What you need to know: Changes to mutual obligation and face-to-face servicing requirements
We’ve been excited to welcome jobseekers back into our COVID Safe offices after the Australian Government’s recent announcement around changes to mutual obligations.
These changes apply to job seekers in certain employment services programs, including:
- Jobactive
- Disability Employment Services
- ParentsNext
- Online Employment Services
Here’s what you need to know:
- In early March 2021, face-to-face servicing with providers will recommence subject to local health advice and state and territory COVID-19 requirements. This applies to job seekers and participants in jobactive, Disability Employment Services and ParentsNext.
- In early April 2021, the minimum number of monthly job searches for job seekers will rise to 15, increasing to 20 jobs per month in early July 2021. These changes apply to job seekers and participants in jobactive and Disability Employment Services.
From early March 2021, ParentsNext participants are required to:
- Attend an initial ParentsNext appointment (generally in person) and then every three months (attendance at these subsequent appointments can be in-person/phone/online)
- Negotiate and agree to a Participation Plan.
- Participate in and report on having done the activities they agreed to do.
- Report to Centrelink each fortnight about any income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions:
Do I have to attend my appointments with you face-to-face now?
Yes, we are so excited to be welcoming you back into our office. All offices have COVID-19 safe plans, so we will be social distancing.
Our website lists office addresses and Google Maps should help you locate us quickly.
Being in the office face -to-face means getting to know each other better and allows us to help you better.
When you are at the office, you will have access to our job seeker computers, making it easy to view available vacancies.
Am I supposed to apply for the same number of jobs?
For some job seekers, th e number of jobs you need to apply for is changing, but we will chat with you about your circumstances and let you know the number of jobs you will need to apply for each month.
Whatever the number, we are here to support you to achieve the target. We have available jobs from employers that we are ready to fill. We will run job search groups to assist you with applications.
We also have online facilities you can use during business hours to apply for jobs if that’s easier for you. If you would like help, we can assist you with all the processes in applying for jobs and support you to understand what job search evidence you will need to meet the requirements.
Will I have to do this new activity after 6 months?
Depending on your activities, when you reach 6 months, we may need to talk to you about your options. We can help to:
- Find the activity that suits your needs
- Arrange work experience with host organisations and employers if you are interested in gaining on-the-job experience.
- Work with you to arrange on-the-job skills you can add to your resume.
A short-term training course is available across our area, and if training is a good option for you, we can help you select a course and assist with funding. Training is a good activity that can support you on your journey to a job.
Will you help me apply for a job and prepare for an interview?
We are here to support you and prepare you for every step of the application process. We will help you understand what you need to do and when. We will help you find the right jobs for you to apply for and help you if you need any costs covered to attend an interview (clothing, transport etc.).
We welcome your questions. Please contact us via Private Message on social media, via email info@jobfind.com.au or contact your Employment Consultant.
