EVO LVE H O U S I N G A N N UA L R E P O RT 2 0 2 0 – 2 0 2 1
OPP ORTU N ITY PAT HWAYS We have been delivering the NSW Government’s
identification that may be required for employment
Opportunity Pathways program for two years now,
or enter into working development orders to ‘work
helping social housing clients achieve their education
off’ fines. Clients can also be referred onto support
and career goals. Our team delivers the program in the
services as required, including counselling or assistance
South Western Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains
accessing food or essential items.
regions, and have had some of the best outcomes for the program across the entire state. This work
Even after participants attain employment, the Case
helps to increase skills, confidence and employability
Coordinator still checks in with participants and
of social housing clients, often leading to long-term
provides any guidance and emotional support required.
improvements in their wellbeing. OUR RESULTS IN 2020–2021 HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Our team has achieved outstanding results for
The program is free and voluntary and is open to
participants, outperforming other providers for this
all social housing clients over the age of 17 years.
program. We have exceeded many of our KPIs for the
Participants do not need to be Evolve Housing
Western Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains region
residents — they can be in any public or community
contracts. This year, we met over 100% of our targets
housing, be on the wait list for social housing, or be
for employed clients remaining in work for 26 weeks
recipients of a government housing subsidy.
or more. In the 2020–2021 financial year, Opportunity Pathways achieved excellent results across both
Participants are paired with a qualified Case Coordina-
districts we operate in:
tor who works with them to create a Training, Employ-
• 615 referrals received
ment and Housing Plan that is tailored to their needs
• 268 clients joined the program
and goals. This process involves working together to
• 187 clients were placed into a job
determine what the participants’ skills and areas of in-
• 133 clients achieved 13 weeks of employment
terest are, researching career pathways and training,
• 43 clients achieved 26 weeks of employment
and looking for jobs.
• 217 courses/training programs were entered into • 115 courses/training programs were completed
Case Coordinators also provide assistance with the job application process, including help with preparing
HOW OUR OP TEAM HELPS CLIENTS
resumes, and advice and practice for job interviews.
Evolve Housing employee Stephanie has been working
Opportunity Pathways can also provide financial
in the Opportunity Pathways Team since April 2020,
assistance to participants for costs that would
starting as a Pathways Coordinator doing the intake
otherwise be barriers to obtaining employment. For
assessments for potential new clients.
instance, some job-related costs that may arise include
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transport, interview or uniform costs, and license fees.
She is now a Case Coordinator for the Nepean Blue
Case Coordinators also often help clients to access
Mountains area, and manages her own caseload of