Disability
Employment Services
About Network Personnel
Network Personnel assists people with long term health conditions or disabilities to plan their careers and find sustainable, meaningful employment. Experienced Employment Consultants provide in-work support to the employer and employee to ensure successful sustainable employment outcomes.
It provides a free recruitment service to Employers, broadening their access to a diverse labour pool, enriching their workplace.
Employment Consultants are relationship experts who are skilled in vocational assessments and placements. They provide support to both the employers and the employee, depending on the level of support that is required.
Employment Services
Network Personnel is an employment service funded by MSD (Employment Service) and ACC (Living my Life Services). Learn more about ACC Living My Life Services.
Referrals are made to a Employment Consultant. An initial meeting will be arranged with the Employment Consultant and the person who requires the service (and if applicable, their support person). If the client meets the criteria, a recommendation to the service will be made by the Consultant for approval.
1. Client Referral
- Obtain details, including personal, medical and Privacy Agreement signed
- Does the client meet the criteria for Employment Services?
2. Career Planning
- Identify career goals
- Explore past employment history including volunteer work
- Identify what types of environments they prefer to work in
- Develop Career plan & CV
3. Job Search (including work experience if necessary)
- Work experience
- Job trials
- Job self-searching techniques
- Job interviewing skills tuition
4. Placement
- Appropriate placement into sustainable work
- Hours that suit both employer and employee
- Necessary paperwork completed
5. Support
- Individualised
- Regular support for employer and employee
- Up to 12 months in employment. This may be a longer period of time in special circumstances
Subsidy Information
To assist with placements there are some Government subsidies that may be available to subsidise the person’s wages.
These are:
Mainstream Funding
Administered by MSD, this is a fund where the Government funds 80% of the salary/wages of the client in their first six months of work and then 50% of salary/wages in the second six month period. Placements are for one year and the job must be an additional “created” position within the workplace. The hope is that the person being funded is able to then either compete for work in the same organisation or the position created for the person is funded fully by the employer. This funding is very limited, is not guaranteed, and the client must be working for more than 5 hours per week.
Job Streams Funding
Also administered by MSD, this funding is available to subsidise the amount that the employer pays the person in salary/wages up to a capped level. It is targeted to those most at risk of long-term benefit dependence and the person must be working more than 15 hours per week. It generally covers a 6 month period, but in special circumstances, can be extended for a further 6 months.
Productivity Allowance
Administered through MSD support funds, the subsidy is paid to assist employers while the employee gains skills and establishes the types of supports available to any employee starting a new job. Productivity Allowances have a “fade out” plan whereby the subsidy reduces by 5% after every 6 months.
Employers
Network Personnel provides a free professional employment service and has been providing a successful service since 1998.
Network Personnel works to obtain paid employment for people with barriers to work – eg, health conditions or disabilities, in either full or part time positions.
The benefits to employers include:
- A free service
- Job matching prior to placement to ensure position compatibility
- An on-site employment specialist to support a new employee to learn the job
- On-going support services up to 12 months to help ensure the employer and job candidate are mutually satisfied with the placement
- Recognition within the community as an “Equal Opportunities Employer”
- Assistance with on-the-job-training funds (where eligible)
- The satisfaction of making a difference
To lodge a vacancy with Network Personnel, please ring 06 873 8210
Success Stories
Open to Opportunities
At Network Personnel, the employment consultants often have great success marketing to locally owned and operated businesses. Frequently we find the owners and managers are embracing of our diverse community and keen to provide opportunities to those with disabilities.
Amanda
Amanda Jane Fuller, also known as AJ, has been with the Disability Resource Centre (DRC) since 2016.
Read her story here
Robert
Robert, who had worked at Flaxmere New World for 13 years, started volunteering at the Knowledge Bank 3 mornings a week.
Read his story here
John
Interview conducted by Mark Palmer, Employment Consultant, Network Personnel, with John, who is celebrating his first 12 months continuous work in his job.
Read his story here
Alisa’s story
Alisa has been working with both Network Personnel and Turning Point services and has changed her life around.
See her story on this link
Testimonials
“Network Personnel is a very easy company to work with – very approachable. They are compassionate about their client’s which is shown by how frequently they follow-up with their workplace employers. Always on hand and willing to discuss any problems with their clients, and work with the employer to find adequate solutions”.
Heaven’s Bakery Ltd
“Norwood Farm Machinery have worked with Network Personnel for several years now, and have found the staff employed through them to be totally obliging, conscientious in their duties, and of a positive attitude. Network Personnel are very professional and supportive of these employees, are great to work with, and I certainly have no hesitation in recommending their services.”
Garry Watt, Branch Manager, Norwood Farm Machinery
“Network Personnel always promote the support for employees and the employer with all placements”
Lindisfarne College
