The Lifeline for Participant’s Returning to Work
“This article was written by our Founder, Dr Kylie Henderson.”
With retention numbers in employment decreasing and social issues increasing, what should employment providers do about post placement support? What does the evidence say?
The transition from long-term unemployment back into the workforce is a formidable journey, and one that is fraught with challenges, particularly for participant’s with disabilities and mental health conditions. These individuals require a level of assistance that goes beyond the traditional job search support. That’s where wrap-around support services such as Back2Work become crucial. These services are comprehensive, addressing not just employment needs but also the myriad of other factors that can affect a participant’s ability to secure and maintain a job.
Understanding the Needs of Participants
Participants are sometimes dealing with a range of issues such as physical or mental health problems, disability, homelessness, addiction, or a history of incarceration. Each of these factors can present significant barriers to employment, and when combined, they can make the prospect of finding and keeping a job seem insurmountable. Wrap-around support services look at the full picture of a person’s life, taking into account all the factors that might impact their employment journey. Back2Work has developed a comprehensive 10-Step-Intake to assess the needs of participants.
The Role of Wrap-Around Support Services
Wrap-around support services can include a variety of interventions, all designed to facilitate a successful return to work. These services might provide access to mental health support, addiction counselling, housing assistance, skills training, and financial planning, among others. By addressing these areas often simultaneously, wrap-around support services help to remove the barriers that prevent participant’s from entering the workforce.
For instance, someone battling addiction may find it impossible to focus on job searching or maintain employment without first receiving appropriate treatment. Similarly, a person without stable housing may struggle to present themselves as a reliable candidate for employment and may not have considered relocating for employment. Wrap-around support services aim to stabilise these aspects of participant’s lives, providing a solid foundation upon which they can build their motivation for work.
The Importance of Personalised Support
One of the key elements of wrap-around support services is their personalised nature. Each participant’s situation is unique, and as such, their Back2Work Action Plan must be tailored to meet their specific needs. This might involve a combination of one-to-one mentoring, group workshops, and access to specialised services. The goal is to provide a bespoke package of support that equips each participant with the tools and resources they need to overcome their personal barriers to employment.
Back2Work’s Results
Among the participant’s served by Back2Work in 2024, a significant portion had been out of work for a very long time. Specifically, 45% had been unemployed for less than 24 months, 34% for between 24 – 59 months, and 21% for more than 60 months at the time they were referred for help. Despite this, Back2Work in partnership with Workforce Australia Providers achieved an outcome rate of 41% for clients. This statistic reflects the challenges and successes in transitioning long-term unemployed participants back into the workforce, especially when comprehensive wrap-around partnership services are provided.
The Impact on Employment Outcomes
The evidence supporting the effectiveness of wrap-around support services is compelling. Studies have shown that participants receiving comprehensive support are more likely to find employment and stay employed compared to those who receive traditional job search assistance alone. This is because wrap-around support services help participant’s to become job-ready, not just in terms of their skills and experience, but also in their personal lives.
Employers also benefit from the provision of wrap-around support services. They are more likely to gain employees who are prepared, motivated, and capable of contributing positively to the workplace. Furthermore, the ongoing support often means that employees are less likely to face issues that could lead to absenteeism or job loss, which in turn reduces turnover and the associated costs for businesses. Subsequently increasing retention rates for Workforce Australia Providers.
The Economic and Social Benefits
The advantages of wrap-around support services extend beyond the participant and the employer, providing wider economic and social benefits. As more participant’s gain employment, there is a reduction in the reliance on social welfare systems, and an increase in economic productivity. Additionally, employment can have a transformative effect on participant’s lives, leading to improved health, increased self-esteem, and more positive social inclusion.
In conclusion, wrap-around support services such as Back2Work are not just important but are essential for complex participant’s returning to employment after long periods of unemployment. These services provide the comprehensive support that is necessary to address the multifaceted challenges faced by these participants.
By investing in wrap-around support services, we are investing in people’s futures, fostering sustainable employment, and contributing to a more inclusive and productive society. It is a win-win approach that merits recognition and reinforcement across employment support strategies.
Back2Work Australia & UK is Australia’s leading provider of accredited allied health services for Workforce Australia, TTW, Parents Next, Apprenticeship & Inclusive Employment organisations. We provide the wrap around supports for participants to realise their full potential.
For more information about our on-site individual and group programs, please contact Back2Work here or make a referral here.