Opportunity Pathways Factsheet

Opportunity Pathways supports social housing tenants and Rent Choice recipients to find and maintain suitable education, training and work opportunities.

Who can use Opportunity Pathways?

Opportunity Pathways is for tenants and household members who are:

• looking for a job; or
• want to work more hours; or
• want to improve their employment situation.

The Opportunity Pathways program is free. You may be eligible if you are 17 years or older and meet the school leaving requirements and are:

• living in public, community or Aboriginal housing; or
• receiving a Rent Choice subsidy; or
• an approved social housing applicant on the NSW Housing Register.

To participate in the program, you need to be willing and motivated to achieve your employment goals.

How will I benefit from Opportunity Pathways?

The program offers the chance to make an exciting positive change in identifying and achieving your learning and working goals.

By joining Opportunity Pathways, you or your household members can obtain training qualifications and receive help to prepare for employment or to find and attend work, depending on your needs. You can also get help to keep or change your job.

How does Opportunity Pathways work?

Your Opportunity Pathways provider will work with you to create a plan. This plan will be tailored to your personal situation, needs and employment goals.

The program usually runs for up to 12 months. During this time, you will have access to courses, work experience, volunteering and mentoring opportunities.

You can also get practical and financial assistance to pay for things that will help you find and attend work or a training course. This may include childcare, help to obtain a driver’s licence, as well as fuel vouchers and Opal cards.

You can also get help with resume writing or developing your interview skills.

Opportunity Pathways includes a range of options to support you to achieve your employment goals. These don’t end once you get a job.

Your Opportunity Pathways provider will keep supporting you to keep your job or even help you find a new one.

How do I join Opportunity Pathways?

Joining Opportunity Pathways is easy. You can contact an Opportunity Pathways provider directly and they will assess your eligibility for the program. For more information on the Opportunity Pathways provider in your area go to Opportunity Pathways providers by DCJ District.

You can also give consent for your social housing provider, an advocate or support person to contact the Opportunity Pathways provider on your behalf.

Your social housing provider may also ask you if you are interested in being considered for Opportunity Pathways program.

Will it impact on my eligibility for social housing assistance?

The program is voluntary. You may decide you do not want to participate or leave the program early if you feel it is not the right fit for you. This will not change your eligibility for social housing assistance.

If you are successful in the program and your income increases, there may be an impact on your eligibility for social housing assistance. For example:

• If you live in social housing the amount of rent you pay may increase. For more information, see the Income limits for rent subsidy factsheet.
• If you live in a DCJ managed property, with a fixed term lease, your income may impact your eligibility for another lease. For more information see the Income limits at lease review factsheet.
• If you are receiving Rent Choice the amount of subsidy you receive may go down or even stop. For more information see the Rent Choice policy.
• If you are an applicant on the NSW Housing Register your income may mean you are no longer eligible for assistance. For more information see the Applying for Social Housing factsheet.
• If you live in Community Housing, visit your social housing provider’s website.

Where can I find more information?

For more information see Opportunity Pathways. You can also contact an Opportunity Pathways Provider near you if you have any questions.