Helllp - Job Network Question

I have recently signed up with a new provider here an had a JCA done. I mentioned in my JCA my scoliosis and my Mitral Valve Regurgitation [Faulty heart valve]. I saw my new JSA today and she gave me an application to fill out and return for the local meat works. She is obviously expecting this back rather soon.

I was filling it out and reading the attached information when it got to Q-Virus stuff. I would need to undertake skin and blood tests to see if I have been previously infected and then if not, submit to a vax!

The vax aside for now (which as we know dont mean you wont get it and can sometimes mimic having the disease anyway.] I was reaing the information sheet on Q-v and it mentioned that it can cause an infection in the valves of the heart [endocarditis]. I am already a high risk for endocarditis!!! Because my heart doesnt pump as efficiently an blood flows backwards, infections hang around in the heart chamber longer increasing the risk of the valves becoming infected!

I have worked so hard to keep my heart in good shape with my MVR and feel like this is a health risk I should not be having to take. She is well aware of my heart problem and has taken an approach that just get me into a job and get me out of the system an *i* can find a better job later [without their help! Thanks!].

Do I have any grounds to say no to this [question mark! lol. it doesnt work].

I understand taking a job because its a job, and that in a small town there is far less jobs so I cant be too picky, but I just feel that there has to be an acceptable level of risk an risking an infection in my already faulty heart is just too great a risk. =(

Oh yeah, I remember that motto - 'We're here to get you A job, not THE job' :wall:

Anyway, I'd be taking that to your doctor and getting him to write a letter saying why its unacceptable. I think if you refuse to take a specific job Centrelink will dock you unless you can provide sufficient evidence as to WHY you can't take the job. TBH, you'd hafta disclose your condition on the application anyway, and I don't think they'd take you on, knowing the risk. But definitely see your doctor and get the note, GL hun :)

yes, you do
contact your job network person and tell them that you will not risk your health
you have been through a JCA, so that stuff should be on your c'link file. if they breach you, appeal it
if you need to get a med cert from your doctor, i'm sure you could get it, however a simple "no, i have a heart valve problem and will not put my health at risk" should suffice. the aim is to get you sustainable employment (and yes, A job, not THE job) however it wouldn't be sustainable if it puts your heart at risk. perhaps contact them about the physical, and whether you would pass anyway - i'm guessing a heart murmur would be a fail if there is a chance of a workplace virus impacting your heart valves. i doubt anyone would want to open themselves up to potential work cover (or more) liability!

Thanks so much ladies. This is all new to me! You hear so many horror stories about how if you say no you get cut off and I just don't even see why I should waste their time with an application when I am clearly not suited for it.

This network is only temporary as I am to establish a doctor up here to get another ultrasound and xrays done as well as a letter from them that these are life long issues that can only eventually get worse before I am transferred to a specialist job network provider. Can't wait for that because she just seemed to have the attitude of get me into the first job that would take me despite all the medical stuff written in front of her. I mean it has exclusions on heavy lifting and this job involves full boxes of meat products. Definitely feeling I am lacking 'individual service' that job agencies used to be great for. She also 'hijacked' my course that I applied for by myself, that I paid 1k for and I have been doing since march this year and made it a mandatory part of my pathways plan. I just feel like she is taking credit for my efforts while continuing to treat me like a dole bludger.

Sorry for the rant. Just very disappointed with the outcomes of todays appointment and definitely feel like I could even get myself sustainable employment better than she could!

why are you even on a pathway plan?
sorry, you have a 1 year old don't you? and a four year old?
what payment are you on? is your partner on parenting payment cos if he isn't, you should be!!
i would be querying an exemption to compulsory activity based on being principle carer of so many kidlets (providing your DH isn't on the parenting payment)

IF you are on newstart due to your partner being on parenting payment
it's a GOOD thing she put your course into your pathway plan. if she didn't take that into account (as you are doing it on your own back) your expectations to c'link would be higher than they are at the moment, PLUS you would still be voluntarily carrying out your studies kwim?

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why are you even on a pathway plan?
sorry, you have a 1 year old don't you? and a four year old?
what payment are you on? is your partner on parenting payment cos if he isn't, you should be!!
i would be querying an exemption to compulsory activity based on being principle carer of so many kidlets (providing your DH isn't on the parenting payment)

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THAT!

If you're not happy with your Job Services Australia provider, you can change providers by calling 1800 805 260

Also, in terms of the penalty for not accepting a job offer? The penalty would be 8 weeks without payment. From experience, it is extremely rare that they are applied. Even when a person doesn't accept a suitable job offer without a valid reason, there are a lot of provisions for the penalty to be waived (e.g. dependent children in care, medical condition requiring medication, financial hardship which is most people on Centrelink payments). If you decline the job offer, and your provider decides to notify Centrelink (its at their discretion to do so), an investigation is done by a team called Participation Solutions - they would discuss with you the reasons you didn't accept the offer - because your JCA report would have your medical conditions listed in there I would be gobsmacked if they even considered applying a non-payment period, but they may ask for a medical certificate or letter from your doctor stating that the requirements to start the job are a risk to your health.

Yes, DH is on PPP. He went onto that as the primary carer when I went back to tafe a couple of years back. We both decided that I would go and get a paid job so we can finally buy a house as we are currently 'underemployed' and we are keeping the business afloat during the GFC while also trying to expand its reach to try to compensate for the downturn. Sadly the first thing businesses drop is advertising so we have to look at other avenues.


I guess I never looked at it from that perspective but I must admit my stress levels are peaking at the moment, lol. I have been applying for jobs for weeks and this is really the first time I have met with this JSA and really had to work with a job network before. I am so used to getting my own job, lol. Feeling very pressured.

Either way I am hoping to be gainfully employed very very soon.

Thanks for expanding hun - i had it in my head but finding the words to spit it out was beyond me!

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Either way I am hoping to be gainfully employed very very soon.

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all the best!!!! :)

Thank you Eutra! times 2. I am feeling a lot more relieved right now. I will contact her tomorrow now and just advise her that I do not wish to proceed with that application and explain why and take it as it comes after that.