During one of the many lockdowns in Melbourne, I was "recommended" to apply at Probe by the staff at the Centrelink referred Job Service Provider.
As part of their services to help me gain employment, they strongly encouraged me to apply for Probe. Given it was the 4th/5th lockdown, spending a year without work due to the pandemic, my insecurities took the better of me and thought it wouldn't hurt to apply.
Probe was instantaneous with gaining me a phone interview, with many others, back to back, outlining the role and what to expect.
In the interview, I didn't feel the pressure of having to prove myself, like I'd had with many other interviews during that time.
In almost felt as if, the poor agent was trying to sell the role to me. That should have been the first red flag.
They stressed more on availability and start times, when commitments like study, I said I'd be available 3 days a week. They outlined they would prefer FT workers, but casual positions require at least 4 full days in the office.
Mind you, this was also an "essential" service, meaning there was no WFH options, with training and completing the work.
The agent quickly went to the background check and said they'd provide me information and to send my application quickly.
I'd already read reviews here and in other platforms, and within a few days, I withdrew my application. I do not need to outline the horrors and the woeful pay from other reviewers, that was nowhere near my old career, salary or qualifications.
A few weeks later, the Department of Services gave me a capability interview and threatened to cut off my payments upon seeing I withdrew the application, as apparently "I had a good shot at it" and declining suitable employment was an offence.
I outlined my medical history, my declining mental state and noted how unprofessional and inappropriate it was to coerce struggling people to apply for work like this just to meet your quotas/get more funding for your services.
I ended up recommended a medical exemption for future payments, but fortunately ended up receiving a better job offer elsewhere soon after.
Beware of these tactics, and companies that have to sell the job to you, instead of valuing your qualifications and skills. There is such a high turnover rate, they will take anyone and pry on people's desperations and insecurities.
I feel for others who didn't have other options but I'm glad I stuck it out and avoided working here.
