department of social services
Business Services Wage Assessment Tool (BSWAT) Payment Scheme Information Sessions (DSS)
Evolution Research was engaged to administer communication of the BSWAT Payment Scheme in the form of information sessions delivered nationwide to people with intellectual disability, their families and carers. This involved development and publication of presentation materials, piloting of information sessions to three Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) across two states and subsequent delivery of sessions at 160 ADE outlets and an additional 10 public venues. Individual assistance was provided to session attendees to understand and complete Payment Scheme applications as required. Evolution Research was responsible for the scheduling of all information sessions and communication of these sessions to over 12,000 potential attendees. Communication was undertaken through an initial mail-out and subsequent enquiry support to supported employees, their families and advocates via a dedicated 1300 number. This was a legally and politically sensitive project requiring appropriate communication strategies and regular liaison with key Departmental and legal stakeholders.
Conduct focus groups with Disability Support Pension (DSP) recipients
This assignment required conducting focus groups of people who receive the Disability Support Pension (DSP) to gather feedback on the role of Participation Interviews with the Department of Human Services in increasing awareness and use of support services, including employment services. The research included three distinct groups of DSP recipients to ascertain the implementation, effectiveness and potential broader application of Participation Interviews. The three groups were determined using the following criteria: 1) DSP recipients under the age of 35 who had attended participation interviews and were registered with an Employment Services Provider; 2) DSP recipients under the age of 35 who had attended participation interviews but were not in Employment Services; and 3) DSP recipients aged 45 years or over and out of scope for Participation Requirements. Focus groups were held across four states including both metropolitan and regional locations. A total of 257 participants provided feedback into this research.
Career Development Tool (CDT) Project
The aim of this project was to conduct action research as a first step to examining the potential benefits of career assessment instruments for employment pathway planning for people in DES. The strategies applied in the project included: training participating providers in the use of a career development tool as part of an employment pathway planning process; and assessing whether use of a tool assisted in identifying the skills and capabilities of job seekers to better inform skill development needs in the Employment Pathway Plan (EPP). Quantitative and qualitative data collection methods included: focus groups with DES consultants; individual interviews with DES participants; and development and subsequent analysis of feedback questionnaires and participant profile surveys.
National Panel of Assessors (NPA)
Evolution Research is currently providing Supported Wage, Ongoing Support and Workplace Modifications assessments to people with disability under the current NPA deed. Evolution Research consultants have conducted over 2000 Supported Wage Assessments and have a clear understanding of the requirements of the newer initiative of Supported Wage Assessments. In this role all consultants are regularly conduct assessments and engage employers and employees.
National Panel of Assessors (NPA)
Evolution Research is currently providing Supported Wage, Ongoing Support and Workplace Modifications assessments to people with disability under the current NPA deed. Evolution Research consultants have conducted over 2000 Supported Wage Assessments and have a clear understanding of the requirements of the newer initiative of Supported Wage Assessments. In this role all consultants are regularly conduct assessments and engage employers and employees.