More support for parents to re-enter the workforce once their youngest child becomes six years of age is on the way, with Pakenham’s Salvation Army site set to provide the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations’ new Parent Pathways program.
From the Friday 1 November, all parents and carers who are responsible for a child under six and are not currently working will be eligible to receive flexible, obligation-free support and assistance for personal, study or work goals through Employment Plus.
The service is for parents and carers who have a child aged under six years, are not in paid employment, live in a non-remote area and receive either the Parenting Payment, Carer Payment or Special Benefit.
Those who do not receive a Centrelink payment but are eligible include parents under 22 years old, are an early school leaver (parents who don’t have a year 12 qualification) and a First Nations parent or carer.
The Salvation Army Employment Plus national director Dr Graeme White said they are looking forward to supporting as many parents as possible under the new program.
“Part of that is connecting them to our service partners and all of the programs and broader assistance offered by The Salvation Army,” he said.
Dr White said Employment Plus understands that in some cases parents may need additional support to address non-work-related issues before they can then turn their focus to education, employment and future aspirations.
“In a number of locations, Employment Plus will be delivering Parent Pathways from the same building as other Salvation Army services, making it even easier for parents to access the full range of programs available,” he said.
“The Salvation Army offers both basic living assistance as well as an array of effective wrap-around programs to help parents with any underlying issues like homelessness, domestic violence, drug dependence or financial difficulties.
“Helping parents with these challenges makes looking for work and holding down a job much easier.”
Dr White said they understand the importance of maintaining caring duties while parents shift their focus to re-entering the workforce.
“We understand that there are skills to gain, confidence to build and preparation to be ready for the demands of a job,” he said.
“We’re motivated to help fulfil the personal aspirations of parents – who may or may not have been working prior to caring for children – and help them connect with the community that will value and benefit from their contribution, ideas and talents.”
Dr White said Employment Plus supports the completely voluntary nature of this program.
“Parent Pathways provides numerous opportunities to learn new skills and discover new career pathways without obligations, such as attending compulsory appointments or undertaking specified activities.
“This enables parents to engage with this program in a way that suits their lifestyle, commitments and caring responsibilities.
“The feedback we’ve received from participants with regard to our pre-employment support is that they appreciate the tailored approach we take when meeting the needs of each candidate that walks through our doors.”
For more information, phone 136 123 or visit www.employmentplus.com.au/job-seekers/job-seeker-programs/parent-pathways
