Back 2 Work: Parents and Carers Program

Program/ project Title: Back to Work: Parents and Carers Program

Program/ project overview: MultiLink’s Back to Work: Parents and Carers project embraces a strong client and solution focused individual case management framework for parents and carers including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The project will be co- located between MultiLink and the Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE - Loganlea Campus.

Primary Focus: To support participants in developing, and implementing an individual Employment Action Plan (EAP). Participants will receive individual and group support as they transition through the three major project phases:

• Job Club - Conducted at MultiLink over 5 weeks between 9am and 2pm during school terms. Focusing upon various topics including, but not limited to: resume building, work search skills, addressing selection criteria, interview techniques, appropriate dressing for interviews/ employment, personal hygiene, workplace communication rapport building and relationships skills, employee rights and responsibilities and time management.
• Accredited Training- Participants will be enrolled into a accredited training course to be held at the Loganlea TAFE Campus. Courses offered include:
  • Child care (Including first aid & blue card)
  • Aged care(Including first aid & blue card)
  • Retail and Business Administration (including MYOB) If these courses are not aligned with a participants EAP goals then referral options will be discussed. Referrals to other local services funded through the Back to Work: Parents and Carers initiative will be given highest priority.
• Post employment/ Placement Support - Post employment/ placement support will be provided to all participants which includes an onsite visit within the first two weeks of participants’ employment to ensure any difficulties/ barriers are addressed and resolved. Phone contact will continue for three months throughout the employment probation period as additional support if the participant requires.

Referral Criteria: Participants are able to be referred into this program if they are:

• A Parent or Carer (having at least 1 depended child).
• Have no formal qualifications or are wishing to update old qualifications.
• Are 18 years or older.

How to Refer: To make a referral to this program obtain the participant permission as this is a voluntary program. Once the permission has been granted please phone the Child, Youth & Family Service team

What happens after referral: Once a referral has taken place, the following actions will occur:

• The project coordinator will collect as many details as possible over the phone from the referrer.
• Arrangements will then be made for an assessment/ intake appointment with the potential participant (this usually takes 1 hour to complete). Participants will be assessed as to the appropriateness and their motivation to complete the program.
• During assessment / intake, the participant will be informed of the program requirements and benefits. If they feel they would like to engage with the program a commencement form will be signed and start dates will be provided.