2015 Year in Review.
Providing employment, health and training services across Australia and New Zealand. maxsolutions.com.au
Contents Deborah’s Message
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About MAX
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Employment First
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jobactive 6 Job Seeker now Employer
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Second Bite is the Sweetest
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Disability Employment Services (DES)
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Master of his Trade
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Our Partners
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Partnering for Success
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Indigenous Programs
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Pick of the Pack!
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Quality & Compliance
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Program Developments
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Assessments Australia
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MAX Gives Back
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Counselling Services for Western Downs Farmers
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MAX Indigenous Art Competition & Exhibition
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Our People
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2015 Snapshot
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Leadership Team
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MAX Solutions acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea, and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures, and to the elders, both past and present. Cover image: Former job seeker Anastasia Gilmartin.
Deborah’s Message
It is with pleasure that I present MAX Solutions 2015 Year in Review.
2015 was a big year with a big story to tell. Over the 12 months we delivered employment, health and training services for government through 20 different programs across 250 sites to more than 140,000 job seekers. And that’s just the start of the story. In March, the Department of Employment announced the results of the 2015-2020 Employment Services tender and awarded us jobactive in 29 of the 51 new employment regions across Australia. This was a truly outstanding result and increased our business nationally by three per cent, taking our total market share to 15 per cent. So on 1 July we opened our doors to a new and exciting era for employment services in Australia. We expanded our service offering by partnering with specialist providers BoysTown, Sureway and Rainbow Gateway - organisations that share our vision and values. Our new partnerships have opened opportunities for us to learn from each other. These new voices help us look at challenges differently, so we continuously improve and develop new and effective ways of working with our job seekers and employers. This year we welcomed 6,000 new job seekers to our Disability Employment Service. We targeted our attention to work extensively with employers, creating new employment opportunities so they could experience firsthand the value that comes with employing people with disability.
Deborah Homewood, Managing Director
The following pages breathe life into my comments – I hope you enjoy reading about our people and services, our new look sites and employer business centres, our innovations and our ongoing commitment to be the very best we can be. We are in the business of finding jobs and changing lives – put simply, there is nothing more important than giving every person, every chance. Deborah
I am proud to lead so many talented people, many of whom work with people with high and complex needs and support them to achieve their goals and aspirations.
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About MAX Our Values
At MAX, we work with people from all walks of life and all circumstances, and know the importance of living our values - we call this the MAX Way.
At MAX, we know that a job can change a life.
»» We’re Active »» We’re Driven »» We’re Empowering »» We’re Connected »» We’re Responsible
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Government Contracts
In 2015, MAX delivered programs under various contracts for government to job seekers and employers in Australia and New Zealand. Australian Government contracts included: »» jobactive – from 1 July 2015, supporting job seekers and employers. »» Job Services Australia (JSA) – to 30 June 2015 – placing job seekers into employment. »» Disability Employment Services (DES), including: • Employment Support Service (ESS) – for people with permanent disability who need regular, ongoing support • Disability Management Service (DMS) – for people with disability, injury or health condition who need short term or occasional support to find and keep employment. »» The Community Development Programme (CDP) – from 1 July 2015 – providing job seekers living in remote locations with greater access to employment opportunities.
»» The Remote Jobs and Communities Programme (RJCP) – to 30 June 2015 - providing job seekers living in remote locations with greater access to employment opportunities. »» The Work for the Dole Pilot Programme – to 30 June 2015 delivering work-like activities in partnership with eligible employers in 18 pilot sites. »» Work for the Dole Coordinator Programme – from 1 July 2015 working with host employers in 14 employment regions to deliver WfD activities for job seekers. »» Indigenous Youth Careers Programme (IYCP) – services in Cairns, Townsville and Tasmania delivering school-based traineeships for Indigenous students to support their transition to work. »» Indigenous Mentoring Programme – to 30 June 2015 - providing 26 weeks’ mentoring support to Indigenous Australians who secured employment through JSA. »» Vocational Training and Employment Centres (VTEC) – offering Indigenous job seekers with a wraparound service, training and guaranteed employment. »» The Remote School Attendance Strategy (RSAS) - to 31 December 2015 – engaging local people as school attendance officers to work with schools, families, parents and community organisations to develop local strategies to increase student attendance. »» Vocational Rehabilitation Services – providing rehabilitation services to people with an injury to return to work. Services include injury management and return to work programs. Services are provided under various injury management schemes to all industries.
»» Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaM) – services in Cunnamulla and Ipswich – providing support to people with complex mental health issues including support to find and sustain employment. »» Partners in Recovery (PIR) - from 1 July 2015 – services in Southern NSW Region providing support to people with severe and persistent mental health issues and complex needs. »» Industry Skills Fund Advisory Services - from 1 July 2015 – services in NSW, ACT and WA providing impartial, tailored advice and training recommendations for businesses with identified growth opportunities. Advisers help businesses identify the right training solutions to meet their business needs. Queensland Government contracts included: »» The Housing and Employment Program (HEP) pilot project – providing affordable housing and financial independence for eligible people living in Ipswich, Capalaba and Bundaberg, Queensland. State Government contracts included: »» Registered Training Organisation (RTO) - delivering registered training through a number of individual contracts with Australian state and territory governments. New Zealand Government contracts included: »» The Sole Parent Employment Placement Service – helping sole parents whose youngest child is eight years or older, enter or return to employment. »» The Long Serving Prisoners Placement Service – offering prisoners at the Christchurch Women’s Prison with pre-release services to prepare to return to work and help them participate in their community upon release.
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Employment First During 2015, we supported over 40,000 job seekers into employment by focusing on their strengths, managing their challenges and maximising their potential with the right employer and the best job fit. Employment First integrates our employment, health and training services with specialist provider partners, local industry, business and community, tailoring support that serves both job seekers and employers. In MAX Employment sites, job seekers have access to self-help job search facilities and professional individual placement support. Through MAX Connect job seekers are linked to jobs that best suit their skills and abilities and personal circumstances. For eligible job seekers our standard services include three My Job Search Group sessions per week – these sessions develop core competencies and encourage peer support and independence.
In 2015, we supported 46,100 people into employment. Employer Business Centres serve as a single point of contact for local employers. Individualised support for large, medium and small business gives employers access to business mentors and advice on managing diversity and general good practice in the workplace. MAX specialist account managers work with local industry and business leaders to identify emerging employment opportunities and regional workforce skills in demand. Regional employment action plans are developed in consultation with stakeholders to meet and address these requirements.
Networks »»
MAX
»» »»
Networks
Partners • BoysTown • Sureway • Rainbow Gateway Local Community Industry Bodies and Businesses
Job Seekers Job Seekers
Employers
»» »» »» »» »» »»
Multi-channel Engagement Job Match My Job Fit Questionnaire On Site Engagement and Support Activities Assistance into Work In Work Support and Mentoring
Employers »» »» »» »» »» »»
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Employer Business Centres Account Management & Support In Work Support Mentors Targeted Services for Small Business Tailored Training Collaboration and Coordination
Health
In collaboration with the job seeker, Health Services Officers (HSOs) worked with MAX placement consultants, employers and workplace mentors to deliver the Employment First model. Using the online My Job Fit questionnaire and new clinical services, the model helped job seekers identify their strengths and abilities and matched them to available jobs. More than 150 HSOs delivered pre and post-employment clinical services, including professional workplace services, covering pre-employment screening, workplace support plans, vocational planning, functional capacity assessments, case reviews and group modules.
Over 22,854 Mental Health sessions were conducted in 2015.
In 2015, MAX Solutions consulted with industry experts to develop a study into post-employment support for people with psychiatric disabilities. The University of Queensland’s Centre for Mental Health Research worked with 78 MAX Solutions consultants, business managers, performance managers, regional managers and executives to complete the study, which was published in the Journal of Rehabilitation Volume 81 in 2015.
In 2015, MAX Solutions delivered 1,101 accredited courses. In 2015, MAX Solutions referred 9,484 job seekers to training programs. Training
MAX Solutions has been a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) since 1998, and in 2015 we provided accredited vocational and corporate training to job seekers, MAX employees and corporate clients. In response to jobactive, we redesigned our training delivery methodology, transitioning from soft skills to accredited training. We produced training and assessment strategies to increase the number of qualifications, and added 37 new qualifications to our Scope of Registration. This brought the total number of courses to 51. Under the demand driven funding model, also referred to as contestable or entitlement-based funding, we provided job seekers, MAX Solutions employees and external students with access to low fee or fully funded certificate I to diploma level courses. We delivered government subsidies for accredited training through seven programs across six states.
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jobactive
On 1 July 2015, MAX Employment became the largest provider of general employment services for the Australian Government, rolling out the new employment services program, jobactive. After 18 months planning and preparation culminating in a seven week official tender process, we were awarded the five year jobactive contract in 29 of the 51 employment regions across Australia. The rollout in July increased our market share from 12 to 15 per cent, bringing our total caseload to over 120,000 job seekers serviced from over 250 MAX Employment sites.
From July 2015, our caseload increased to over 120,000 job seekers across 250 MAX Employment sites across Australia. Our Service Delivery Plan
As part of our agreement to deliver jobactive we have broken our Service Delivery Plan into three key components: »» A Guide for Job Seekers »» A Guide for Employers »» Our Networks, including our partner organisations, BoysTown, Sureway and Rainbow Gateway.
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MAX Employment sites
In 2015, we undertook the largest capital works project since beginning operations in 2002. Completing two of its three stages by December 2015, the project delivered 100 new, relocated and refurbished sites, including 28 new Employer Business Centres. The final stage of upgrades will commence in early 2016, with the 32 remaining sites completed in the new design by March 2016. Our new-look MAX sites focus on creating open office environments, where job seekers are encouraged to engage in a diverse range of group activities and utilise the site self-help facilities. Every MAX site is equipped with free Wi-Fi, and all job seekers have access to the state-of-the-art job match tool, MAX Connect, to find employment. The clean, open plan designs complement the Employment First model, creating versatile spaces where job seekers can mobilise their job search through group and individual activities. User-friendly spaces and state-of-theart self-help applications within sites promote independence and initiative, while offering peer support and MAX expert advice.
Employer Business Centres
New Employer Business Centres (EBC) are local hubs for employers. They provide direct access to MAX account managers to support workforce planning and help business build and sustain diverse and skilled workforces. Mobile teams work across communities to understand the existing and emerging industry and workforce skills to provide informed and specialised services to employers.
We’ve sourced staff for more than 30,000 employers nationwide over the past decade. Employer Business Centres are in 28 locations in every state and territory across Australia.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
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QUEENSLAND
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WESTERN AUSTRALIA
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SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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NEW SOUTH WALES
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
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1
VICTORIA
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TASMANIA
2
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Benefits for employers
Employers can enjoy a multifaceted approach to their business, with EBCs connecting employers to a wide network of candidates that have been presourced and screened by experienced account managers. Our dedicated team of specialists work with employers right through the hiring process, implementing tailored action plans to support sustainable employment. Post placement support is offered to all employers, with EBC teams providing ‘in-work’ support, diversity training for management and staff, and links to industry business mentors.
Voyages
The Australian Centre of Indigenous Tourism Excellence (ACITE) program was designed by Voyages and MAX Solutions in 2014 to improve retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers at Ayers Rock Resort. The program is a five day assessment that runs fortnightly, and enables applicants to experience life in remote Australia before placement. In 2015, a minimum of 15 trainees were hired in each program, and intake is set to increase to 18 candidates in 2016. Positions were filled across all facets of the business thanks to the partnership and training provided by Voyages. 2015: »» 83 job seekers employed through a collaborative effort between MAX and local, national and specialist employment service providers. »» Through a joint undertaking between MAX and other employment service providers, 62 job seekers were invited to undertake a 12 month traineeship to complete their Certificate III in Hospitality. »» 27 per cent more candidates placed in 2015. »» ACITE program running continuously for 20 months.
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I feel like MAX is an extension of our team. Craig, Compliance Manager at Masters Robina. DataCom
In 2015, DataCom commenced work with MAX Employment through an alliance with national recruitment organisation Manpower Group. A high volume of candidates were required to fill full-time positions in call centres for the Australian Taxation office. DataCom enlisted the help of MAX Employment EBCs throughout NSW to source and screen 200 MAX job seekers. By mid-2015, DataCom had hired over 50 MAX job seekers, with more candidates set to be sourced and screened for the company in 2016.
Broadspectrum
Asset management service provider Broadspectrum launched a statewide recruitment drive with MAX Employment in May 2015. On behalf of Broadspectrum, MAX ran fortnightly information sessions for job seekers in the NSW Hunter Valley and North and North Western Sydney. Within eight weeks, MAX had assisted with employment history and health checks for potential candidates, and by July 2015, Broadspectrum had hired over 50 MAX job seekers. The positions delivered cleaning services across public primary and secondary schools and government building such as police, ambulance and fire stations. In 2016, over 400 MAX candidates will be referred for positions, including over 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates.
I had only been with MAX for a month when they found me not only a job, but the perfect role.
Job Seeker now Employer Simonne Poole spent three years working as a Human Resources contractor, and when she attempted to make the move to full time employment, she found it tough to find positions.
Primary OSHCare Children’s Services Director Suzanne Blythin was thrilled with Simonne’s placement, and is now enjoying the benefits of the partnership with MAX Employment.
“Being unemployed was hard. There were only so many times I could refresh the Seek app and look at LinkedIn.
“We were introduced to MAX in early June and focused on hiring a Human Resource Manager. Simonne’s resume came through within 24 hours and she was absolutely right for the job,” Suzanne said.
“I understood the process, I’m degree qualified, I have good skills, but it was still tough,” Simonne said. Simonne went through 12 months of job searching and said it was hard to maintain the momentum. “I was allocated to MAX Employment in July 2015. I had only been with them for a month when they found me not only a job, but the perfect role.” Simonne was placed as HR Manager with the outside school hours care provider, Primary OSHCare, and now is giving back by helping MAX place job seekers into work. “As an employer I am now a client of MAX. We recently recruited 20 MAX job seekers across our network of 32 centres!” Simonne said.
“Working with MAX has been really good for us. Through MAX we can access a large number of prospective employees actively seeking work,” she said. Simonne’s life has now changed for the better, and she enjoys the stability of full time employment. She says her placement was the perfect fit in more ways than one. “I love HR, and at Primary OSHCare I am home. I am professionally and personally in my Nirvana. I love to work, and I’m in a company where everyone around me shares the same sentiment,” she said. Featured above, Simonne Poole speaking at the 2015 MAX Christmas Campaign launch.
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MAX Connect
Over the course of 2015, a number of software applications were created or enhanced to support our business development. The online job match tool MAX Connect was heavily enhanced with a range of new features. More than 80 resources were updated to include up to date job search tips and advice. The My Job Fit questionnaire was improved to capture a job seeker’s work history, qualifications, skills and personal circumstances in the one location. The job seeker’s details were filtered and matched to active job vacancies in their local area. From 1 July, large smart screens were installed in all MAX Employment sites. These screens act as an electronic job board to display local job vacancies from MAX Connect.
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We promise to give you the right information, advice and support to find a job and get you on the road to independence, security and success. max-connect.com.au
MAX Connect is an Australia-wide jobs board with more than 103,000 members registered.
Client Services Team (CST)
In 2015, the CST underwent a number of changes to support our Employment First model and the jobactive contract. This required the expansion of its workforce from 30 to 83 employees, of which 37 identified as regional experts supporting operational staff across our 29 jobactive regions. Attendance management is the primary function of the CST. Between August and December, 229,095 job seeker records were managed for non-attendance for initial interviews, re-engagement, contacts and My Job Search Group sessions. Operating out of Springwood, Brisbane, the CST provided job search support via email and telephone to MAX Work for the Dole and Stream A job seekers, taking between 13,000 and 15,000 inbound calls per month. Since August, the CST sent 12,249 Welcome to MAX emails linking job seekers to MAX Connect to complete their online profile and My Job Fit questionnaire prior to their initial appointment. This meant that job seekers were matched to jobs best suited to their ability, and from the start were focused on what they could, rather than what they couldn’t do to secure employment.
Above featured, staff from our Client Services Team based in Sringwood QLD.
From 1 July 2015, the CST contacted and commenced 120,000 job seekers nationally.
In 2015, the CST received more than 105,000 phone calls offering support to our job seekers.
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Throughout our 29 regions we commenced 14,350 job seekers into activities.
In the first four months of the Work for the Dole Programme we created in excess of 10,000 places for eligible job seekers. Work for the Dole
In 2015, we created a central Work for the Dole (WfD) support team located in Goodna, Brisbane. The 14 member team provided support to the Work for the Dole Coordinators (WfDC) and the Work for the Dole Field Officers (WfDFO). They developed and managed activities, creating strategies to minimise the risk to participants and host organisations taking part in activities. Since 1 July, the support team has: »» reviewed and entered 2,100 activities in the system »» reviewed and uploaded 2,100 Risk Assessment places »» executed 950 agreements »» acquitted 90 activities »» managed invoices to the value of $18 million. 12
Work for the Dole Field Officers From July 2015, we implemented WfDFO positions in 29 Employment Regions. The positions supported the business by sharing expertise in the management of WfD activities in their local communities. The 49 field officers worked closely with the WfDC, site staff within their region and most importantly the host organisations to deliver quality activities across a range of industries. The activities under WfD range from landscaping and horticulture, retail, light construction, IT and hospitality. In our 29 employment regions, the WfDFO team has: »» secured first or second place in 15 regions for program delivery »» managed 4,360 individual places »» managed 6,776 group-based places »» commenced 14,350 job seekers into activities.
I enjoy finishing work knowing I have a stable job.
Second Bite is the Sweetest Geoff Bichel started his journey with MAX by receiving counselling to help manage his mental health. Geoff participated in MAX Work for the Dole activities and is now celebrating his return to paid employment in a position at Diversipak as a warehouse coordinator. In early 2014, Geoff experienced depression and anxiety, and struggled to maintain employment. “Previously I cleaned vehicles so they could pass quarantine inspection, it was stressful and made dealing with depression a lot harder,” Geoff said. “Depression was the reason I became unemployed in the first place. I was unemployed for just over a year, MAX helped me through that by providing me with a psychologist and getting me into a Work for the Dole activity.” Footscray Business Manager Matthew Lambe said the activity prepared Geoff to return to work.
“We placed Geoff into a Work for the Dole activity with Second Bite Logistics, where he was able to work in a warehouse environment again. He really felt the activity helped with his anxiety and loved that he was working in a team,” Matthew said. “Geoff was feeling confident and ready to work, so we organised a warehouse coordinator position with Diversipak. He loves it; it’s great to see his big beaming smile now he’s back working.” Now the weight of anxiety has eased, Geoff is savouring the feeling of success. “I enjoy finishing work knowing I have a stable job,” Geoff said. “My experience with MAX was really good. MAX put me forward for job interviews and drove me out to them, and they helped me with uniforms, tools, and a psychologist if I need to talk to someone. They’ve always offered to help in any way they can.”
Featured above, Geoff Bichel at Diversipak.
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Disability Employment Services (DES) In 2015, we delivered Disability Employment Services in 47 Australian Government Employment Service Areas (ESA). Over the year, our DES caseload grew to over 20,000 people accessing services nationally. This growth was a direct result of the planned closure of the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service (CRS), and the Department of Social Services (DSS) tender where we were awarded services in six states, and in locations where we had not previously occupied. The success was built around our integrated service delivery model, Employment First, and our focus on strengths and capability to connect people to their best fit for employment. Following the DSS tender we welcomed over 5,000 new participants, and in August we welcomed a further 1,000 participants across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria with the results of the DES – ESS business re-allocation. As a provider gaining new business, we focused our attention to the seamless transition of participants, ensuring timely engagement and connection with our integrated services.
In 2015, our integrated team of allied health professionals and placement consultants helped match over 8,000 DES participants to employment opportunities.
MAXLink
In December 2015, we published the 15th edition of MAXLink, our Disability Employment Services newsletter for DES participants. MAXLink forms part of our agreement with government, and is one of the many ways we communicate with our participants. MAXLink is a quarterly publication.
Disability Guide
In 2015, MAX Employment published a 34 page online Disability Guide for Employers. The practical guide provides information on the types of disabilities, the traits linked to the disability, the potential impact the disability may have on a person’s life, and the support required for the employee in the workplace. To read or download a copy of the Disability Guide for Employers visit issuu.com/maxemployment
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I feel a lot better, I feel rejuvenated and accepted - to be working is a positive thing.
Master of his Trade Chris Cruickshanks had been selfemployed for over 20 years, but suddenly found himself unable to work. “When I started going to MAX Employment on the Gold Coast, they sent me to job interviews straight away,” said Chris. “One day MAX called and said something had come up at Masters - they were taking people on with disabilities, so we came over here and met Craig.” “My initial contact with MAX Employment was through their case manager Erin,” said Craig, the Compliance Manager at Masters Robina. “I feel like Erin’s an extension of our team. MAX Employment contacted us about employing people who were long-term unemployed, or had physical or mental disadvantage. From my experience, you can teach people soft and hard skills, but Chris had a fantastic attitude, and that attitude was one of positivity, can-do anything,” said Craig.
“We have one person that has the capacity to lift heavy weights and reach shelving that’s higher than five foot, and we have Chris who has the ability to work at a lower level,” said Craig. After Chris had been working at Masters for a few weeks, he approached Craig, “Craig, you don’t understand what a difference this job has made to my life. I get up in the morning, I smile, I don’t feel pressure, and I don’t feel stress. This has actually changed my life. I feel fantastic,” said Chris. Chris has these words for other employers thinking of employing someone with a disability - give them a chance. “I feel a lot better, I feel rejuvenated and accepted, to be working is a positive thing. I never thought six months ago I’d be working for a company like Masters, Robina,” said Chris.
Featured above, Chris Cruickshanks at Masters Robina. To view Chris’ journey to employment visit youtube.com/TheMAXEmployment
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Our Partners
In 2015, MAX partnered with youth employment specialist BoysTown, Indigenous employment specialist Rainbow Gateway, and regional employment specialist Sureway. These partnerships represent a combination of 87 years’ experience working with and assisting unemployed Australians into sustainable employment.
BoysTown
We co-locate with BoysTown in areas of high youth unemployment through 23 full-time and three outreach MAX sites in Queensland, NSW, SA and Tasmania. The co-location of MAX and BoysTown in targeted sites builds our collective capacity to effectively deliver integrated services to job seekers of all ages.
Sureway
Sureway provide jobactive services for MAX in eight full time, one part time and five outreach sites in NSW and Victoria. The services through Sureway specifically target the employment challenges for regional Australians in Gippsland, Illawarra South Coast and Wimmera Mallee employment regions.
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Rainbow Gateway
Our partnership with Rainbow Gateway supports culturally appropriate ways of delivering jobactive to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers in North West Queensland, with services operating out of Mt Isa.
Partnering for Success We live in an online society, and thanks to the collaboration between MAX Employment and BoysTown, job seekers have been able to embrace and upskill in the digital landscape. Virtual IT, a Work for the Dole activity, has seen dozens of young job seekers sign up in droves after BoysTown and MAX employees worked together to set up an activity targeted at unemployed youth. The activity, hosted by Beaconsfield Online Activity Centre, teaches job seekers website and QR code development. Participant Steven Jackson said the program was the kick-start he needed. Thanks to the activity, he is now enrolled in an IT degree in university. “It’s full on, but it’s great. I wouldn’t change it for anything,” Steven said. “I use computers every day, but I didn’t really think much of it. Since being in the program it’s definitely something I should continue with.”
MAX and BoysTown employees worked with David Parker from Beaconsfield Online Activity Centre to set up the activity. David says it is crucial to give young job seekers exposure in industries set to boom in the coming years. “Times have changed; people now want to be involved in IT, it’s important to give them that opportunity,” David said. More than 80 job seekers now have the opportunity to improve their skills in web development while giving a helping hand to community organisations. “The participants in this program are able to give back to their community by working on projects for the Deloraine online community directory and newspaper, Whitelion Tasmania, Franklin House, Deloraine House and Woolmers Estate,” David said. MAX Employment is co-located with BoysTown in 23 full-time and three outreach sites across Australia. Featured above (left to right) MAX Solutions MD Deborah Homewood, Beaconsfield Online Activity Centre Manager David Parker, job seeker Steven Jackson, BoysTown CEO Tracy Adams and Senator Eric Abetz.
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Indigenous Programs MAX provided employment, health and training services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in over 110 locations under contract for the Australian Government. We worked in close partnership with over 60 more communities and delivered employment related solutions, building social and economic capital to support the government’s closing the gap agenda. In 2015, we targeted our energy, building partnerships and creating productive relationships with organisations to expand regional and remote employment opportunities. Over the past 12 months we worked with Voyages Ayers Rock Resort/ILC, Accor Group, Aurizon, Transfield, Hutchinson Builders, Virgin Australia, Compass Group, QTIC, Toxfree, Spotless, ISS and ClubsNSW.
Indigenous Advancement Strategy
We delivered the Community Development Programme (CDP), formally the Remote Jobs and Communities Programme, as the sole provider in the Southwest Region of Queensland and Gascoyne Region of Western Australia, and in partnership with Rainbow Gateway in Cloncurry. In two Western Australian regions we delivered CDP through a joint venture with Midwest Aboriginal Employment and Economic Development Corporation (MEEDAC), trading as Goldfields Employment and Training Services (G.E.T.S.).
We worked in close partnership with over 60 communities around Australia. Vocational Training and Employment Centres (VTEC)
We delivered services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers through two Vocational Training and Employment Centres for Wheatbelt Goldfields WA, South West Queensland and Darling Downs West Maranoa regions. In 2015, we linked 120 job seekers to guaranteed jobs through community engagement, work readiness, vocational training and post placement support.
Remote Schools and Attendance Strategy (RSAS) We provided RSAS to the Wiluna Remote Community School in Western Australia from semester three in 2014.
Two local elders from the Yamaji and Martu/Wongi nations were engaged as the supervisor and engagement officers for the school. They worked with students to resolve out of school issues that may affect school attendance. They supported cultural activities such as camps with elders and Dreamtime activities after school and during school holiday periods.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Cloncurry Region 133,017 km2
QUEENSLAND Gascoyne Region 138,000 km2
Yaaliku Region 301,969 km2
Kambalda/Norseman Region 345,252 km2
South West Region 251,081 km2
SOUTH AUSTRALIA NEW SOUTH WALES
VICTORIA
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
TASMANIA MAX Employment CDP Regions December 2015.
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I’m happy here in reliable full time work.
Pick of the Pack! Anastasia is packing a punch at Modern Teaching Aids, working full time as a pick and packer, thanks to the help of MAX Employment referring her to Beyond Billabong’s Industry Program.
“Anastasia gained a lot of confidence by completing the four week life skills and pre-employment training course,” Mr Mills said. “I’m so proud of her journey over the past 12 months.”
The Beyond Billabong Industry Program is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers. Anastasia said the program allowed her to overcome the barriers she was facing to employment.
And the good news kept coming.
“I had been unemployed for two years. I found it hard to gain employment due to family issues and not having a car,” she said. “I would go into MAX to use the computers, and they would help me with my resume and top up my GoCard. If I needed to get somewhere for an interview they would take me.” Once Anastasia completed the program she walked straight into full time employment, and her Indigenous Programs Coordinator (IEP) Eddie Mills couldn’t be happier.
Job Placement Coordinator Rebecca Kiss said, “On an employer visit, General Manager Mark Warner asked me if we could find 10 more like her!” Anastasia’s long-term goal is to work in administration or hospitality. But for the moment, she is loving her new position and the support she receives from MAX. “I’m happy here in reliable full time work. My communication skills and confidence have improved a lot thanks to the program, and I’ve learned how to handle interviews,” she said. “If I didn’t have MAX Employment I wouldn’t be here. The Post Placement Support has been great - they call me and check in to see how I’m going.”
Featured above, Anastasia at her workplace Modern Teaching Aids.
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Quality & Compliance Since 2003, MAX Solutions has been accredited externally under the Quality Assurance accreditation with ISO 9001: 2008. Since 2007 we have held National Standards for Disability Services accreditation. More recently the Department of Employment created the Quality Assurance Framework for provider accreditation and MAX Solutions achieved accreditation during the pilot stage.
In 2015, we had 30 staff based nationally in quality and centralised claiming roles. Over the past 12 months we completed 250 internal compliance and quality assurance audits, including planned and unplanned site visits and follow up meetings.
We managed a 24/7 probity and ethics hotline and email service that provided employees with prompt responses to enquiries, and a process for raising compliance issues with management. A probity officer with a direct reporting line to MAXIMUS in the United States provides monthly reports on Australian and New Zealand operations.
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Over the past 12 months we completed 250 internal compliance and quality assurance audits.
Program Developments Partners in Recovery (PIR)
In July 2015, MAX began delivering PIR in the Southern NSW Region for the Australian Government Department of Health. This service was delivered in association with the Grand Pacific Health Network and consortium members from the community services sector. MAX works closely with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, and an Indigenous MAX employee provides outreach services from the Katungal Aboriginal Corporation and the Medical Service in Narooma to the broader Batemans Bay Region.
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Industry Skills Fund (ISF) Advisory Services
In July 2015, the Department of Education and Training awarded us business under the Industry Skills Fund Advisory Services in NSW, ACT and WA. Eight Skills Advisers assist businesses to understand their growth opportunities and identify the skills needed to help increase competitiveness and achieve growth.
National Disability Insurance Services (NDIS)
In September 2015, MAX Solutions was approved by the National Disability Insurance Agency as a registered provider of National Disability Insurance Services including therapeutic supports and support to access and maintain employment in the ACT pilot region.
MAX Solutions Acquires Additional Complex Assessments Capability On 15 December 2015, MAX Solutions announced the acquisition of Assessments Australia. Currently based in Victoria and New South Wales, Assessments Australia provides tailored assessment and support planning services for the Australian Government to individuals seeking financial support for various types of care. These include: »» disability assessments for students »» aging and disability home care assessments »» child welfare and foster care assessments »» support planning for people with disability. Assessments Australia’s substantial experience and knowledge concerning complex assessments and support plan development will enhance our provision of health services to more clients and communities, and add to our scope of services across Australia.
Assessments Australia and MAX Solutions share a common culture and vision to offer effective services to help government, non-government, and community organisations support individuals with complex needs. Deborah Homewood.
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MAX Gives Back
Since 2012, MAX has donated a total of $400,000 to Australian charities through our annual Christmas jobs campaign. Each year the donations go toward supporting a wide variety of vulnerable communities, including vulnerable youth, Indigenous Australians, mental health, victims of domestic violence, the elderly and the homeless.
A job can change a life. We can’t think of a better way for people to end 2015 and enter 2016 than with a job. Deborah Homewood.
15,000 Stars for Christmas Campaign
In 2014, the Finders Keepers Christmas Campaign found employment for 10,000 job seekers. In 2015, we upped the ante and pledged to find employment for 15,000 job seekers – and we did just that! From 1 October to Christmas Eve, we worked with local business, industry, non-government organisations, charities and local government to assess their workplace needs and develop strategies to support their recruitment and workforce planning.
15,000 Stars launch at the Canterbury Leagues Club NSW. Featured above; (left to right); Nicole Thorsby, Courtney Johnston, Warren Mundine, Deborah Homewood, Scott Murray, Simonne Poole, Janine Coole, Steve Mortimer and John Perry.
In keeping with the spirit of giving, MAX donated $100,000 to four Australian charities as part of the campaign. Kids Helpline, the Luke Batty Foundation, Mates4Mates and the Adelaide Crows Children’s Foundation each received $25,000. Thanks to the efforts of MAX sites nationwide, families across the country were able to experience the true gift of a future filled with hope. Over 15,000 job seekers received the greatest gift possible for Christmas; a job.
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15,000 Stars launch at the Canterbury Leagues Club NSW. Featured above; Courtney Johnston Mates4Mates Marketing and Fundraising Manager.
Every woman deserves the opportunity to build herself a brighter future. Women in Prison Advocacy Network. Featured above; (left to right); WA State Deputy Manager Jason Pereira, WA Regional Manager NikiLee Burnett, Bunbury Senior Citizens Manager Bev Buck, WA State Manager Alex Zaikis
Connecting with Communities
We are passionate about supporting the organisations that support our job seekers – the organisations that are often not recognised for the work they do, and in many cases survive on minimal funding supplemented through the generosity of volunteers. So to celebrate the commencement of jobactive across Australia, MAX Employment sites across the country donated a total of $15,000 to their local community through 14 not-forprofit organisations. Organisations that support people through crisis, with accommodation, food and clothing, to organisations that work with young people on the streets. We were proud to support our unsung heroes and welcome them into our sites. These relationships help us support our job seekers with the challenges they may face every day.
ACT Chief Minister Awards
For 11 years, MAX has proudly been the principal partner of the ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion awards. In November 2015, MAX donated $20,000 in support of the event, which celebrates Canberra disability champions. MAX has donated a total of $200,000 in support of the outstanding work by individuals and organisations in the community.
Women in Prison Advocacy Network (WIPAN)
Since 2013, MAX Employment has been the major sponsor of the Women in Prison Advocacy Network (WIPAN) breakfast. Powered by its volunteers, WIPAN is a community organisation committed to advancing the prospects and wellbeing of women of all ages in the criminal justice system. As an organisation that is dedicated to giving every person every chance, MAX is passionate about giving women exiting the criminal justice system the opportunity to rebuild their lives through employment. Through our ongoing relationship, we have supported the development of the WIPAN Mentoring Program, which is a one-on-one service for women currently in or exiting correctional services. The mentors provide a variety of supports such as advice for child and family matters, safe housing, legal issues and access to work experience. Each day, in the communities where we work, we connect with women from all walks of life. Many have been in contact with the criminal justice system. Our job is to support each one of them back to independence through employment.
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Lifeline’s Rural Mobile Counsellor has travelled over 16,000 kilometres since June 2015, averaging 800 kilometres per week.
Counselling Services for Western Downs Farmers In June 2015, MAX Solutions contributed $75,000 for 12 months to the Lifeline Rural Mobile Counsellor Service to provide counselling to Western Downs farmers and families affected by the Queensland drought. “MAX Solutions is privileged to have the opportunity to build on the work Lifeline provides farmers in the Western Downs community,” said MAX Solutions Managing Director Deborah Homewood. The funding supported a qualified counsellor to provide free mobile counselling services to farmers in the Southwest Queensland towns of St George, Dirranbandi, Bollon, Surat and Thallon. Ruchir Sodhani, affectionately nicknamed ‘Roo’ by local farmers, has travelled over 16,000 kilometres since commencing the service, averaging a total of 800 kilometres each week.
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Over 12 months, the mobile service has helped 28 families access front line mental health support without the need to travel hundreds of kilometres. Ruchir operates out of St. George and works with families on their properties, helping them to overcome the stress of dealing with drought in a confidential and approachable way.
“With over 86 per cent of the state now drought declared, the Rural Mobile Counsellor Service will provide a vital service for farming families in the Western Downs region who are battling ongoing physical, mental and financial pressures associated with drought,” said Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott. Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. For crisis support or suicide prevention services call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Featured above, Rural Mobile Counsellor Ruchir Sodhani.
MAX Indigenous Art Competition & Exhibition In July 2015, we launched our second annual MAX Indigenous Art Competition to coincide with NAIDOC Week. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from around the country entered artworks, highlighting their talent and diversity. In addition to the open category, a youth category was added for artists under 25 years old. The major prize winner of the open category received $2,000 prize money, with the youth prize winner receiving $1,000 in prizes. Twelve finalists were selected from the competition and showcased in a one night only group exhibition on 19 November, at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Sydney. The winners were announced on the night providing an opportunity for them to tell the story behind their artworks.
Belynda ‘Bindi’ Waugh from Gladstone, Queensland was the winner of the major prize with her submission ‘Nama Gibam II – To Hold the Moon.’ To Hold the Moon was part of a series I worked on, it came from a train of thought I had about appreciating what you have. The painting represents the light and darkness, and says that sometimes you need to acknowledge the darkness to appreciate the light. - Belynda Waugh Jyi Lawton from Ipswich, Queensland, was the winner of the youth prize, with his submission ‘Didgeriwho?’ Didgeriwho? depicts how media can perceive Aboriginal Australia, and represents the way Australia recognises Aboriginal Australia through our ancient song dance and art. - Jyi Lawton As part of the event MAX Employment donated $2,000 to the La Perouse Land Council. The donation was presented by NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs the Hon. Leslie Williams MP.
Featured top left: Major Prize Winner Belynda Waugh and the Hon. Leslie Williams MP NSW Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. Featured top right: MAX Project Manager Holly Riding, Minister Leslie Williams, Youth Prize Winner Jyi Lawton, MAX Managing Director Deborah Homewood and MAX Indigenous Programs Manager Courtney Morgan. Featured bottom left: Youth Prize Winner Jyi Lawton with his artwork.
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Our People Learning and Organisational Development (L&OD)
In 2015, our workforce increased to over 2,000 people, reflecting the three per cent increase in market share gained through the jobactive tender. Comprehensive workforce planning activities and a clear recruitment strategy ensured we attracted and engaged talented people to live our values and support our vision and growth.
Since 1 July, a total of 892 new starters completed new employee onboarding activities.
MAX Leaders Conference 2015
On Sunday 17 May, 200 MAX leaders converged at the Fairmont Resort in the Blue Mountains. Over the four days the group workshopped a number of key strategies and listened to speakers delivering messages on leadership, promoting change, cultural competency, disability employment services, jobactive and the Employment First model.
MAX Foundation
At MAX we recognise the importance of giving back to communities. 1 June 2015, marked the launch of MAX Foundation, our newest charitable initiative. Our staff donated a nominated amount from their wage, with MAX matching every dollar donated to extend the support we currently provide around Australia.
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Our Domestic Violence Policy
As a national provider of human services, MAX has a zero tolerance approach to violence against women in both our workforce and in communities where we deliver services. In 2015, MAX extended its domestic violence policy for employees, which included extended leave, protection for staff and their families, safety at work (including security if necessary) and assistance to access safe housing. With a workforce comprising of 77 per cent female employees, MAX continues to take a leading role in tackling domestic violence issues. We work every day to not only support job seekers living in violent or vulnerable situations, but ensure that our own employees are safe and able to perform in their workplace without fear of domestic violence harming themselves or their families.
Diversity
At MAX, we promote diversity in the workplace, and know an organisation’s greatest asset is their people. We understand people of different ages, gender, ethnicity, physical ability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, work experience and educational background (to name a few) bring different talents, experience and perspectives to the workplace. We actively recruit local people in the communities where we deliver services. We search for likeminded, energetic people committed to serving their community by building on its social and economic capital.
Our 2,000 strong workforce consist of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, many reflecting the cultures and customs in the communities where they work. Many more have experience working in different industries and community organisations and understand the types of requirements employers search for when employing job seekers. We are a Disability Positive employer and provide ongoing support to MAX employees living with disability. Workplace adjustments and modifications are made available to employees with additional needs along with health and training services for staff and managers. Maintaining an inclusive and localised workforce allows us to tailor services to the needs of our job seekers and employers; in turn, it helps reduce the anxiety that can develop for our job seekers and participants with any change in circumstance or life transition.
Our Vision for Reconciliation
We strive to build and foster a culture of equity, dignity and respect in our workplaces and our communities. Our Reconciliation Action Plan focuses on three key themes for action; Relationships, Respect and Opportunities. Practical activities such as cultural competency workshops and access to mentors underpin the themes. These promote greater understanding, tolerance and appreciation for nonIndigenous employees of our Australian history, and the rich and enduring cultures of our first peoples. Our Indigenous Employment Strategy focuses on increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees across the MAX network. In liaison with MAX senior Indigenous leaders, we adopted inclusive recruitment and selection processes to attract more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers and created an Indigenous employee network to inform policy and drive new practices and innovation.
Featured above, Indigenous Programs Coordinator Eddie Mills, job seeker Coen and MAX Placement Consultant Leesa Poole.
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2015 Snapshot
In 2015, we created a better future for our clients, our people and our partners – our vision for 2016 is to build on our achievements and exceed our expectations. Feb 9
Feb 24
Mar 1
Mar 9
Mar 16
Mar 30
Town Hall meetings commence outlining the Employment Services Contract 2015-20
MAX donates a total of $100,000 to the 2014 Christmas campaign charities
MAX opens Geelong and Dandenong sites offering DES
The launch of MAXJobs.com.au
Trial EBCs commence operation in Parramatta and the Gold Coast
MAX VTEC begins delivery of the Employment Parity Initiative for 20,000 Indigenous Australians
Mar 31
Apr 8
May 1
Jun 1
Jun 15
Jun 19
Tender Announcement MAX jobactive provider for 29 of 51 employment regions
Tender Announcement MAX Work for the Dole Coordinator for 14 regions throughout Australia
The Launch of Work for the Dole Coordinator contract
The launch of MAX Foundation
MAX Solutions funds Lifeline Rural Mobile Counsellor Service (read more on pg 19)
MAX staff; Sam Brown, Mike Burris and Troy Fryar recognised at international MAX awards (USA)
Jul 1
Jul 1
Jul 1
Jul 1
Jul 5
MAX sites around Australia commence jobactive and WfD services
60 new sites open, including full time, part time, and EBCs. 46 existing sites relocate premises
The launch of MAX Connect 2.0
Rainbow Gateway, Sureway and BoysTown commence delivering employment services on behalf MAX
MAX Celebrates NAIDOC Week and launch of the 2015 MAX Indigenous Art Competition
MAX Solutions commences Industry Skills Advice services
Aug 7
Sep 10
Sep 30
Oct 01
Oct 02
Oct 14
MAX Beenleigh is the first jobactive site officially opened by the Assistant Minister for Employment
MAX celebrates R U OK? Day
MAX donates $15,000 to local charities across Australia at new MAX Employment site openings
The launch of 15,000 Stars for Christmas Campaign
MAX celebrates Odd Socks Day and donates $3,000 to GROW
MAX donated $7,000 to the Women in Prison Advocacy Network (WIPAN) breakfast event
Nov 4
Nov 10
Nov 19
Nov 27
Dec 15
Dec 24
Jul 16
15,000 jobs! MAX approved as a registered provider of National Disability Insurance Services in the ACT pilot region
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MAX VTEC wins award for Indigenous Excellence at Long Term Unemployment Conference
Indigenous Art Competition Exhibition at NCIE in Redfern Sydney. MAX donates $2,000 to La Perouse Land Council
MAX donated $20,000 in support of the event of the ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion awards
MAX Solutions announces acquisition of Assessments Australia
MAX Employment finds 15,000 jobs for the 15,000 Stars for Christmas campaign
Our work directly helps our communities. Giving every person, every chance. MAX Solutions.
Leadership Team
Deborah Homewood
Richard Spurrell
Darren Hooper
Jason Shield
Managing Director
Executive General Manager, Operations
Executive General Manager, Strategy
Executive General Manager, Technology and Innovation
Cameron Taylor
Karen Massier
Fiona Lamb
Joanne Ryan
Executive General Manager, Finance
Executive General Manager, Policy
Director Operations Employment Services
Director Human Resources
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