Online Job Seeker Classification Instrument Trial Evaluation Report

The Job Seeker Classification Instrument (JSCI) classifies job seekers for employment services, based on a measure of their relative labour market disadvantage determined by their responses to a series of questions. The Online JSCI Trial (the Trial) was designed to investigate whether job seekers could effectively and efficiently complete the JSCI online. Previously, the JSCI was completed through a phone or face-to-face interview with Services Australia or an employment service provider. The Trial was implemented through the Job Seeker Snapshot (JSS), which is an online version of the JSCI accessed via the jobactive website. The JSS captures the same information as the interview‑based JSCI, but the wording and sequencing of some questions have been adapted to the online environment. From July 2018 to March 2020, Services Australia randomly selected job seekers who were applying for income support through myGov to complete their JSCI using the JSS on the jobactive website. Online completion was voluntary, and job seekers who did not complete the JSS would instead complete the JSCI at a participation interview with Services Australia or an employment service provider.