Learn more about Workforce Australia and the Points Based Activation System

Workforce Australia is the employment service delivered by the Department of Employment and Workplace relations.

Workforce Australia includes a new online service and a network of providers to deliver personalised support. It helps Australians find and keep a job, change jobs or create their own job.

Find out more here.

If you’re ready to start looking for work, and are with Centrelink, you may be placed into a new online Digital Service or you may be referred to an Employment Services Provider.

The online platform will allow you to:

• Complete your own job searches and reporting requirements
• Sign up for online programs to upskill
• Access tools to help with online learning and job searching
• Apply for help and support such as police checks and work-related tickets

If you find you need extra support beyond the online service, you can request to be transferred to an employment service provider such as atWork Australia.

A Points Based Activation System has also replaced the previous mutual obligations system.

The Points Based Activation System is a flexible way you can meet your obligations, recognising that other tasks and activities also help you find that job. Options can include skills development, participating in an activity, applying for jobs and more.

Points can be gained by completing a range of tasks and activities that each have a points value. You will need to get a certain number of points per reporting period (a month).

It’s tailored to you, and when you first meet with your Job Coach, you will find out what your points target will be based on your personal circumstances. The maximum number of points is 100 per month however you may have a lower target based on your circumstances.

This way you can meet your obligations by not only applying for roles but by building on yourself to support you to be job ready. That’s where we can help! We have a range of supports tailored to you, all designed to help you meet your points targets and reach your work and life goals.

PBAS offers flexibility. However here are some examples which will hopefully give some assistance with how you can choose to meet your mutual obligation requirements.

It is important to note that these examples are based on a points target of 100 points per month.

Example 1 – Employment

If you are employment ready, you may complete 5 job searches (1 x Job Search = 5 points), attend 1 interview (25 points) and successfully commence employment  (50 points)– these activities combined would provide 100 points.

Example 2 – Health & Wellness

If you are focused on improving your health and wellbeing, you may choose to engage with the atWork Wellness team fortnightly (30 points), and undertake a Positivum Health Coaching session (15 points). Along with 6 job searches (30) and attending a job interview (25). These activities combined would provide 100 points.

Example 3 – Work Preparation

If you are focused on getting work ready, you may choose to undertake two sessions of our JobsNow work preparation course (30 Points), complete an Industry ticket like your White/Blue Card (20 points), and complete 5 job applications (25) and attend a job interview (25).  These activities combined would provide 100 points.

Example 4 –

If you are focused on studying a Certificate III Full Time to upskill yourself, you can achieve 20 PBAS per week your study.  Combining this option with a minimum Job Search Requirement of 4 Jobs per month, these activities combined would provide you with 100 Points.

With atWork Australia we have a range of activities and services to support you to reach your employment goals.

• Health and Wellness services to help you focus on your wellbeing. With support to build your confidence, and help with concerns such as anxiety, depression, alcohol and substance abuse, grief and trauma. We also support with wellbeing and mindfulness and employability soft skill coaching. Our qualified team of Health and Wellness Professionals will empower you to prioritise your overall health and wellbeing.
• Jobs Now is our preparation program to help you develop skills, experience and knowledge so you can move more quickly towards employment. You will meet with your peers to gain support and share tips while learning how to market yourself and practice interview skills.
• Positivum. Developed in partnership with Monash University, Positivum is our online health and well-being training program to help address beliefs and perceptions relating to health and work. It’s a self-guided coaching program to help prepare you for work.
• First Steps to Success to bring the services you need to you. Attending one of our community hubs can help you gain points while introducing you to the services you may need to support you on your journey to employment. This includes meeting with potential employers or the transport department to help you with your license.

These are just a few examples of the flexible ways you can earn points in addition to apply and searching for work. We will help you understand the Points Based Activation System and how it will support you to get where you want to be.

At the end of your reporting period, if you meet your points target, you can bank any additional points received for the next reporting period (up to half of your target). This gives you added flexibility and a reward for undertaking more tasks to get yourself employment ready.

Your Job Coach can speak to you about your individual circumstances. You can also find more information on compliance, and demerits and what to do if your circumstances change on the Workforce Australia website.

If you have been allocated to atWork Australia, we look forward to meeting with you at your first appointment. Here we can answer any further questions you have and guide you through every step of the process. Our goal is to connect you with the right employer, so you can thrive. Via our range of support services, tailored to you and your goals and skills, we are here for you every step of the way.

We take the time to get to know you and uncover your strengths and talents so we can connect you with the best employment, training and other options to assist with reaching your employment goals.

Our services

• In-Work Support Team
• Dedicated Job Coach
• Employer Engagement Support
• Financial help with work-related expenses
• Regular Employment Hubs
• Wellness Program with access to Allied Health
• Pre-employment Training programs

Our services include a broad range of options to best support your current needs. We can also provide practical support and identify opportunities to upskill or enhance your self-belief.

We also provide financial assistance inclusive of:

• Police history checks/Working with children
• White or blue cards
• Support wtih fuel vouchers, work uniforms and other PPE equipment you may need