Employment services

If you are a carer looking for work, there is help available to assist you update your skills, create a resume, and prepare for job interviews. You may even receive ongoing support once you are in a job.  Other forms of assistance are also available to help you balance your caring role with work.

From 1 July 2009, a new employment services system will be introduced in Australia.

Employment Preparation

Employment Preparation is available to carers and can provide you with the skills necessary to re-enter the workforce.

Employment Preparation includes tailored services to assist you update your skills/qualifications and address any self-esteem and self-confidence issues. It also provides advice on the local labour market and assistance with job search skills. Providers are aware of the issues carers face around flexibility in work hours and additional time off for medical appointments and will develop assistance to your needs.

To find out more about this service, contact your Job Network member.

Note: There are eligibility requirements relating to provision of this service.

Job Network

Job Network is a national network of private and community organisations dedicated to finding jobs for unemployed people, particularly the long term unemployed. Job Network services are provided by Job Network members (JNMs), dedicated to helping you find and keep a job.

JNMs have been contracted to place people into employment through the provision of flexible and tailored assistance based on each job seekers level of need.

Job Network members can give you job search support, advice and training to help you find the right job.

To find a Job Network member, go to find a provider.

For more information, visit the Job Network website.

Information and other assistance

For further information on assistance for carers, please visit:

The FaHCSIA website - For information on carers assistance. Go to the carers pages on the FaHCSIA website.

MyTime - Provides local support for mums, dads, grandparents and anyone caring for a young child under school age with a disability or chronic medical condition. Go to MyTime.

Centrelink - For information on the assistance available for carers. Go to Centrelink.

Carers Australia - Provides information and resources for carers. Go to Carers Australia.

Young Carers -  Focuses on children and young people up to 25 years of age who help care in families where someone has an illness, a disability, a mental health issue or who has an alcohol or other drug problem. The Young Carers website includes resources for parents and primary teachers. Go to Young Carers.

The Department of Health and Ageing - Provides information on caring for someone. Go to Department of Health and Ageing.

Veterans Home Care Program - The Veterans Home Care program is run by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and helps Australias veterans and war widows/widowers with low care needs remain in their own homes for longer. Go to Department of Veterans Affairs.