Abstract for presentation at Global Social Work 2004

Unemployment is recognised as “a persistent and severe social and economic problem” in Australia since the 1970s (Productivity Commission, 2002: xv). The social, health and economic impacts of chronic unemployment on individuals and communities are known to include poverty, depression, erosion of skills, social exclusion, poorer physical health, generational disadvantage, reduced economic output and costs to the charitable sector and government welfare budgets. In recognition of the personal and social costs and inequalities associated with unemployment, and in response to the closure of the BHP Newcastle Steel works, the Two Bishops’ Trust (TBT) developed as a partnership between the diocesan (Bishop and parish) and welfare (St. Vincent’s De Paul and Samaritans) arms of the two churches to find creative solutions to the problem of unemployment in the Region, and to challenge injustices in policy and practice in the field of employment services. The Two Bishops Trust is now gaining recognition as delivering just and innovative cutting edge employment initiatives. One such initiative is the TBT Muswellbrook Project.
The TBT Muswellbrook Project represents a unique employment service in terms of its private sector funding and its independence from government. In particular, the service is independent of the contractual obligations on agency and participants relating to both Government income support and employment outcomes associated with employment services provided through the Job Network. The social justice mission of the Project is operationalised through the employment of an experienced social worker seconded from the Area Health Service as the Project manager.
This paper reports on the strategies and outcomes of the TBT Muswellbrook Project to date and reflects on the lessons learned. The value of social work training and experience as the credentials for undertaking the diverse and challenging role of Project manager is examined.