Job centre opens doors
New service comes as disability insurance scheme rolls out
The opening of a new employment agency in Cairns is coinciding with the rollout of the much-anticipated National Disability Insurance Scheme. Jobfind Centres Australia, part of the Angus Knight Group will operate from its McLeod St offices from July 2. The business was awarded five star status by the Department of Social Services for outstanding performance in helping jobseekers into work and to stay employed.
THE opening of a new employment agency in Cairns is coinciding with the rollout of the much-anticipated National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Jobfind Centres Australia, part of the Angus Knight Group, will operate from its McLeod St offices from July 2.
The business was awarded five star status by the Department of Social Services for outstanding performance in helping jobseekers into work and to stay employed.
From July 1 changes to the Disability Employment Services program mean jobseekers have more say in the services they get and how they get them.
Jobseekers can now choose a provider in a location that’s convenient and switch to a new provider.
Chief executive Michael Hobday said the appointment of Jobfind by the Australian Government to the panel of disability employment services in Cairns would allow for more people to access their services and begin paid employment.
“Our jobseekers come from all walks of life – school leavers to mature-age people returning to work after an illness – and they need a wide range of support to get the job they want,” he said.
“Our job-readiness programs take advantage of the latest in technology to get our job seekers ready for work quicker.
“This includes our purpose built app which helps applicants stay connected, undertake online training, keep their calendar up to date and find out about the latest jobs on offer.
“We are delighted to be able to bring our first-class service to the people of Cairns.”
Cairns-based employment consultant Florence Walker said she had already been receiving inquiries from jobseekers.
“I’ve been doing this job for eight years so I have plenty of local knowledge and local contacts,” she said. “I would like to see more clients we can work with and help into employment. They have so much to gain through becoming independent and establishing a better lifestyle and better quality of life. Work is very important.”
Mr Hobday said employers could receive up to $10,000 in wage subsidies to employ a person with a disability, along with workplace modifications and post-employment support for the employee. Jobfind will open its office at 2 McLeod Street, Cairns. It will operate outreach offices at Atherton, Cardwell, Innisfail and Mareeba.