Job Search Service

The Job Search Service is a 13-week job search support programme that assists clients to develop their job search capability and improve their likelihood of finding and retaining paid work.

The programme is for Unemployment Benefit clients and any other benefit recipients who choose to take part. Clients applying for a non-work-tested benefit are encouraged to attend. The Job Search Service is not mandatory for all clients, but may be assigned as a pre-benefit obligation.

It involves seminars, planning and assessment sessions and monitors the client’s job search progress. Throughout the 13 weeks, Work and Income will talk regularly with clients to ensure they are getting the right level of support. Clients needing extra support will have a case manager assigned to work with them on a one-on-one basis.

Clients may be supported in their job search activity through phone contact with Work and Income staff, through seminar attendance or through additional assistance with:

• general job skills or work readiness training
• training in skills relevant to a specific occupation, or
• their attitude and motivation.

The programme includes assistance with local market information, job search activities and access to other services. Different modules provide clients with details of:

• local job opportunities, and how Work and Income can assist them to gain and retain employment
• the benefit application process if they have not already applied
• their obligations, and what is expected of them while they receive a benefit.

Job Search Service clients are reassessed after six weeks, and again after 12 weeks. After week 12, clients either continue in the Job Search Service (with a level of support appropriate to the needs identified in the reassessment), or transfer to one-on-one case management.

Clients who proceed with an application for the Unemployment Benefit participate in a planning and assessment process leading to a service plan agreement. This agreement sets out the actions that the clients will take to obtain work or become work ready. Clients are required to undertake these activities based on their individual circumstances.

The Job Search Service was rolled out during the year ended June 2006