Useful information for referrers

A person’s desire to be employed is the only criterion for access to employment support. Personal experiences like work history, current mental health symptoms, addiction, and convictions do not affect access, but are used to tailor the intensity of employment support.

The employment support is person-centred, focusing on what a person would like to do and their skills and experience.

There are no lengthy preparations for looking for work. Job search starts within four weeks of being referred to an employment specialist.

This means jobs in the open labour market paying minimum wage or above, and not jobs reserved for people with mental health and addiction issues.

People are assisted to understand the financial implications of taking up work. Employment support services have excellent working relationships with local Work and Income staff.

Employment specialists are actively out and about in the local community helping to identify and create job openings and opportunities. They do not rely only on job advertisements and vacancies.

The person and the employer get ongoing support once employment commences, as needed.

Support is coordinated and driven by the person. Treatment plans consider employment aspirations and employment status, and health care is work-focused, supporting wellbeing.