WISE UP (Unleash Potential) is a specialised service designed to cater to individuals with offending histories within WISE Workforce Australia, across Victoria.
Developed in collaboration with specialist partners, The Green Collar and Green Collar Brigade, WISE UP engages with specialist counsellors and allied health experts to offer additional support to these customers and access to employment opportunities supported by recruitment specialists.
Facilitated by a team of individuals who have overcome struggles with addiction or incarceration themselves, the service fosters a supportive peer group and environment. Their firsthand experience gives them a unique understanding of the stigmas and barriers associated with a criminal record.
How WISE UP addresses barriers to employment
WISE UP tackles barriers to employment through a holistic and personalised approach, aiming to recognise the unique challenges individuals with an offending history may face when job searching. This includes engaging with specialist counsellors and allied health experts who offer additional support, addressing emotional, psychological, and practical needs.
The service is offered on-site, face-to-face at our WISE local offices, as well as through Zoom and phone. While the standard duration of the service is 28 days, we do not impose a limit on completion times and days. Participants can navigate the program based on their individual circumstances and capabilities, allowing for a flexible and accommodating approach.
What does the WISE UP program provide?
Explore the range of support provided by the WISE UP service below:
- An understanding team of people with lived experience, here to support your rehabilitation, reintegration and employment journey
- A dedicated program coach will be assigned to you for the duration of the service
- Peer support groups pre and post-service
- Access to a 24-hour helpline for personal or critical needs
- Practical toolkit to help regain stability and the skills required, inclusive of technology for job readiness, resume preparation and interview skills
- Assistance as required enabling effective employment preparation, including access to data and technology, transport, work-related equipment, clothing and licencing
- Volunteering and community engagement
- Access to a specialised team of counsellors and professionals in this field
- Access to a network of inclusive employers
- Additional support available for reference and court letters
WISE UP eligibility
You may be eligible for the WISE UP service if you:
- Are already a Workforce Australia participant at WISE Employment
- Have a previous offending history
- Are ready for change
If you are not already a WISE Employment customer and are interested in the service, please get in touch with the team via email here: [email protected]
Get started with Workforce Australia
Through Workforce Australia, you can access government-funded job search assistance, local job opportunity information and advice on training, language, literacy and work experience.
You may be eligible for employment assistance by WISE Employment under Workforce Australia if you live in NSW, VIC, SA or WA, you don’t identify as having a disability/injury/health condition, and you are looking for work. Have a disability, injury or illness? You may be eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA).
If you are already registered with Centrelink, but you’re not yet registered with an employment services provider, you can ask Centrelink to direct you to WISE Employment as your first choice Workforce Australia provider.
If you’re not yet registered with Centrelink, please register with them first. You can then ask Centrelink to be referred to WISE Employment.
Once Centrelink has referred you to WISE Employment, please register as a WISE customer by calling or scheduling a meeting with your nearest WISE office. From here, the team can discuss your eligibility for WISE UP.
Find out more about Workforce Australia.
Find out more about the WISE UP program
To find out more about WISE UP, please contact your nearest WISE Workforce Australia office in Victoria or email the WISE UP team on [email protected].