WorkFocus Launches New Era for Disability Employment Services

Federal Government Awards Contracts to WorkFocus for NDRC and JobAccess

WorkFocus Australia today launched a new era of streamlined national disability employment services to assist employers and employees.

The company has been selected by the Federal Government to operate two key support services as one specialist provider effective today.

WorkFocus is a leading, wholly-Australian owned employment services provider with a specialisation in disability employment.

WorkFocus won the tender to be the exclusive new National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC) from March 2010 until mid-2012.

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations has also renewed until mid-2012 the WorkFocus contract to provide the national JobAccess service.

NDRC and JobAccess services are provided at no cost to employers and people with disability and can now be accessed through a single information centre by phoning 1800 464 800 from 1 March.

WorkFocus today also announced the appointment of Lucy Macali as General Manager of its new contract for the NDRC. Ms Macali has worked in the disability sector for 20 years, most recently as CEO of ACE National Network Inc (representing Australia’s Disability Employment Services).

“The co-ordinated provision of NDRC and JobAccess services through WorkFocus will deliver new efficiencies and benefits to both employers and people with disability,” said WorkFocus CEO Rob Gordon “The ultimate goal is to get more people with disability into the workforce in a productive, long-term way and we are delighted that WorkFocus has been chosen to play such an important support role for the Federal Government, the economy and the community.”

“We’ve commenced our commitment with the hiring of Lucy Macali who brings extensive supply-side experience and a successful track record in working with employers at all levels. She is a highly motivated leader and sought after industry expert.”

With WorkFocus providing both the NDRC and JobAccess programs, employers for the first time will be able to access the efficiency and skills of a dedicated one-stop system of advice and assistance
including employment broker services and streamlined liaison with Disability Employment Service providers.

Recent studies have shown that 1 in 5 people in the Australian community are dealing with a lifelong illness, injury or disability.

“We see great potential in these combined services to enable job seekers and employers to more easily and efficiently navigate the maze of options and support programs available and find successful and lasting employment,” Mr Gordon said.

The task of the NDRC program is to align with the commercial hiring realities of larger employers across the country.

“Our existing experience working with some of Australia’s biggest employers through JobAccess will help us remove obstacles from the disability employment process. A core focus will be on getting it right for employers - at the end of the day if there aren’t jobs to put people in with good economic outcomes for all, it will fail”.

Further information: WorkFocus CEO Rob Gordon 0412 998 976

The WorkFocus Group: is a leading employment services organisation with over 20 years experience assisting individuals to gain and retain work, many with complex barriers to employment.

WorkFocus administers the JobAccess contract nationally on behalf of the Federal Government, and will be the exclusive provider of NDRC services from 1 March 2010.

JobAccess: is an information and advice service which provides help and workplace solutions for people with disability and mental health conditions, their co-workers, employers and employment
services providers.

JobAccess comprises four key components:
• JobAccess website at www.jobaccess.gov.au
• a disability employment advisory service
• management of the Employment Assistance Fund and
• disability employment promotional services.

From 1 March 2010, an enhanced JobAccess service will provide financial assistance to employers for deafness and disability awareness training and mental health first aid training.

NDRC: aims to create at least 1000 new job opportunities each financial year for people with disability who are participants of Disability Employment Services, and provide assistance to large
employers (those who employ more than 100 employees) to develop and implement disability employment strategies.

The NDRC service will make it easier for large employers to contact the right Disability Employment Services provider when they are seeking to recruit people with disability.

Robert Gordon (CEO)WorkFocus Australia