30/04/2004
WorkFocus Australia's excellence in providing Job Network employment services to the jobseekers has been recognised by the Commonwealth Government.
WorkFocus Australia Mirrabooka is one of 12 Job Network providers chosen nationally by the Howard Government to head an $840,000 pilot programme encouraging people receiving disability support pensions into work.
The programme will enable Disability Support Pensioners, who want to work, access to facilities and services to help them gain employment.
The Government spends $2.6 billion annually on disability pensions, with the number of disability support pensioners tripling since 1980 to 670,000.
The pilot programme will run through the Job Network until June and, if successful, the Federal Government believes up to 150,000 pensioners could be able to return to the workforce.
Employment Services Minister Mal Brough says Job Network already provides employment services to jobseekers with low to moderate disability.
"Job Network has a number of organizations that have particular expertise in placing these people into ongoing employment.
"Disability employment and rehabilitation providers help people with moderate to severe disability and job seekers who have difficulty in gaining and retaining employment without rehabilitation or ongoing support," Mr Brough said.
Mr Brough said Job Network members – of which WorkFocus is a leader– are required to meet a Code of Practice and strict service delivery requirements.
The twelve pilot providers were selected on the basis of their experience in delivering quality services and sustainable outcomes to job seekers.
WorkFocus Australia Job Network Mirrabooka Manager, Mr Michael Kolomyjec said the staff were thrilled WorkFocus had been selected for this innovative national program.
"It’s a very exciting time for us. We are already getting a lot people – all of whom are on disability pensions – expressing interest in the program," Mr Kolomyjec said.
WorkFocus JobNetwork will be providing a number of services to clients involved in the program. These include – Vocational Assessments, Functional Capacity Assessments, Job Search Training, Job and Educational Placement.
For further queries regarding the National Pilot Program, please don’t hesitate to call WorkFocus Mirrabooka on (08) 9349 8599 or the head office on (08) 9388 7788.