalised.

• be subject to No Show, No Pay penaltiesshould the Job Seeker not attend without giving prior notice of a valid reason

include other reasonable requirements (job search and Provider appointments) to be scheduled around the Compliance Activity, and

include job interviews if possible.

2.9.6 Compliance Activity •

A full-time Activity Tested Job Seekerundertaking a Compliance Activity must participate for 200 hours over eight weeks at25 hours per week, generally with some participation required each Business Day. The hours per week over an eight week period are15 for Job Seekers subject to part-time participation requirements such as principal carers. A Compliance Activity could include training, work experience (including Work for the Dole) or intensive job search. Providers will need to monitor Job Seeker participation intheir Compliance Activity. If a Job Seeker fails toattend on any required day they may incur a NoShow, No Pay penalty.

If a Job Seeker agrees part-way through their penalty period to undertake a Compliance Activity, payment will be reinstated from that point and the rest of the penalty will be waived if the Job Seeker undertakes a Compliance Activity for each remaining day of the eightweek period.

•

Where a Job Seeker is already undertakinganother activity, such as training, they should continue in that activity. If that activity is not25 hours per week, the Provider will need to arrange additional activities that the Job Seeker can undertake that when combined with their existing activity will result in 25 hours per week.

Principal Carers and Job Seekers formally assessed as having a Partial Capacity to Work will be required to do 15 hours a week of a Compliance Activity (120 hours over eight weeks). Providers need to take into account the caring responsibilities of Principal Carers and schedule the Compliance Activity accordingly. Compliance Activities are to be funded out ofthe EPF.

Types of Compliance Activity

Where the Job Seeker is not alreadyundertaking an activity and where there is no doubt about their capacity, the Compliance Activity required to reinstate payment will generally be 25 hours per week of Work for the Dole activities. Providers will need to arrange suitable activities. The Compliance Activity should:

• be undertaken for five days a week to test commitment


2.10 PAYMENTS TO PROVIDERS

and are inclusive of the Fees for specifiedservices such as Skills Assessments. The first Service Fee will be paid when the Job Seeker first commences in a Stream, and subsequent payments will be made for eachcommencement in a further 13 weeks of

The payment model includes Service Fees,Placement Fees and Outcome Fees.

2.10.1 Service Fees

Service Fees will be paid in advance for each13 weeks of service commenced by Job Seekers


ComplianceJoan is in the Work Experience Phase of Stream 2. She missed an appointment with her Provider, without notifying her Provider beforehand, and the Provider, having contacted her, has established she had no reasonable excuse and has decided to submit a Participation Report to Centrelink as they believe this is the best way to re-engage Joan after previously trying other options. Centrelink suspended Joan’s payment until she contacted them. Centrelink confirmed there was no reasonable excuse and has applied the failure. This is Joan’s third failure for missed appointments within six months, so a Comprehensive Compliance Assessment has been automatically triggered. A Centrelink staff member arranges a time for Joan to meet with a Centrelink officer to undertake a Comprehensive Compliance Assessment in three days time.

At the meeting, Centrelink talks to Joan about her attendance record. Despite a thorough conversation about her individual circumstances, Joan reveals no barriers that would prevent her from complying and agrees that her Provider has been trying hard to engage her. Joan is aware of her requirements, as set out in her EPP, but has chosen not to participate. The Centrelink officer determines that Joan has committed a serious failure by persistently and wilfully failing to comply with her requirements. Joan is told that she will be subject to an eight-week non-payment penalty.

Centrelink advises Joan that if she re-engages with her Provider by undertaking a Compliance Activity (200 hours over eight weeks at 25 hours per week) she can have her payment reinstated while she continues to participate. Joan agrees that she will do this and Centrelink makes an appointment for her the following day with her Provider.

Joan attends the appointment with her Provider to discuss a Compliance Activity. As this contact is in addition to the minimum contacts required in the Work Experience Phase, the Provider can potentially claim this through EPF. Joan agrees to participate in a Work for the Dole activity. The Provider updates her EPP to include the Compliance Activity. Her Provider tells her that she should also continue to look for work and includes an appropriate level of job search contacts in her EPP.

The following day Joan commences a Work for the Dole activity. Should Joan not attend her Compliance Activity she will lose a day’s income support for each day not attended without prior notice of a reasonable excuse (No Show, No Pay).

The following day Joan commences a Work for the Dole activity. Should Joan not attend her ComplianceActivity she will lose a day’s income support for each day not attended without a reasonable excuse(No Show, No Pay).

service, as identified as eligible by DEEWR andafter a tax invoice is lodged by the Provider (within 28 days), in keeping with the amounts set out in Table 2.2.

The Service Fees in respect of bi-monthly contacts with Job Seekers in the Work Experience Phase continue for as long as theJob Seeker remains in the Phase. For example, if a Job Seeker remains in the Work Experience Phase for a period longer than 12 months, these Service Fees continue each quarter until the Job Seeker exits the service.

Providers must ensure that services are provided to Job Seekers.

How are Service Fees Calculated?

Service Fees will be triggered until the JobSeeker commences in the following 13 WeekPeriod. However, in some circumstances theEPF can be used to fund additional contacts. For further information see Section 2.8.1.

How will Providers be paid?

DEEWR’s IT Systems will look at the number ofJob Seekers who have commenced the service or entered into a further 13 weeks of service during each fortnight and generate a list of eligible Job Seekers for whom the Provider is entitled to claim a Service Fee payment. Providers will then, within 28 days, be required to complete a tax invoice for payment.

The Provider will be able to see payments for Job Seekers who have just commenced and payments for Job Seekers who have progressed into their second, third, or fourth payment period in Streams 1 to 3, and up to six payment periods for Stream 4 and beyond for the Work Experience Phase and the Compulsory Activity Phase.

Providers will continue to be paid a Service Fee for bi-monthly contacts with Work Experience Job Seekers for as long as they remain in the Work Experience Phase or the Compulsory Activity Phase. For example, if a Job Seeker remains in the Work Experience Phase for longer than 12 months, the Service Fees willcontinue to be paid.

Providers are not required to acquit or refundFees for individual Job Seekers if they exit or are transferred to another Provider before the end of the payment period. However, Service Fees will only be paid at a pro rata rate where theJob Seeker is transferred to another Provider asa result of a business reallocation or a Site closure. As such, in calculating Service Fees, an adjustment is made to take into account the expected exit or attrition rate for each Stream. The expected exit or attrition rate has been calculated based on DEEWR historical data. Applying this adjustment avoids the need for complex administrative arrangements to monitor, acquit and repay Service Fees.Table 2.2 shows the maximum Service Fees.

It is noted that for each Stream the amount of overall contacts with Job Seeker used to calculate the Service Fees exceeds the minimum contacts required. In other words, the Service Fees include provision for Providers’ flexible contacts with Job Seekers above the minimum level.

Once the maximum Service Fee has been reached for a 13 Week Period, no further

Other Work Experience Service Fees

When a Fully Eligible Participants commences in the Work Experience Phase of a Stream, the Provider will receive a $456 Service Fee andhave $500 credited to the EPF account. For eachquarter thereafter, the Provider will receive an additional Service Fee as per Table 2.2, for each Job Seeker who remains in the Work ExperiencePhase.


Table 2.2: Service Fees to be paid


STREAM SERVICE FEES AND TIMING Stream 1

SERVICE FEE

First 13 weeks—Includes the initial interview $63

Second 13 weeks—Includes Skills Assessment and managing IntensiveActivities

$414

Third 13 weeks $94

Fourth 13 weeks $96

Maximum $667

Stream 2

First 13 weeks —Includes the initial interview $271

Second 13 weeks $208

Third 13 weeks $202

Fourth 13 weeks $204

Maximum $885

Stream 3



Third 13 weeks $257


Maximum $1120

Stream 4



Third 13 weeks $409

1 For Job Seekers who continue in Work Experience for more than 12 months (including the Compulsory Activity Phase), theService Fee paid will continue at $133 and $67 for each alternate three months—that is, for 13 to 15 months, $133; 16 to18 months, $67; 19 to 21 months, $133; and so on.

Note: Job Seekers who moved from Stream 2 (pre Work Experience phase in Stream 2) directly into Stream 3 are entitled to receive a maximum of 18 months of service in Stream 2 and Stream 3 combined, regardless of how that maximum period of time is distributed between time in Stream 2 and time in Stream 3.

2.10.2 Stream 1 (Limited)Participant Fee

claim for a Placement Fee and record theplacement on DEEWR’s IT Systems. Providers will be paid a Placement Fee as shown in Table 2.3.A Stream 1 (Limited) Participant Fee of $63 is

payable for each Stream 1 (Limited) Participant as outlined in DEEWR Guidelines.

2.10.3 Placement Fees

In order to receive a Placement Fee, Providerswill be required to match, screen and refer eligible Job Seekers to Vacancies or Assignments recorded on DEEWR’s IT Systems.

Providers will be required to claim for payment of the Placement Fee and submit invoices through DEEWR’s IT Systems within 28 days of verification of the placement. Providers will be required to maintain documentary evidence (for example, a file note confirmingemployment and hours worked) to support a



Fifth 13 weeks $402

Sixth 13 weeks $415

Maximum $2736

Work Experience 1

First 13 weeks—Includes one-off Work Experience Service Fee $456

Second 13 weeks $66

Third 13 weeks $133

Fourth 13 weeks $67

Table 2.3: Placement Fees

2.10.4 Outcome Fees

Outcome Fees will be paid to Providers for JobSeekers in Streams 2 to 4 who remain in employment for a minimum of 13 weeks or remain in education for at least one semester of a course of two or more semesters. Paymentamounts will depend on:

claimed. This includes Stream 1 Job Seekerswho must have had recorded on DEEWR’s IT Systems that they have commenced in the Work Experience Phase. Outcome Fees are not paid for Stream 1 Job Seekers before they commence in the Work Experience Phase.

The claiming of payments will be automatic once the Job Seeker’s ID and employment- education details have been placed into the system by the Provider. DEEWR’s IT Systems will calculate the Outcome Fee owing to the Provider, who can confirm the payment online. The claims are paid fortnightly to the Provider.

Table 2.4 shows the Outcome Fees that can be claimed by the Provider. Outcome Fees are based on the Stream the Job Seeker is in whenplaced in the job.

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•

the Stream the Job Seeker commenced in

the amount of reduction in the Job Seeker’sIncome Support Payments

the Job Seeker’s participation requirements, and

whether the outcome has been assisted by the Provider or brokered by the Provider.

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The Outcome Fee will be based on the JobSeeker’s Stream and length of unemployment when they commence in the job or educationactivity for which an Outcome Fee is being


Services Placement Outcome PlacementFee

Stream 1 (post–Skills Assessment)

Where an Eligible Placement Participant who is also a Partial Capacity to Work Job Seeker or has partial participation requirements (e.g. a Principal Carer) completes between 15 and 49 hours of paid work in a Placement within 10 consecutive working days

$385

Where an Eligible Placement Participant completes a minimum of50 hours of paid work in a Placement within 10 consecutive working days

$440

Streams 2 to4 and Work Experience/ Compulsory Activity Phase

Where an Eligible Placement Participant completes between 15 and49 hours of paid work in a Placement within 10 consecutive working days

$385

Where an Eligible Placement Participant completes a minimum of50 hours of paid work in a Placement within 10 consecutive working days

$550

Table 2.4: 13 and 26 Week Outcome Fees

n/a (not applicable)

* A Bonus Fee of 20 per cent will be available when a Provider places a Job Seeker in an apprenticeship in occupational areas of skills shortage or, for an employment outcome, where:

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the Job Seeker has completed a Qualifying Training Course relevant to the needs of the local labour market

the employment is directly related to the Qualifying Training Course

the individual commences employment within 12 months of completing the Qualifying Training Course.

A Full Outcome is paid in recognition of a JobSeeker achieving sustainable employment or education that enables them to fully exit income support or that fully meets their capacity and participation requirements. A Full Outcome occurs where for the duration of a13 Week Period or 26 Week Period, a FullyEligible Participant remains in employment, unsubsidised self-employment, apprenticeship,traineeship or qualifying education.

The bonus can be claimed for both ProviderBrokered Outcomes and Provider Assisted Outcomes and for both Full and Pathway Outcomes.

Types of Outcomes—Full and Pathway

There are two main types of Outcomes: a FullOutcome and a Pathway Outcome.


Commenced in Stream 1 (Work Experience only)

Commenced in Stream 2 (activities and Work Experience)



PAYMENT TYPE

ProviderAssisted

ProviderBrokered

ProviderAssisted

ProviderBrokered

ProviderAssisted

ProviderBrokered

ProviderAssisted

ProviderBrokered

Full

Period of Unemployment

0–12 months*

n/a n/a $675 $1008 $1418 $1750 $1418 $1750

13–60 months*

$572 $854 $938 $1400 $2025 $2500 $2025 $2500

61 months or more*

$572 $854 $938 $1400 $2673 $3300 $2673 $3300

Pathway

0–12 months*

n/a n/a $446 $550 $446 $550 $891 $1100

13–60 months*

$252 $376

61 months or more*

$252 $376 $891 $1100

A Pathway Outcome recognises progresstowards the achievement of sustainable employment or education, such as through substantial part-time work.

All Outcome requirements vary depending on the Job Seeker’s individual participation requirements but are generally based on cessation, or substantial reduction, of Income Support Payments or achieving a minimum number of work or study hours per week.

The requirements for achieving a Pathway Outcome are less than those for a Full Outcome and recognise that the Job Seeker is making progress towards achieving sustainable employment or education. The payments associated with a Pathway Outcome are less than the payments for a Full Outcome.

The definition of, and requirements for, Full and Pathway Outcome payments are included in the Draft Deed at Appendix J.

relevant Vacancy or Assignment onAustralian JobSearch, then screened, matched and (through personal contact) referred the Fully Eligible Participant in accordance with all the requirements set out in the Deed

first identified the relevant education or training, then screened, matched and (through personal contact) referred the Fully Eligible Participant to the education or training activity in accordance with all the requirements set out in the Deed

first had direct contact with the relevant Employer to identify an unpaid work experience opportunity and obtained the Employer’s consent to provide recruitment services for that opportunity; then screened, matched and (through personal contact) referred the Fully Eligible Participant in the unpaid Work Experience activity opportunity in accordance with all the requirements set out in the Deed, and

ensured all Documentary Evidence requirements are met.

•

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Types of Outcomes—Provider Assistedand Provider Brokered Outcomes •

Outcome Fees are weighted to reflect theimportance of Providers engaging with employers, with employment outcomes brokered by the Provider attracting a higher payment. Both Full and Pathway Outcomes can be classified as either a Provider Assisted Outcome or a Provider Brokered Outcome.

‘Provider Brokered’ means that the Fully EligibleParticipant started in an employment, education or training activity that, when completed, satisfies the requirements for anOutcome and the Provider has:

‘Provider Assisted’ means that the Fully EligibleParticipant started in an employment, education or training activity that, when completed, satisfies the requirements for an Outcome but the requirements for ProviderBrokered have not been met.

Types of Outcomes—Bonus OutcomeFees

A Bonus Outcome Fee will be available when aProvider places a Job Seeker in an apprenticeship in occupational areas of skills shortage or, for an employment outcome,where the:

• first had direct contact with an Employer orHost Organisation to identify a Vacancy or Assignment and has obtained the Employer’s or Host Organisation’s consent to provide recruitment services, including to lodge the


• Job Seeker has completed a QualifyingTraining Course relevant to the needs of the local labour market

employment is directly related to theQualifying Training Course, and

the individual commences employment within 12 months of completing the Qualifying Training Course (that is, a minimum of a Certificate II training course related to the role the Job Seeker is placedin).

Non-payable Outcomes

There are some situations that will not attractOutcome Fees. These situations include the following circumstances:

•

• the employment is not considered valid (asthe job may, for example, involve illegal activity, be associated with the sex industry, be funded or subsidised by another program, be a voluntary or unpaid position, or be in another country)

education does not meet the requirements for payment, and

employment or education was pre-existing prior to the Job Seeker commencing with theProvider.

•

•The bonus can be claimed once per Outcomefor both Provider Brokered Outcomes and Provider Assisted Outcomes and for both Full and Pathway Outcomes.

•

Types of Outcomes—Transition Supportfor ESLs LLNP Outcome Fees

A full list of non-payable outcomes is included inthe Draft Deed at Appendix J.

Transition Support for ESLs LLNP Outcome Feesare payable for those ESLs who participate in Transition Support for ESLs and subsequently complete up to two 200 hour blocks of LLNP. Providers will be eligible for Pathway Outcome payments at the Provider Assisted rate providedall other Deed requirements are met.

Social Outcomes

A measure of social outcomes will continue tobe included for Stream 4 clients. Following consultation with the sector, the social outcome measure will be based on evidence that the Provider is delivering assistance to service a JobSeeker’s identified barriers (see Section 2.12.2).

2.11 SELF-SERVICE FACILITIES FOR JOB SEEKERS

To help Job Seekers search for work, DEEWRwill support Providers to allow reasonable access to job search facilities at each Site. A job search facility includes a personal computer or similar device with broadband internet connectivity, printer and sundry equipment, including consumables, and any maintenance to ensure the availability of the facility to Job Seekers. The equipment required will vary witha Provider’s caseload. The formula for this will

be published in DEEWR’s Guidelines. DEEWRwill, after the Deed Commencement Date and as soon as possible on or after 1 July each year, pay $3000 for each job search facility.

Direct funding will give Providers the flexibility to source the most appropriate equipment for individual business needs. Some Providers will need to establish multiple job search facilities across a number of sites. Funding of $3000 perjob search facility per year will give Providers


the opportunity to purchase requiredequipment in a bulk purchase or leasing arrangement with a supplier of their choosingto gain the best value for money.

The Provider will be expected to advise all JobSeekers commencing in Stream Services of the use, availability and location of these job search facilities and allow reasonable access to theseat its Sites during Business Hours.

2.12 PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK

The Government is committed to working inpartnership with Providers to drive performance and continuous improvement in the delivery of quality services to all JobSeekers. Underpinning this commitment is a:

Site level Star Ratings will be publishedquarterly on both Australian JobSearch and the department’s Internet Page, with Deed and Site level performance continuing to be publishedon DEEWR’s IT System.

DEEWR will conduct six-monthly milestone reviews to make available information to Providers about how they are tracking relative to other Providers. Where a Provider is not performing well, DEEWR will work with the Provider to improve performance, including by sharing best practice. Where a Provider’sperformance does not improve to an acceptablelevel, DEEWR may take actions including reducing the Provider’s ESA Business Share and/ or closing the Provider’s site.

DEEWR will also consider the performance of Providers in decisions relating to the reallocation of business at a single mid-deed review. However, DEEWR may reallocatebusiness at other times.

• Performance Management Framework toinform and support high-quality outcomes

Code of Practice that reflects the Government’s expectations of how Providers will interact with Job Seekers, employers and each other, and

Charter of Contract Management that reflects what Providers can expect ofDEEWR.

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2.12.1 Use of PerformanceInformation

The Performance Management Framework willcontinue to provide consumers of JSA with information to inform their decisions.

2.12.2 Measurement ofPerformance

• Job Seekers use the performanceinformation to compare Providers in their area and to choose their preferred Provider.

Providers assess their own performance relative to other Providers and identify areas for improvements.

Employers will also be able to determine the best Providers from which to sourcenew staff.

The method for assessing Provider performanceagainst the efficiency and effectiveness Key Performance Indicators (KPI) will be through the JSA Star Ratings. From July 2012, DEEWR will calculate JSA Star Ratings on a three-year rolling assessment period. This will allow for the moreup to date performance data to determine a

•

•


Provider’s Star Rating. For example, theDecember 2012 Star Ratings, will cover performance from the beginning of January 2010 to end of December 2012.

As per previous Deeds, each Provider’s performance will be measured relative to other Providers, taking into account differences in caseload and labour market characteristics using regression analysis.

Relative performance is calculated using a range of performance measures which are weighted

to reflect the Government’s priorities. StarRatings are determined on the basis of a Provider’s performance compared to the average of all Providers, referred to as the ‘Star Percentages’. The current bandwidths are set out in Table 2.5. These are subject to change from time to time by DEEWR. Providers will receive Star Ratings and Star Percentages for each of the four Streams and for JSA overall foreach ESA and Site where they are operating.

Table 2.5: Star Ratings Bands

KPI 2 (Effectiveness)KPI 1 (Efficiency)

For each of the four Streams, effectiveness willbe assessed in relation to 13 and 26 week full and pathway outcomes, 13 week bonus outcomes and paid placements via individual performance measures. DEEWR reserves the right to distinguish between brokered and assisted outcomes within the Performance Framework. Stream 1 continues to have an off- benefit outcome performance measure.

To further reward Providers for the achievement of employment or education outcomes for key priority groups of Job Seekers, there will also be a Target Group performance measure (defined in the Guidelines). This will continue to include outcomes achieved for Indigenous Job Seekers as well as additional JobSeeker target groups identified by Government.

For Stream 1 Job Seekers, KPI 1 measures boththe time taken to a paid placement and the time taken until a Job Seeker is off-benefit. The latter is in recognition of outcomes achieved before a Job Seeker can be anchored for a 13 or26 week outcome. For Streams 2 and 3, KPI 1quantifies the time taken to achieve 13-weekFull Outcomes.

Following feedback received from Providers, Stream 4 will no longer be assessed againstKPI 1. The weighting previously allocated to that performance measure has been distributed toother measures.

The time taken by a Provider to achieve a resultin a particular Stream will be compared to the average time taken by other Providers.


Star Rating Star Percentages

5 40% or more above the average

4 20% to 39% above the average

3 Between 19% above and 19% below the average

2 20% to 49% below the average

1 50% or more below the average

These groups may vary across Streams to reflectthe prevalence of Job Seekers in the target groups in different Streams.

weightings allocated to 13 and 26 weekoutcome performance measures.

The different weightings also reflect the varying levels of disadvantage of Job Seekers in each of the Streams and focus of the servicing, hence the 15 per cent weighting for the efficiency KPI for Stream 1 as opposed to the 15 per cent weighting for the Social Outcome performance measure in Stream 4.

Reflecting the Government’s continued prioritisation of the most vulnerable and least job-ready Job Seekers, results for Stream 4 Job Seekers will continue to contribute substantially more to a Provider’s overall rating than their results with Stream 1 Job Seekers.

Small adjustments have been made to the performance weights used under the2009–2012 arrangements. The performanceweights are shown in Table 2.6.

Following the cessation of Stream ServicesReviews, a new Stream 4 social outcome performance measure will be introduced. Following consultation with the sector, the measure will assess the extent to which a Provider delivers or funds assistance designed to overcome Job Seekers’ recorded barriers to employment. Evidence of this could include commencement in an associated activity or related EPF expenditure. Further consultation will be undertaken with the sector in finalising the implementation of this measure.

Weightings

The weight for each performance measurereflects the Government’s objectives. Sustained outcomes are emphasised with the highest

Table 2.6: Performance Measures and Weights from July 2012 onwards


KPI 1—Efficiency Stream 1 Stream 2 Stream 3 Stream 4

Time to Off Benefit Outcomes 5%

Time to Job Placement Fees 10%

Time to 13 Week Outcomes 5% 5%

KPI 2—Effectiveness

Off Benefit Outcomes 15%

Job Placement Fees 30% 10% 10% 10%

13 Week Outcomes

• Full

• Pathway

• Paid Bonus

• Target Groups

10%

5%

5%

5%

20%

10%

5%

10%

20%

10%

5%

10%

20%

10%

5%

10%

26 Week Outcomes

• Full

• Pathway

10%

5%

30%

10%

30%

10%

20%

10%

The weighting of each Stream towards overall JSA StarRatings remain unchanged from the 2009-2012 arrangements:

This upgrade to the Provider Site Details pageon JobSearch will enable Providers to promote the range and diversity of individualised services, community linkages and productive relationships with employers, training organisations and community organisations to benefit Job Seekers and employers in the local area. These claims will be published against a suite of service indicators developed in consultation with Job Seeker and employer advocates and will assist these stakeholders to make a more informed choice of Provider.

The Connections for Quality page will include a feedback mechanism for Job Seekers and employers to comment on the services they have received in accordance with the claims made on the Providers Site page. This feedback may be included as a KPI3 – Quality measure during the Deed Period and may be used in consideration of mid-deed businessreallocation.

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Stream 1—10 per centStream 2—20 per cent Stream 3—30 per cent, and Stream 4—40 per cent.

KPI 3 (Quality)

The Star Ratings will not include the quality of aProvider’s services. However, KPI 3 (Quality) will be a key consideration in the mid-deed business reallocation, and DEEWR will provide clear and timely feedback to Providers about the qualityof their services to give Providers theopportunity to address any issues raised.

The quality of a Provider’s service may include feedback from Job Seekers on a Provider’s claims against the suite of Connections for Quality service indicators (see Sections 2.12.2 and 2.12.3) and extent of collaboration with other community services that can support Job Seekers, such as mental health services.

DEEWR is moving towards introducing Quality Industry Standards for JSA which will be independently assessed. The independent accreditation of Quality Standards for JSA will provide DEEWR with assurances about an organisation’s capacity and capability to deliver employment services in accordance with the Deed.

Connections for Quality

Deed Compliance

DEEWR will continue to monitor compliancematters such as legislative requirements, fraud, malfeasance, discrimination or other potential breaches of the Deed and raise any concerns in a timely manner.

The Service Guarantees reflect the services that Job Seekers can expect from their Provider as outlined in the Deed. The Code of Practice reflects the Government’s expectations of how Providers will interact with Job Seekers, employers and each other.

Providers are contractually obliged to honour the Service Guarantees and the Code of Practice in providing services, to each Job Seeker.A Provider’s performance will be evaluated

In recognition of the Government’scommitment to the delivery of quality employment services to Job Seekers and employers, DEEWR will release new functionality on the Australian JobSearch (JobSearch) website called Connections forQuality on 1 January 2012.


Social Outcomes

• Barriers Serviced 15%

against their delivery of services in accordancewith the Service Guarantees and the Code.

The Code of Practice is available at www.deewr.gov.au/employment/jsa/resource s/pages/home.aspx.

2.12.3 Charter of ContractManagement

The Employment Services Charter of ContractManagement sets out DEEWR’s commitment to work collaboratively with Employment Service Providers to build a strong and vibrant employment services sector which continuously improves and builds on good practice to achieve outcomes for unemployed Australians.

The Charter is a principles-based document and sets out the standards and conduct that Providers can expect from DEEWR in overseeing and administering the delivery of employmentservices.

Draft copies of the proposed ServiceGuarantee(s) are at www.deewr.gov.au/employment/jsa/resource s/pages/home.aspx.

The Government will continue to consult on theService Guarantees for the remainder of this year.

2.13 JSA TRANSITION ARRANGEMENTS 2012

The Transition Period will formally commenceon the announcement of the final RFT results, due to occur in March 2012. In the lead-up to this time, regular updates as well as specific issues for consultation will be published on the DEEWR website to inform Providers of thetransition process.

2.13.1 Transition Overview

Transition is the set of arrangements put inplace to move the existing Employment Services Deed 2009-2012 to the new contracting period and to ensure Job Seekers continue to receive services and are transferred, where and when required, taking into account their individual circumstances. Transition involves communicating the arrangements to Providers to inform them of the processes involvedshould they be exiting, obtaining new business through business review or tender processes, or continuing with no change to existingcontracted market share, thus ensuring the continuity of services through JSA. DEEWR will work with Providers to resolve any issues arising during transition.

The expectation is that Providers who are exiting or closing some sites will continue to deliver services until 30 June 2012. However, DEEWR will consider on a case-by-case basisProviders who wish to hand back business early.

2.13.2 Transition Objectives

The objective of transition is a smooth transferto the future contracting arrangements that has minimal disruption to Job Seekers, employers and Providers and maintains the continuity of services.

DEEWR will manage the transition process using the following principles:

• transition activities must supportcontinuity of JSA services.

• all eligible Job Seekers will:


o remain connected with their currentProvider, or

o be referred to a new or gaining Provider taking into account their individual needs and circumstances

transition will continue to support connections between employers and Job Seekers where possible, and

transition activities will support the future employment services arrangements, while honouring existing contractual obligations.

2.13.4 Job Seekers

Job Seeker Movements

A set of principles will be followed to facilitatethe transfer of Job Seekers with minimal disruption and allocate Job Seekers to Providers based on contracted Business Share.

Where there is no change to a Provider’s Business Share, Job Seekers will continue to be attached to their current Provider.

Where Providers are exiting, Job Seekers will be transferred to a new (successful Tenderer) or existing Provider. Providers will be required to continue to provide high level of services to Job Seekers until a Job Seeker is transferred.

Job Seekers will transfer in their current Stream and maintain their current Period of Service, and Providers are expected to service them at that level. Job Seekers’ information on the JSCI may be updated at any time that circumstances change or additional information is disclosed that may indicate that a change in Stream may be appropriate.

DEEWR does not guarantee and makes no representation that a particular number of Job Seekers will be allocated to Providers. Providers should note that the transfer of Job Seekers available to be allocated to a particular Provider will depend on a number of factors includingbut not limited to the caseload andcharacteristics of Job Seekers transferred in a particular ESAs and parts of an ESA, specialisation, Job Seeker preference ofProvider and the Provider’s Business Share in anESA.

Further advice will be developed to inform Providers on the continuation of Job Seeker activities and the cessation of referrals from Centrelink to Providers during the TransitionPeriod.

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There will be ongoing communication with JobSeekers and Providers throughout the transition process.

2.13.3 Communication

Communication with all stakeholders is vital toachieving the transition principles. Regular news and update items will be issued to inform Providers of decisions and guidelines that have been developed. Providers will have the opportunity to speak with their DEEWR Account or Contract Manager throughout the Transition Period. A transition mailbox will be available during the Transition Period for any transitionenquiries.

Training Guidelines and online modules will beavailable to assist new Providers in understanding DEEWR’s IT Systems.

The start of the new Deed period may result in changes in Providers, and Job Seekers will be notified of these changes. Job Seekers will be allocated notionally to Providers obtaining business, and will receive a letter informing them of their new Provider. The letters given to Job Seekers will inform them that they have the ability, by logging on to the AustralianJobSearch website or by contacting the call centre, to select a preferred Provider beforetransfer.


There will be no change to the Outcome Feeprocesses from 1 July 2012. Outcome Fees will be payable to the Provider that the Job Seeker was serviced by at the anchor date of an employment or education related activity.

Where a Job Seeker is identified for an EPF transition credit as a result of the Business Review process or the Request for Tender outcomes, the following table outlines the transition credit amounts that would apply.See Table 2.7.

Fees

Consistent with the Employment Services Deed,when a Job Seeker transfers to a new Provider, the receiving Provider will be paid a Service Fee on a pro rata basis, based on the number of days remaining in the Job Seeker’s current13-week Payment Period in the applicableStream. This will be payable following the initial interview with the Job Seeker.

Table 2.7: EPF Transition Credits

* 2011/12 Transferred Participants in their second and subsequent 12 month periods of the Work Experience Phase will notattract an EPF credit for 2011/12 Transferred Participants. These Fully Eligible Participants will instead be eligible for $1000 inSuccessful Providers are encouraged to takeover pre-existing Work Experience Activities of an exiting Provider, however, are not obliged to do so.

DEEWR will honour claims made under the current Employment Services Deed 2009-2012 for the delivery of services that occur prior to1 July 2012 and for Job Placements and

Outcomes that result from Placementsanchored prior to 1 July 2012.


EPF Transition Credits for Job Seekers

0-6 months in Stream Services 6+ months in Stream Services

Stream 1 $10 $10

Stream 2 $390 $195

Stream 3 $775 $390

Stream 4 $775 $390

Stream 4 - Extension $390 $390

0-6 months 6+ to 12 Months 12+ Months

Work Experience * $353 $176 $0

70 Request for Te nder fo r Job Se rvices Australia 2012-2015

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