2016 Year in Review
Our work directly helps our communities. Giving every person, every chance. maxsolutions.com.au
Contents Deborah’s Message
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About MAX
2
Contracts 3 Employment First
5
Summary of the Year
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jobactive 9 Employer Highlights
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Take off with Aerocare
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MAX Connect
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Client Services Team (CST)
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Work for the Dole
14
A Spotless Start
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Disability Employment Services (DES)
16
Ambassador for Ability
17
Assessments Australia
18
Indigenous Programs
20
A McHappy Start for Michael
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MAX Indigenous Art Competition & Exhibition
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Art Sculpted by Community
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Program Developments
24
Women in Prison Advocacy Network (WIPAN)
26
MAX in the Community
27
A MAX Christmas
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Sue-Anne’s Story
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MAX Foundation
30
Quality & Compliance
30
Our People
31
Diversity 34 Our Vision for Reconciliation
35
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 Sue-Anne Gibson.
Deborah’s Message
It is my pleasure to present the 2016 MAX Year in Review.
In 2016, we celebrated our first full year of delivering the Australian Government’s jobactive program, we supported our largest number of Disability Employment Service participants, assisting 21,500 people, and we placed over 67,000 job seekers into employment. It’s been quite a year for MAX. It would be easy to focus on job seekers and our role in helping them find work, but our mission of finding jobs and changing lives could not be realised without our many partnering community organisations. When I look forward to 2017, I am excited to continue working with organisations like the Women In Prison Advocacy Network (WIPAN), who help women affected by the criminal justice system rebuild their lives, and Rotary Australia, whose many volunteers give up their time to mentor job seekers struggling with their transition into the workforce. It is because of partnerships like these and the tireless work of our teams working hand in hand with local communities that our most vulnerable people have the chance at a better life. In the following pages you will read about the many achievements of our MAX family, but who we are is so much more than the targets we reach. Our back page features some incredible stories of staff going above and beyond their call of duty, whether it be paying for things out of their own pocket, to kicking off their own shoes so a job seeker has shoes on their feet to attend their interview. This year was a success not because we hit targets, but because thousands of MAX staff came to work and gave generously to those that had less than them.
Deborah Homewood, Managing Director.
I want to leave you with one of these stories. Tamara* was a job seeker who escaped a violent relationship and could not return home. She turned to her MAX consultant for help and within a matter of hours the MAX team had found her safe emergency accommodation, gone with her to buy food and given her a phone. The MAX team also went with police to pick up her much loved cat from her home and liaised with the RSPCA to provide boarding until Tamara could find accommodation for both of them. MAX staff paid for the vaccination of Tamara’s cat out of their own money and willingly gave up their personal time to ensure Tamara was safe and truly supported for the first time in years.
These are the everyday actions that can’t be measured and often go unnoticed or unrecognised because it is simply ‘what we do.’ At MAX, we achieve because we are able to overcome any challenges by working together. We are united by the work we do and the lives we change every day, from victims of domestic violence, to people with disability, Indigenous Australians, ex-offenders, refugees, and homeless people. We are the people who believe when everyone else has given up. We might be in all corners of the country, but we are connected by a set of values that can transcend anything dividing us. We are MAX.
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About MAX Our Values
Since 2002, we have delivered employment, health and training contracts for government to hundreds of thousands of Australians.
Over the past 12 months we have broadened our reach in our communities and searched locally for new and innovative ways of working with likeminded services. We sought to work with local charities and organisations to harness their expertise and provide holistic support for our clients. These partnerships acknowledge the many challenges faced by our clients on their way to achieving employment and participation in their community.
By 2016, with a workforce close to 2,000 people, we have a presence in every state and territory with over 250 fulltime, part-time and outreach sites. For over 14 years we have built our brand on honesty and reliability - both clearly define who we are.
Because we know that a job can change a person’s life.
From the teams who directly deliver services to our clients, to the teams that support them to do their job, we have one goal – to give every person every chance to reach theirs.
At MAX, we know that a job can change a life
NORTHERN TERRITORY
3
QUEENSLAND
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
48 41
NATIONAL SUPPORT CENTRE (NSC)
13 5 13
NATIONAL OPERATIONS CENTRE (NOC)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
6
NEW SOUTH WALES
ASSESSMENTS AUSTRALIA
42 2 15
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
4
VICTORIA TOTAL
2
Full Time Sites
152
Outreach Sites
106
Part Time Sites
11
29 2 19
TASMANIA
7
2 15
3
Contracts
Government Contracts
In 2016, MAX delivered programs under various contracts for government to job seekers and employers in Australia. Australian Government contracts: »» jobactive – supporting job seekers and employers with sustainable employment. »» Disability Employment Services (DES), including: • Employment Support Service (ESS) – for people with permanent disability who need ongoing support. • Disability Management Service (DMS) – for people with disability, injury or health conditions who need short-term support to find and keep employment. »» National Panel of Assessors – provides a range of assessment services to assist with the needs of people with disability in the workplace. »» The Community Development Programme (CDP) – providing job seekers living in remote locations with greater access to employment opportunities. »» Jobs, Land and Economy Programme (JLEP) in QLD - connects Indigenous mentors with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to complete school-based traineeships.
»» Vocational Training and Employment Centres (VTEC) – offering Indigenous job seekers a wraparound employment service, with training and guaranteed employment. »» Vocational Rehabilitation Services – providing rehabilitation services to people with an injury to return to work. Services include injury management and specialised return to work programs. »» Partners in Recovery (PIR) – services in the Southern NSW region providing support to people with severe and persistent mental health issues and complex needs. »» Industry Skills Fund Advisory Services (ISF) – services in NSW and WA providing tailored advice and training recommendations for businesses with identified growth opportunities. »» ParentsNext – services in the Wyong region of NSW assisting parents with children aged six months to six years with education and employment goals prior to their children attending school. »» School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) – provides school-leavers with disability a pathway into meaningful employment in TAS and the ACT.
»» Work for the Dole (WfD) Programme – delivering work-like activities to job seekers in partnership with eligible organisations. »» Work for the Dole Coordinator Programme – working with host organisations in 14 employment regions nationally to deliver activities for job seekers.
Featured above: Stones Corner staff member Elizabeth Blinco with local job seeker Wayne.
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State Government contracts: »» The Housing and Employment Programme (HEP) – providing affordable housing and financial independence for eligible people living in Ipswich, Capalaba and Bundaberg, QLD. »» Registered Training Organisation (RTO) – delivering registered training through a number of individual contracts with Australian state and territory governments. »» Borallon Training and Correctional Centre (BTCC) Programme – provides onsite mental health, cultural and employment support services to job seekers and employers based at BTCC. »» Inside Job – Prisoners of Risdon Prison Complex prepare for and access work and employment networks as part of our existing pre-release program in Hobart, TAS.
Assessments Australia contracts: As a MAX Solutions company, Assessments Australia deliver the following services: »» National Panel of Assessors – provides a range of assessment services to assist with the needs of people with disability in the workplace. »» National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Data Collection Services Contract – services collecting data and information from participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to shape and improve future NDIS services. »» Program for Students with Disability (PSD) – in-school assessment services of students with disability to inform funding decisions. Undertaken by psychologists and speech pathologists in VIC. »» Disability Support Planning (DSP) – services for people in NSW with disability who are on government supports. Planning assistance and tailored services are provided to clients in preparation for NDIS arrangements. »» Disability High-Level Need Assessments – services that assess the level of support required for people with disability requesting government support in NSW. »» Child Welfare Assessments – psychologists and social workers assess and interview prospective carers and foster families in NSW and QLD, making recommendations to government for care arrangement decisions.
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Employment First The Employment First Model represents our unique take on how we achieve performance across our jobactive, and Disability Employment Service (DES) contracts. It is how we support vulnerable members of our communities, many of whom have only ever known job fallout, failure and are resistant to assistance and guidance. The Employment First Model is how we rebuild trust, instil hope and promote a culture of participation amongst our job seekers. In 2016, we supported over 67,000 job seekers into employment and viewed every job seeker as job ready. We used our specialist knowledge in employment services to assist job seekers transition into employment, and supported employers with engaging participants to remain in work. Our model provides an informed job seeker assessment through our MAX Connect portal, resulting in a Person-Job Fit profile that addresses employability strengths and vulnerabilities, going beyond simple interest or experience profiles. By integrating our employment, health and training services, we ensure that job seekers are holistically supported with managing challenges and maximising potential long after they have transitioned into employment.
In 2016, Rainbow Gateway Mt Isa was awarded the YPA Excellence in Community Employment Award Partners
In 2016, we continued to work with our partners to deliver specialised employment services to vulnerable community groups throughout Australia. Youth employment specialist yourtown (formerly BoysTown) worked with MAX in 26 sites across Australia, focusing on areas with high youth unemployment. Sureway delivered services on our behalf in nine regional locations of NSW and Victoria, while Indigenous employment specialist Rainbow Gateway delivered culturally appropriate services in conjunction with MAX in Mt Isa, QLD.
Individualised support is provided to employers through our Employer Business Centres. Employers have access to business mentors to assist with managing diversity, developing skill sets and workforce planning.
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In 2016, 15,974 job seekers received health assessments to determine workplace needs and goals
We conducted over 6,500 counselling sessions in 2016
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Our Health Services
MAX Solutions health services are supported by 146 Health Service Officers (HSOs), made up of registered and provisional psychologists, occupational therapists, exercise physiologists, social workers and rehabilitation counsellors. Our team of allied health professionals provide job seekers with preemployment clinical services and assist job seekers with health services postplacement. Health services include pre-employment screenings, workplace support plans, vocational planning, functional capacity assessments, case reviews and group modules. Throughout 2016, the health team commenced a variety of other brand new initiatives. New programs included the provision of Wellness Management groups for Partners in Recovery (PIR), and assessment services for Voyages Employment Sustainability Assessments (VESA), assisting job seekers with reviewing their strengths, vulnerabilities and skills in preparation for employment with Voyages Resorts. More than 140 assessments were conducted in 2016 as a part of the VESA program. Our HSOs continued to provide support for a number of other contracts throughout the business, delivering services including organisational psychology, career counselling, occupational therapy, vocational rehabilitation, exercise physiology and occupational health and safety.
Our Training Services
MAX Solutions has been a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) since 2002. In early 2016, MAX Solutions completed the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) re-registration, meeting RTO national standards and renewing our status as an RTO until 2023. Continuing growth with a focus on student engagement and client satisfaction has seen the delivery and successful completion of 15,183 accredited subjects of study in 2016. This has increased from 2,194 in 2015. In 2016, we provided accredited vocational and corporate training to job seekers, MAX employees and corporate clients. Our focus is on providing the opportunity for all students to gain real work skills whilst training, working collaboratively with our health team to provide job-readiness support. We are continually adding new courses and updating existing training programs to align with the needs of industry.
Under the demand-driven funding model, we provided job seekers, MAX Solutions employees and external students with access to low fee or fully funded Certificate I to Diploma level courses. In 2017, we will grow traineeship opportunities for entry level workers and school-based trainees in business, retail, hospitality and community services.
Over 15,000 accredited subjects were completed by job seekers in 2016
7,439 job seekers engaged in vocational planning sessions
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Summary of the Year
115,000
67,000 job seekers supported into employment
jobactive job seekers supported
26% Live with disability
11% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
4%
Refugees
18%
From a culturally diverse background
We provided Disability Employment Services to over
21,500 participants
Over 6,500 counselling sessions provided
14,000 professional group employment sessions conducted
558 employers visited for professional workplace assessments
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22,000 Work for the Dole places generated around Australia
jobactive
July 2016 marked the first full year of delivering jobactive services. Over 12 months, we saw the largest ever expansion of MAX Employment’s technology, facilities and our community footprint. We connected our 115,000 job seekers to MAX Employment networks and services around the country, in metropolitan, regional and remote areas of Australia.
Our Services
Our state-of-the-art job match and information portal, MAX Connect, continued to support our job seekers into suitable and sustainable employment. Complementing this service was the introduction of the Workplace Success program. With many of our longerterm unemployed job seekers requiring additional support to transition into the workforce, the Workplace Success program was specifically designed to assist these job seekers with acquiring critical workplace skills, including: »» »» »» »»
Communication Team work Self-management Planning and organisation.
The program achieved outstanding results, with job seekers twice as likely to successfully find sustainable employment after attending the five program sessions. In 2016, our overarching employment service program delivery focused on: »» Job seeker participation and engagement in activities »» Rapid job placement with appropriate supports »» Instilling work culture and routine »» Personal responsibility »» Developing and maintaining employability skills.
MAX Employment Sites MAX Employment sites focused on creating a collaborative environment, with the national site refurbishments completed in early 2016. The new-look open offices promote group activity and engagement, with job seekers encouraged to use the free Wi-Fi and self-help facilities, and engage in the diverse range of group sessions on offer. The sites foster independence and initiative while offering peer support and expert advice from MAX Employment consultants.
National Employer Engagement
MAX has a dedicated National Employer Engagement Team providing a single point of contact to our employers. Operating in metropolitan, regional and remote areas of Australia, the National Employer Engagement Team work with employers to understand existing and emerging industry, develop preemployment training programs to extend workforce skills, and provide informed and specialised employment services to business. Our National Employer Engagement Team operates within our Employer Business Centres (EBC), working closely with site staff to support employers. Mobile employer account managers work across communities to assist employers with workforce planning, helping business build diverse and skilled workforces. Our EBCs are located throughout Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Hobart and Gippsland.
Workplace Success achieved outstanding results with job seekers twice as likely to successfully find employment
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Employer Highlights
Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia
Since 2013, MAX Employment supported Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia’s commitment of furthering Indigenous training and employment opportunities across Australia. Thanks to our work developing a coordinated and structured selection process with Voyages, retention of Indigenous employees at Voyages rose to an average of 16 months in 2016, up from 3.9 months in 2013.
146 assessments conducted improving staff retention
This year MAX has worked extensively with Voyages to develop the Voyages Employment Sustainability Assessment program (VESA), enabling for greater staff retention at the Voyages Ayers Rock Resort. Experienced MAX psychologists assessed job seeker strengths, vulnerabilities, skills and aptitudes in preparation for life and work in Alice Springs. Over the past 12 months, 146 VESAs were conducted, with recommendations provided to assist Voyages with staff retention.
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Burger Project
The latest addition to celebrity chef Neil Perry’s Rockpool Group was Burger Project, created from the idea of giving back to the community by providing healthy, gourmet burgers at affordable prices. In 2015, Burger Project enlisted the help of MAX Employment to design a pre-employment program for candidates and support the recruitment of staff for the newly-opened Sydney store. Since engaging MAX, Burger Project has opened five new restaurants across Sydney and Melbourne and employed a total of 45 MAX job seekers. With plans for five more store openings in 2017, it is anticipated that over 150 job seekers will be considered for employment with Burger Project.
Jayco
Australia’s most recognised brand for quality and affordable recreational vehicles, Jayco employs over 1,000 people in the south-east region of Melbourne. In mid-2016, Jayco engaged with MAX Employment as a result of the growing demand for services and increased workforce. For three months, MAX sourced and screened potential candidates for Jayco, resulting in 20 job seekers being hired in trade and technical roles.
Woolworths
National recruiter for Woolworths, Diversity Dimensions, commenced working with MAX in 2016 to support Woolworths’ goal of 1,600 Indigenous employees by 2019. Since working with Woolworths and Diversity Dimensions, MAX has helped 42 Indigenous job seekers find and maintain employment with Woolworths. In addition to supporting Woolworths’ Indigenous employment initiative, MAX has helped over 550 job seekers find work with the company through local store relationships, training, support and ongoing guidance.
Trident Plastics
Adelaide-based company Trident Plastics is the largest custom moulder in South Australia, and is dedicated to supporting local people into local jobs. Trident Plastics has employed local MAX Employment job seekers since July 2016. In the past six months, the organisation has employed 14 job seekers through MAX, 12 of which were long-term unemployed job seekers. In consultation with MAX, Trident Plastics provides thorough induction training to all employees and ensures ongoing support to the individual needs of new employees.
Broadspectrum
Construction, logistics and facilities management provider Broadspectrum employs over 100,000 people across 20 countries and has an ongoing commitment to workforce diversity. In 2016, Broadspectrum worked with MAX Employment to hire 67 job seekers across various facets of the business, with several positions filled by Indigenous Australian candidates and participants of the Disability Employment Services (DES) programme.
HammondCare
HammondCare is an independent Christian charity specialising in dementia care, palliative care, rehabilitation, mental health and other aged-care services. This year MAX developed a tailored recruitment program to identify, screen and submit candidates for HammondCare vacancies in multiple locations, with HammondCare also engaging our health team to complete functional skills assessments as a part of the recruitment process. This resulted in 25 MAX candidates placed into employment with the organisation, including four candidates with disability.
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Take off with Aerocare
How many support staff does it take to make an airport run smoothly? “For the Brisbane Domestic Terminal, we employ around 180 people,” says Daniel Jones, Aerocare Recruitment and Training Coordinator. “What staff do each day is quite complicated. It’s important staff have proper training so they can hit the ground running.”
Aerocare is Australasia’s largest provider of flight support services, helping airlines with passenger and ramp services. With Aerocare staff in many roles throughout the airport, Daniel said sourcing large amounts of candidates for employment is crucial for the business. “The partnership with MAX Employment has been good for us. They provide us with a pool of jobactive candidates to put through training and we filter through them. It’s helped a lot. It just makes life easier from a recruitment point of view,” Daniel explained. “The Aerocare-MAX partnership has seen around 18 MAX candidates placed into pre-employment training and subsequently into roles with us. The training really helps to find the right fit as well. 12
It’s good to be able to have a pool of candidates to put through the program.” Former MAX job seeker, now Aerocare Customer Service Agent Donna said the help from her jobactive consultant and her pre-employment training provided transparency to her role. “My consultant at MAX Stones Corner explained who Aerocare was and why I’d be a good fit for them. I liked that everyone said what they needed, what they were planning, and what their expectations were,” Donna said.
“It was good to have that reinforcement and extra help. Everything was less scary on day one. I’m glad MAX put me forward for this job!” Daniel believes partnering with a jobactive service provider can be a huge help with sourcing and selecting quality candidates, and says transparency with providers helps in the long run. “I think the most important thing from an employer perspective is to be open and honest with what you’re looking for in candidates. Aerocare was transparent with MAX and it really helped.”
MAX Connect Over the past 12 months, our job matching tool MAX Connect has undergone a variety of enhancements and additions thanks to the ongoing feedback provided by MAX job seekers and staff.
A standout upgrade for 2016 was the MAX Connect search tool, which underwent a significant makeover providing a more customer-focused search experience for both job vacancies and candidates themselves. An enhanced registration process for new job seekers was implemented as a result of user-provided feedback, with a view to providing job seekers with a helpful self-service pathway to getting started with MAX Connect. Additionally, enhancements were made to allow job seekers to set up their MAX Connect profile faster and begin searching for suitable jobs.
In 2016, CST answered more than 100,000 phone calls offering support to our job seekers and sites
Client Services Team (CST)
In late 2016, a major feature was added in the form of an online resume editor, allowing job seekers to edit up to four different resumes and cover letters directly within MAX Connect.
The Client Services Team’s (CST) primary focus shifted in 2016, with the 65 CST staff focusing on management of job seekers with Annual Activity Requirements (AAR). The CST, operating out of the National Operations Centre in Springwood, QLD managed over 25,000 records each month to support the 29 jobactive regions nationwide.
In addition to system enhancements, MAX Connect continued to update job seekers with expert advice through the portal’s blog and resources section, helping job seekers with their search for sustainable employment.
This year also saw the introduction of the CST ‘nudge message’ campaign, allowing for immediate and ongoing communication with job seekers not required to regularly engage with MAX consultants in sites.
A monthly e-newsletter was launched to all active job seekers in July 2016, providing updates on the latest industry trends and information.
Over 150,000 nudge messages were sent out to job seekers entering their AAR phase this year, resulting in MAX Employment’s AAR ranking with the Department of Employment to improve 11 places since 2015. With such a wide-ranging set of skills, the CST continue to support all aspects of the business, with staff regularly seconded to business development teams and regional sites to assist with job seeker support services.
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Work for the Dole 37.5 per cent of job seekers who started a WfD activity found employment
Work for the Dole Field Officers
In 2016, the MAX Work for the Dole (WfD) field officers continued their work in the 29 employment regions across Australia. Field officers worked diligently with local WfD coordinators to ensure job seekers had the opportunity to choose from a range of activities across a variety of industries. Activity hosts were supported by 48 field officers throughout Australia, ensuring participants gained valuable skills and maintained a focus on finding sustainable employment. Field officers also continued to manage referrals, commencements, recording of hours and processing of acquittals. Field officers delivered a range of quality activities in industries ranging from landscaping and horticulture, retail, light construction, IT and hospitality. In our 29 employment regions, field officers have: »» Managed 7,223 individual places »» Managed 2,994 group-based places »» Managed activity costs totalling over $13 million »» Completed acquittals for 355 group activities totalling over $15 million.
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Featured above: MAX Acting National Work for the Dole Coordinator Program Manager, Gary Hanes, with National Operations Manager of Soft Landing, Bill Dibley.
Work for the Dole Coordinators As Australia’s leading provider of WfD Coordinator services, MAX Solutions works across 14 employment regions to develop and maintain activities for 24 jobactive employment service providers nationwide.
By strategically generating various local employment activities to meet the career goals of local job seekers, coordinators have seen thousands of job seekers learn new skills, grow their confidence and transition into paid employment thanks to their activities.
In 2016, MAX WfD coordinators generated over 22,000 WfD places
Over 1,100 not-forprofit organisations have forged solid relationships with MAX WfD coordinators
A Spotless Start For Michelle Argus and Margaret Oberleuter, finding a job through the Work for the Dole programme has helped them turn over a new sheet. Before they started the programme at Holy Cross Laundry in Brisbane’s North, Michelle was out of work and feeling helpless about her future. But she soon found having a routine through Work for the Dole gave her a reason to get up in the morning. “I have a schedule now. I’m not lazing around doing nothing so I feel more productive and have more financial freedom,” Michelle said. “I would definitely recommend Work for the Dole because you can get a job out of it.” Margaret came from owning a small business, but ended up passing on the reins to her sister due to personal reasons. “I didn’t like being unemployed at all, you lose focus without a job. I thought I’d just take time out for myself but it didn’t sit well with me,” Margaret said.
“It was huge getting back into a job and now I’m a happier person for it.” Holy Cross Laundry HR and Quality Systems Manager, Mandy Ross, said they initially approached MAX to talk about Work for the Dole. “It sounded like an attractive way to create opportunities for people and give back to the community,” Mandy said. “We signed up about 12 months ago and got our first candidates in February this year. Michelle was one of our first team members and we were very impressed. “Over the next few months we had more candidates arrive, including Margaret, and we’ve been so lucky with her too. “They wanted to work here after the activity finished and we’re really happy to help them achieve paid employment,” Mandy said. Featured above: Michelle and Margaret who successfully found work at Holy Cross Laundry through Work for the Dole.
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Disability Employment Services (DES) In 2016, MAX Employment provided Disability Employment Services to over 21,500 participants across Australia, delivering a range of supports to assist job seekers with achieving their employment goals in an inclusive society. Across the 47 Employment Service Areas (ESA) where we deliver the DES programme, MAX health and employment specialists provided innovative, flexible, and personcentred assistance, supporting over 9,000 participants into sustainable and meaningful employment. Over the past 12 months there has been a significant focus on employer engagement, with MAX consultants offering employers practical advice on workplace adjustments, modifications and general disability support. Emphasis has been placed on establishing relationships with local employers and understanding business needs to achieve sustainable outcomes for DES participants.
Key DES Highlights for 2016
Disability Employment Ambassador Former MAX DES participant Chris Cruickshanks was appointed our first MAX Disability Employment Ambassador. The Burger Project 14 MAX DES participants were employed in food and beverage roles as a part of celebrity chef Neil Perry’s ‘Burger Project’.
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High Growth Jobs, Talented Candidates Initiative MAX Employment became the preferred DES provider for the NSW Government’s High Growth Jobs, Talented Candidates initiative. The initiative was facilitated by the Australian Network on Disability (AND), and provided DES participants with the opportunity to commence employment after completing a tailored pre-employment training program. Youth Mental Health MAX participated in the Department of Social Services Youth Mental Health trial, assisting government with evaluating how choice and control funding may help unemployed youth with mental health issues find and keep a job. Disability Guide Our Disability Guide for Employers has been an invaluable resource for employers throughout 2016. First published in 2015, the MAX Disability Guide for Employers provides a practical guide on common types of disabilities, the potential impact it may have on a person’s life and support required for employees with disability in the workplace. The guide can be downloaded for free at issuu.com/maxemployment Individual Placement Support Program In late 2015, MAX partnered with Stirling Adult Community Mental Health Service in WA to deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program. The program matched employers with job vacancies to employees with chronic mental illness, and supported both employers and employees post-placement. In 2016 the partnership made significant progress with the implementation of IPS evidence-based employment support, recently receiving an excellent fidelity review from the Western Australian Association for Mental Health (WAAMH).
Ambassador for Ability You may remember former DES participant Chris Cruickshanks from our 2015 Year in Review.
“You can see all the new people are nervous about starting work,” he explained.
Last year was a jam-packed year for Chris. After being self-employed for 22 years, Chris went to his first interview and landed a job with Masters Home Improvement. It wasn’t long before he became an advocate for Disability Employment Services, and in 2016 he was officially appointed the first MAX DES Ambassador.
Chris said he’s keen to start the conversation with employers too.
Chris said joining the MAX team as DES Ambassador was his way of helping others with disability get the chance they deserve. “I want to help anyone with disabilities get back into work, like MAX did for me,” Chris said. “I don’t want employers rejecting people because of their disability, or to say ‘oh he can’t work, he’s in a wheelchair’ or ‘she can’t work, she’s only got one arm.’ I want them to give those people a chance.” As Ambassador, Chris works with DES participants to show them that anything is possible.
“I want to help out employers and show them my success. I want to show them what people with disabilities can do.” DES National Programme Manager Kate Tilley said the decision to appoint Chris as the first MAX DES Ambassador came easily thanks to his natural talent for inspiring and motivating others. “Chris epitomises everything that we could possibly hope for in a DES participant. His personal journey was challenging at times and his story is an example that anything is possible,” she said. “What we love about Chris is his determination to let his ability shine through in everything he does. He’s willing to share his experiences as a DES participant and speak about his personal journey with people,” Kate said. 17
Assessments Australia
Assessments Australia became a MAX Solutions company in December 2015. As a trusted human services provider, Assessments Australia delivers tailored support planning and assessment services for federal and state government as well as non-government and private organisations.
Assessments Australia has a network of over 1,000 psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, nurses and other specialists to deliver a broad range of complex assessments and case coordination services. Services include: »» Disability assessments for school students »» Disability personal care needs assessments »» Child welfare and foster care assessments »» Support planning for people with disability »» Supported wage assessments »» Eligibility assessments for post-school programs.
In 2016, Assessments Australia delivered over 7,500 assessment services
In 2016, Assessments Australia managed more than 8,200 enquiries and completed over 6,000 assessments
Disability Support Planning and Assessments
Assessments Australia provides a large range of complex disability assessment and support planning services to assist private, state and federal agencies help clients with disability maintain a high quality of life. These services are instrumental in assisting clients with their transition into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Disability Assessments for School Students
Assessments Australia delivers the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) assessment service on behalf of the Victorian Department of Education and Training. This program provides Victorian Government schools with additional funding to support students with disability. Assessments Australia manages the assessment services for two of the categories supported through the PSD program; the Intellectual Disability (ID) and Severe Language Disorder with Critical Education Needs (SLD-CEN) categories. In 2016, Assessments Australia was successful in securing a contract to provide appraisal services for applications to the targeted disability support program for the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria.
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Child Welfare Assessments
A number of child welfare and foster care assessments are delivered through Assessments Australia’s national team of specialists. In 2016, a dedicated administrative team along with purposedesigned technology systems assisted our partners with delivering a range of child welfare requirements. Assessments completed by our specialists include: »» »» »» »» »» »»
Relative and kinship care assessments Guardianship assessments Foster care assessments Step-by-step assessments Best interest placement assessments Restoration and parenting capacity assessments »» Carer review assessments »» Family contact assessments; and »» More customised assessments upon consultation. All assessments form part of child welfare case files that assist organisations with making informed decisions on child welfare and foster care arrangements.
Over 18,000 surveys were completed as a part of the Data Collection Services Contract Data Collection Services Contract
In 2016, Assessments Australia commenced a data collection services contract on behalf of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). For four months, 55 call centre staff and 70 field officers completed phone or face-to-face surveys with over 18,000 participants of NDIS. Data collected sought to evaluate what participants could achieve through the support of the NDIS, as well as improve services delivered to participants. Over half the call centre staff were participants of the Disability Employment Services programme, performing a variety of tasks including appointment scheduling, data collection, privacy handling and administration. Featured above: staff at NDIA Data Collection Centre.
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Indigenous Programs
MAX Solutions acknowledges the Australian Government’s Closing the Gap initiative, and throughout 2016 has worked with Indigenous Australian communities to effectively support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers.
Employment, health and training services were delivered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in over 110 locations in 2016. Our consultants worked in close partnership with over 60 additional communities to deliver employment related solutions, and build social and economic capital to support the government’s Closing the Gap agenda. In 2016, we focused on building partnerships and creating productive relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to expand employment opportunities for both job seekers and students referred to our services.
Services were delivered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in over 110 locations around Australia Community Development Programme (CDP)
We delivered the Community Development Programme (CDP) 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.). 20
Vocational Training and Employment Centres (VTEC)
We delivered services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers through two Vocational Training and Employment Centres (VTEC) in Wheatbelt Goldfields WA, and in the Darling Downs and South West regions of QLD. In 2016, we linked 62 job seekers to guaranteed jobs through community engagement, work readiness, vocational training and post placement support.
Featured above L to R: Managing Director of ProCrew, Rob Carter, with Rubin McKellar and John Williams at ProCrew Chinchilla.
Jobs, Land and Economy Programme (JLEP)
In 2016, MAX began delivering schoolbased traineeships as part of the Jobs, Land and Economy Programme (JLEP). MAX Employment Indigenous mentors connected with local schools to engage with Year 11 and 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Students selected the vocation they want to pursue and mentors linked them with a Registered Training Organisation and employer. While still in its early stages, the program has already seen great success with 22 Indigenous school-based trainees placed with a range of employers. In 2017, a number of trainees will have the opportunity to commence work in MAX Employment sites around the country. In total, the program will support 90 Indigenous trainees to develop their skills and experience through employment.
A McHappy Start for Michael For Year 11 student Michael Frazer, landing his first job with McDonalds has done more than put money in the bank, he says it’s turned his life around.
“I used get sad or angry a lot. I wouldn’t talk a lot to Mum or Dad, and when I did we’d fight. When my older brother graduated school I realised I had to grow up.” When the opportunity arose for Michael to complete an Indigenous school-based traineeship with the fast-food giant, he put his hand up. “I had the biggest smile on my face when I found out I got this job,” Michael explains. “I love it. My behaviour’s better since working and my grades have gone up. I’m closer with my family too. “Mum and Dad are deaf, so I interpret for them with things like school meetings, interviews, doctor appointments, things like that,” he said. Michael’s Dad Craig said since starting work, Michael has matured considerably.
“He’s grown up, he’s learnt a lot of life skills, and that life isn’t free. He’s started to consider his future,” he said. And the future is looking bright for Michael, who is already thinking about what his career will look like after school. For the time being, Michael is excited to complete his Certificate II in Retail with McDonalds, and says the support from his new employer and his family has been invaluable. “It’s great, I’m so excited. Mum and Dad have been helping me heaps with this job too, thinking of my future and telling me not to waste the money on stupid stuff like drugs and alcohol,” he said. Michael is completing his traineeship through the Australian Government’s Jobs, Land and Economy Programme, which focuses on increasing the rate of Indigenous Australians in long term employment.
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MAX Indigenous Art Competition & Exhibition April 2016 marked the launch of the fourth annual MAX Employment Indigenous Art Competition. In 2016, the competition received more entries than ever before, with the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities showcased in an incredible collection of paintings, photographs and drawings. Twenty competition finalists were selected to appear in the 2016 MAX Indigenous Art Exhibition at NSW Parliament House in August 2016, with exhibition host the Hon. Leslie Williams MP, NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, announcing the 2016 competition winners. Saretta Fielding, a Wanaurah woman from the Upper Hunter Valley NSW, beat emerging Indigenous Australian artists from all over the country to claim the major prize with her painting Konara Clan. Anna Dowling, a descendant of the Badimia people of the Yamatji region in Western Australia, took out the youth category with her drawing Everlasting. Guests from Indigenous Australian associations and community organisations gathered to support the 20 emerging artists, with MAX Employment presenting a $2,000 donation to Aboriginal women’s support charity Mudgin-Gal in celebration of the event. Featured above (top): 2016 MAX National Indigenous Art Competition winner Saretta Fielding with the Hon. Leslie Williams MP, NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs at NSW Parliament Fountain Court Gallery. Featured above (centre): 2016 judge Daren Dunn, Saretta Fielding, Youth Prize winner Anna Dowling and MAX National Indigenous Engagement Manager Courtney Morgan. Featured above (bottom): Mudgin-Gal CEO Jenny Munro and MAX Employment Managing Director Deborah Homewood, alongside women from the Mudgin-Gal organisation.
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In conjunction with MAX Employment, Mudgin-Gal work tirelessly in the innerSydney community to provide job search sessions and offer support to Aboriginal women in need of assistance. The $2,000 donation from MAX will fund further job search sessions and provide computers and literacy materials to the women accessing Mudgin-Gal’s services.
Art Sculpted by Community Former MAX Employment job seeker and Alice Springs local Betty Braedon has loved art her whole life. She never imagined she would be selected as a finalist in a national art competition. As only one of two Territorian finalists, Betty was selected as a finalist in the 2016 MAX Employment National Indigenous Art Competition for her dry grass tjumpi sculptures. Betty, an Anangu woman from Alice Springs, says her creations are about more than just art and wants to use her talent to help her community. “My mother, my sister and me, we are all artists, we do this together as a family. It’s a part of us,” Betty explained. “We tell stories of our culture through the creation of jewellery and tjumpi. This is the first competition I’d submitted to. We’ve done some stuff here in the Alice but this is the first time we’ve done something outside of here.”
Outside of her art, Betty works as an Aboriginal interpreter in Alice Springs. It was a position she found through the help of MAX Employment, and says it fuels her passion for educating the local Aboriginal community. “My mum and I work as interpreters, we help our communities with our work. We help people understand and be heard through their traditional language and the English language.” MAX Business Manager Lydia Roberton says she’s thrilled for Betty. “When Betty was job searching, she would tell me that she wanted to help her community. “She talks a lot about her work as an interpreter now and how she can do that. Betty is always thinking about how her community can excel and become stronger. She’s a very passionate person,” Lydia said. Featured above: artist Betty Braedon (right), with her sister Eva Braedon and mother Ann Cleary-Farrall.
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Program Developments
Housing and Employment Program (HEP)
Since 2012, MAX Solutions has delivered the Housing and Employment (HEP) contract in Ipswich, QLD on behalf of the Queensland Government’s Department of Housing and Public Works. Last year the program expanded to include the Redlands and Bundaberg regions of Queensland. In 2016, participants were assisted with finding affordable housing and employment, giving them the tools to gain financial independence. The program is delivered in association with local universities, TAFEs, RTOs, real estate agents, community organisations and the Department of Housing and Public Works. HEP continues to be a success in all three regions, with over 130 clients sustaining higher education, private tenancies and gaining suitable employment during or on completion of their studies. Of the 93 clients who have exited HEP, two thirds have gained or increased hours of employment, with 77 per cent of clients maintaining their rental property for at least six months.
Industry Skills Fund (ISF) Advisory Services
In 2016, our Industry Skills Fund (ISF) Skills Advisers worked with the NSW and WA business communities to help small businesses with growth opportunities access new skills for their workforces. MAX advisers assisted more than 150 businesses with workforce development advice, skills reviews and assistance to apply for the Australian Government’s Industry Skills Fund.
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“The program has really increased my confidence and motivation! I now have the skills to return to the workforce when my child goes back to school”
Participant of ParentsNext Program ParentsNext Program
Helping parents with young children prepare for future employment. In early 2016, MAX Employment began delivering the Department of Employment’s ParentsNext contract in Wyong, NSW. The program focuses on assisting parents with children aged six months to six years with education and employment goals prior to their children attending school. Participants work with MAX consultants to develop career pathways and commence into activities that assist with their education and employment goals. The program is designed as an early intervention initiative to help reduce long-term unemployment and welfare dependency for parents in the Wyong shire. In 2016, 494 ParentsNext participants commenced into one of the 104 established activities in the Wyong region. Activities ranged from family playgroups to education and employment activities, and provided participants with a range of supports including mental health support, assistance for long-term unemployed job seekers, and support for victims of domestic violence.
Borallon Training and Correctional Centre (BTCC), Queensland In July 2016, the Queensland Government awarded MAX Solutions business to deliver reintegration services to prisoners of Borallon Training and Correctional Centre (BTCC).
The program is delivered on behalf of Queensland Corrective Services in conjunction with mental health specialist Aftercare and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation Five Bridges. The program provides onsite reintegration assessment and support services, cultural programs for Indigenous prisoners, and an established ‘job centre’ for job readiness development and support to employers operating from BTCC. Reintegration and support services are focused on reducing reoffending by addressing risk factors contributing to offending behaviour, and supporting prisoners exiting BTCC to transition back into the community. Preparation starts before release and continues with links to employment, housing, health, substance recovery and family support, and cultural services.
Inside Job, Tasmania
In 2016, the MAX Employment Hobart office worked with Risdon Prison in Tasmania to help transition prisoners into employment after leaving custody. Prisoners prepare for and access employment networks as part of our existing pre-release program. In association with our jobactive services, the MAX Employment Hobart site facilitated an intensive five day ‘work readiness’ program for prisoners exiting corrective services. As a result of the comprehensive program, three participants have successfully commenced work before being released from custody.
jobhelp
In January 2016 the Department of Employment invited MAX Solutions to deliver the jobhelp programme to prisoners in Port Phillip Prison, Victoria. We provide prisoners with information and support for up to three months before leaving prison and connect them with employment services on leaving prison to help improve employment outcomes and reduce reliance on income support.
“The Queensland Government is committed to the earning and learning philosophy of this prison for young males who are committed to the unique education, training and employment opportunities that Borallon will offer.” Queensland Minister for Corrective Services the Hon. Bill Byrne MP.
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Women in Prison Advocacy Network (WIPAN) Since 2013, MAX Employment has been a major sponsor and supporter of the Women in Prison Advocacy Network (WIPAN). WIPAN is a unique, grassroots organisation that mentors and supports women and girls affected by the criminal justice system. Their evidence-based mentoring program aims to: »» Engage women in the community via gender-responsive social support »» Provides a non-stigmatised, nonjudgemental safe space for women »» Helps women develop a positive identity in order to live the life they deserve »» Supports women in making positive contributions to the community to help reduce reoffending. MAX proudly supports WIPAN’s mission to empower women from all backgrounds, and help them gain independence through employment. An outstanding 93 per cent of women that are part of the WIPAN mentoring program do not reoffend, going on to lead healthy and independent lives. In 2016, WIPAN began delivering an additional mentoring program for at-risk teenage girls to help brighten their futures and support them into sustainable roles in the community.
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MAX Employment has continued to support the organisation’s strategic vision and mission, assisting with the development of training and employment strategies for mentees at WIPAN’s annual Strategic Planning Day. To further support the work of WIPAN, MAX Employment proudly donated $5,000 at their 2016 Empowering Women, Changing Lives parliament breakfast. Thanks to the hard work of many dedicated individuals, the strong relationship between WIPAN and MAX Employment has helped many women transition out of the criminal justice system and into sustainable employment. In 2017, MAX will continue to work closely with WIPAN to connect women from all walks of life with employers and support services to help them lead successful, fulfilling lives.
An outstanding 93% of women who participate in the WIPAN mentoring program do not reoffend
MAX in the Community Since 2004, we have donated over $235,000 to the ACT Chief Minister Inclusion Awards
Featured above: Sydney Cove Rotarian Mentors Florian Hammerbacher, Edei Ledet, Alana Clarke with MAX Employment Business Manager Allies Evans.
MAX Employment Rotary Mentoring program
In 2016, MAX Employment and the Rotary Club of Sydney Cove partnered to deliver specialised mentoring services for MAX job seekers, aimed at strategically addressing retention issues that job seekers may face whilst employed. The initiative saw Rotarian mentors partner with MAX job seekers transitioning into employment. Rotarian mentors work with job seekers to address any issues they may have, develop realistic employment strategies and achieve long term employment or education placements. The Rotary Club of Sydney Cove provides a variety of specialist mentors, including mentors for common issues such as finance management, housing arrangements and work coaching. With the consent of the job seeker, Rotarian mentors also work with employers throughout the mentoring process.
ACT Chief Minister Inclusion Awards
For 12 years, MAX has proudly been the principal partner of the ACT Chief Minister Inclusion awards. Each year, the awards provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding inclusive work being done in the ACT community. In November 2016, MAX donated $20,000 in support of the event, celebrating diversity and inclusion, particularly for people living with disability. Since 2004, MAX has donated a total of $235,000 to the awards, and worked in partnership with the community to develop initiatives that value and engage people with disability.
The mentoring program has seen enormous success with job seekers in the Sydney region thanks to the wealth of experience provided by Rotarian mentors. The MAX Employment and Rotary Club of Sydney Cove partnership will continue into 2017, ensuring sustainable employment and positive outcomes for job seekers transitioning into employment. 27
A MAX Christmas In 2016, we celebrated the sixth year of the annual MAX Employment Christmas campaign. Since 2011, we have worked tirelessly with employers, job seekers and community organisations to give job seekers the greatest gift for Christmas: a job. In the past six years, we have donated over $600,000 to Australian charities nationally, including the Luke Batty Foundation, Lifeline, Mates4Mates, the Wirrpanda Foundation, Kids Helpline and the Smith Family. In 2016, we brought our Christmas campaign closer to home, selecting 30 grassroots charities from around Australia to share in $100,000 from the organisations’ charitable giving fund MAX Foundation.
In 2016, each region’s charity received $5.00 for every job placed in that region between 1 October and 24 December. Local charities like Orange Sky Laundry, Headspace, Dress for Success and Youth off the Streets actively supported our drive that saw so many lives changed as we placed 20,000 people into employment. This year, families and communities took centre stage, with each region hosting events to bring local employers, community organisations and job seekers together. Finding jobs and changing lives – there is no greater gift at Christmas! #TheGreatestGift #WeAreMAXmas
The MAX Christmas campaign started from humble beginnings in 2011, aiming to place 10,000 job seekers into employment from October 1 to December 24. Each year our target has grown, and the 2016 target became our largest ever with 20,000 jobs pledged and filled by Christmas Eve.
Featured above: Orange Sky Laundry Caloundra attend a #WeAreMAXmas event on the Sunshine Coast.
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Featured above: OzHarvest charity supported by the MAX Tuggeranong office.
Sue-Anne’s Story “It was pretty bad growing up. Mum was an alcoholic and she lived with physical abuse. She got stabbed by one of her ex-partners. I remember standing in front of him when he had the knife. I had to escape, and the only way I could was by running away every night. “I was about 11 when I ran. I’d meet people and get to stay with them occasionally, but mainly I slept in port racks in schools and try to keep warm. It was just about survival, at home and on the streets. I’d take a lot, you had to do pretty horrible things to get by, you don’t feel like a very good person. “Until a few years ago, I didn’t have any confidence. I was always judging myself, I wouldn’t look in the mirror when I did my hair. I tried to not look at myself. And now I look at myself and I’m not perfect, but who is in this world? “I got offered to do a traffic control course through MAX Employment, I jumped on it and just hoped I’d do okay. Their psychologist showed me that I could do stuff that I didn’t think I could do.
“I’m not educated, I didn’t even do Year 8. The doubt creeps back in, but I just said “okay, I’m going to give it a go” and my trainer Ian kept telling me that I was going to make a great traffic controller. “This job has given me so much already. I’m buying a house soon. It’s stressful, but I’m so glad. I can provide stability for my three daughters. “It wasn’t until I was about 30 that my relationship with my mum got better. I absolutely adore my mum. I spend a lot of time with her. “Sometimes I can’t believe how far I’ve come. I can’t believe that I’m here at all. I honestly never thought I would have been. When people hear about my story most people say I should be on the streets, drug addicted and messed up. “It’s only because of all the positivity around me that I’ve come through it. You push all the good stuff away, but later on in life those voices kept popping up in my head. I’m grateful for that, and I’m grateful for those people.” Featured above: Rosies State Coordinator Cathy Lindsay, Sue-Anne Gibson and Rosies Volunteer Des.
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MAX Foundation Thanks to the generous contributions of MAX employees, MAX Foundation is able to make significant investments to great causes across Australia. In 2016, MAX Solutions established a voluntary committee of MAX Foundation ambassadors and continued to support communities through donations to local and national charities nationwide.
MAX Foundation focuses on providing donations to organisations that share our commitment to supporting vulnerable groups across Australia. Over the past 12 months, MAX Foundation has donated over $100,000 to charities that support people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people at risk of homelessness, substance abuse victims, mental health associations, domestic violence victims, children and many others. MAX Foundation raises funds for not-forprofit organisations through voluntary staff payroll deductions and fundraising events.
Featured above: MAX Foundation donates to Rural Business Tasmania for the Tasmanian Flood Crisis.
Funds raised by staff are matched by MAX Solutions, and 100 per cent of these funds are donated to not-for-profit organisations through a biannual grant program. Eligible community groups and charities can apply for funding by completing and returning an application by 31 January and 31 August each year.
Spare change, changing lives in our communities
Quality & Compliance
Since 2003, MAX Solutions has been accredited externally under the Quality Assurance accreditation with ISO 9001: 2008. For ten years we have held a National Standards for Disability Services accreditation. More recently the Department of Employment created the Quality Assurance Framework for provider accreditation and MAX Solutions has successfully maintained accreditation following a 2016 surveillance audit visit. In 2017, we will transition to the new standard of ISO 9001:2015
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In 2016, we had 30 staff based nationally in quality and centralised claiming roles. Over the past 12 months we completed 275 internal compliance and quality assurance audits, including planned and unplanned site visits and follow-up meetings. The team have continue to work closely with respective departments and their various program assurance and monitoring visit activities. Our 24/7 probity and ethics hotline and email service 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 our Australian operation.
Our People
Learning and Organisational Development (L&OD)
Over the past year the Learning and Organisational Development team has continued to focus on building capability and supporting team members. In 2016 our new online performance and development review system was launched, and our first ever in-house professional development courses were created and offered to staff around the country.
Over 880 team members were on-boarded in 2016, with over 2,583 hours of face-to-face learning conducted
Over 880 team members were onboarded in 2016, with over 2,583 hours of face-to-face learning conducted with our jobactive and DES staff. This year also saw the launch of our highly successful Leadership Development Programme, aimed at further improving leadership, retention and performance of MAX staff nationwide.
Featured above: MAX Stones Corner team.
Yammer
With MAX staff in every corner of Australia stationed throughout metropolitan, regional and remote communities nationwide, the January 2016 rollout of the business-focused social network Yammer revolutionised the way MAX employees communicated with each other. Yammer has connected our 2,000-strong workforce, enabling employees to contribute ideas, conduct online polls and surveys, share good news stories and communicate best practice with colleagues in real-time across the country. 31
#WeAreMAX Awards
Set against the old circus backdrop, we celebrated 150 of our best and brightest team members at the inaugural #WeAreMAX Awards at Sydney’s Luna Park in October 2016. The evening was the culmination of a six month campaign across our employment, health and training network to boost performance and deliver on our government services contracts. Participants enjoyed a day workshop on leadership development with a special session on Presence, Influence and Finding your Voice delivered by specialist presenter, Dr. Louise Mahler. These and other activities delivered on our commitment to provide ongoing professional development opportunities across our MAX family.
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#WeAreMAX Small/Medium site of the Year – Campsie
With over 500 active job seekers spread across four separate contracts, and five star ratings for all contracts, MAX Employment Campsie was a welldeserved winner of the first #WeAreMAX Small/Medium Site of the Year award. When asked why he thought his site took home the award, Regional Manager Gareth Wyatt attributed the success to the team’s attention to the job seekers. “The Campsie team focused on putting people first and concentrating on the human element of the job. “Invest in your people. Campsie have always focused on outcomes and that is why we succeeded,” Gareth said. “We aim to be back there next year, Campsie now have a title to defend!”.
#WeAreMAX Large site of the Year – Moorabbin
MAX Employment Moorabbin knows that hard work pays off, having achieved outstanding results with their 1,000-strong caseload across three contracts. Moorabbin Business Manager Jon Lee said teamwork was the secret to the sites enormous success over the past year. “Our consistent performance right from the beginning is the result of everyone’s dedication and teamwork,” Jon said. “It’s important to focus on everyone’s strengths, and through patience and persistence we use those strengths to work as a team.” Now that Moorabbin have tasted success, they are more motivated than ever. “We have already set our goal to return to the awards next year. Bring on the competition!” Jon said.
Featured above: Elizabeth Wheeler and Corporate Services Award winner Sophie Lekkas. Featured (top left): Winners of Large Site of the Year Award - Moorabbin. Featured (bottom left): Winners of Small/Medium Site of the Year Award - Campsie.
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Diversity
At MAX, we value workplace diversity and embrace acceptance and respect for all people irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where our employees can feel safe in bringing their ‘whole’ selves to work. We focus on the needs of our staff and ensure a supportive environment is upheld where employees can achieve their full potential. Diversity and inclusion are qualities reflected every day in MAX sites throughout the country.
Our workforce is indicative of the communities we operate in. We reflect the rich diversity of people that live across Australia and actively seek to recruit candidates that reflect, relate to and empathise with the people we support. Our Indigenous Employment and Retention Strategy guides our human resource management policies with regard to the recruitment, selection, development and retention of Indigenous employees. The principle guiding the Indigenous Employment and Retention Strategy is our respect for and consideration of the cultural, social and spiritual beliefs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our Disability Employment Strategy links directly to our recruitment practices. As a member of the Australian Network on Disability (AND), we are working towards official recognition as a Disability Confident Recruiter and continue to improve our selection processes and onboarding and retention strategies to attract and retain a diverse range of talent.
Featured above (top): National Support Office staff Luke Hunter, Eddie Mills, Sophie Lekkas, David Irvine, Melissa Harley and Kristelle Stevens. Featured above (bottom): Minister for Disability and Social Inclusion Rachel Stephen-Smith, 2016 ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Award recipient David Williams and MAX Solutions COO Darren Hooper.
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Featured above: National Indigenous Engagement Manager Courtney Morgan, Indigenous Art Competition Project Manager Holly Riding and 2016 competition judge Daren Dunn.
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 (RAP) focuses on three key themes for action: relationships, respect and opportunities. We build relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the workplace and the broader community. Our respect for Indigenous Australians, their cultures and history promotes diversity and supports an educated and connected workforce and community. We strive for sustainable employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians within our workforce and with our external employers. In 2016, MAX Solutions’ contribution to Reconciliation included: Relationships »» Established the MAX Diversity Reference Group to support broader contributions to Reconciliation through a range of activities. »» Developed and delivered Indigenous employee retention programs with large employers including Voyages Ayers Rock Resort and Woolworths to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers. »» Engaged with MAX Ambassadors to champion Indigenous business and employment opportunities throughout Australia.
Respect »» Created cultural capability workshops for MAX staff, developing appropriate workshop material as part of our employee induction program. »» Participated in events on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander calendar including National Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week, Sorry Day, Indigenous Literacy Week and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. »» Implemented mentoring support for new and existing MAX Indigenous employees to support career progression and development. Opportunities »» Connected with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advocacy groups during NAIDOC Week 2016 as part of our annual MAX Indigenous Art Competition and Exhibition. »» Identified opportunities for 10 Indigenous students to undertake school-based traineeships with MAX corporate services. »» Delivered over 30 Indigenous Pathway networking events across NSW, VIC and TAS since September 2016, developing employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers. Our vision for 2017 is to continue to build on these achievements.
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Leadership Team
Deborah Homewood Darren Hooper Managing Director
With executive leadership experience across the human service, retail, and communication sectors, Deborah strongly believes employment is a fundamental right that underpins wellbeing and a connection to society. She is committed to ensuring MAX gives every person every chance for success.
Chief Operating Officer
Darren has worked in the human services sector for over 30 years and is dedicated to supporting people with meeting their goals and reaching their full potential. Darren was appointed Chief Operating Officer in August 2016 and is responsible for the operational management of MAX.
Karen Massier
Cameron Taylor
With 18 years’ experience in social policy development, Karen’s has focused on improving employment opportunities for job seekers through the private and public sectors. Karen is passionate about strategic program design to help people gain independence.
Cameron comes to MAX with over 25 years’ experience in a range of service industry sectors. After qualifying as a Chartered Account with Coopers & Lybrand, Cameron worked in Europe for 13 years, gaining vast experience in finance operations for multinational businesses.
Executive General Manager – Strategy
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Executive General Manager – Finance
Richard Spurrell
Executive General Manager – Quality, Performance & Analytics Richard joined MAX in 2004 after an extensive career in the employment and vocational training sectors with the Australian Public Service. Richard has devoted his working life to developing programs that empower people to gain employment and achieve independence.
Fiona Lamb
Director – Operations Fiona has dedicated her 20 year career to helping people find sustainable employment. With vast experience as an executive manager in the employment services industry, Fiona enjoys working with people and leading teams to achieve their best.
Jason Shield
Executive General Manager – Technology & Facilities With over 20 years of executive leadership experience, Jason brings immeasurable expertise to MAX. His strong background in retail and employment services has enabled Jason to lead the development of MAX’s information technology and facilities across 250 sites nationally.
Joanne Ryan
Director – Human Resources Joanne brings more than 14 years’ leadership experience to MAX and has a passion for people and diversity. With significant experience in large organisational and cultural change initiatives, Joanne is responsible for the overall provision of human resources for 2,000 MAX employees.
#YouWontGoWithout Every day across the country, 2,000 MAX staff go above and beyond their call of duty. This is what our staff do to make sure no job seeker goes without…
Chris* didn’t have proper shoes or clothing, I picked some up and raced them to his new place of employment after hours.
I came in to work on my day off, my toddler on my hip, to make sure Aaron* was okay to for his first day.
I drove over 2 hours to make sure an employer had support with their new starter who had a disability.
Renee* wanted to do the White Ribbon Domestic Violence Walk, but was ashamed to have been a victim of domestic violence. I encouraged her to do it, and walked alongside her when she did.
I drove Mike* to an interview, but he wouldn’t get out of the car and said he didn’t want to go in because he didn’t have any nice shoes. I kicked mine off and gave them to him. We helped our job seekers clean up their homes after the floods.
Lee* didn’t have enough money to fill up his car for work the next day, and we had run out of fuel vouchers. I shouted him a fuel voucher.
Manju* wasn’t going to be able to fix his pants in time for his interview the next day, so I took them home and hemmed them that night, ready for his interview in the morning.
Joel* came in for an appointment and told us he was due in court that day. We wrote a letter to the magistrate, and I drove with him to court and sat with him during his court appearance.
We helped to rescue Tamara’s* cat after she had to leave a violent relationship and couldn’t go back. It was a small thing, but it made the world of difference to her.
Ashley* didn’t have any interview clothes, so I took her out on a Saturday and bought her some. She was so happy. 37