Brotherhood of St Laurence lunchtime research seminar - Local Connections To Work

Local Connections to Work is a place based service arrangement aiming to help disadvantaged job seekers and their families overcome barriers to social inclusion and enhance participation for economic opportunities.  Based on the New Zealand Community Links model, Local Connections to Work currently brings together Australian Government, State, and non-government services on a rostered basis ‘under one roof’ in Centrelink premises.  These services currently include employment services, housing, health support services including mental health, financial assistance, education and counselling. Extremely long term unemployed job seekers (unemployed five years or more) and disadvantaged youth receive wrap around servicing through joint interviews with Job Services Australia/Disability Employment Services, other services, and Centrelink staff to identify and coordinate assistance for people facing complex barriers.  Other job seekers can also access services subject to availability. A local Community Partnership Group provides the local governance to oversight, plan and help integrate the provision of services.

Janie Davey is currently the Centrelink Business Manger involved in the implementation of the four Local Connections to Work sites across Australia, working in this role since April 2010. Prior to this Janie was the Centrelink National Manager responsible for the Commonwealth's contribution to the Victorian Bushfire Case Management Service.  She has worked as a Social Work Business Manager with Centrelink and has had responsibilities in NSW, ACT, Tasmania and Victoria.  In addition to ensuring professional Social Work service delivery across Centrelink networks, she has been part of their emergency response teams deployed overseas to assist Australian citizens after disaster situations.  Janie has worked in welfare service delivery in the non-government, State and Commonwealth sectors.