This project discusses the measurement of results of the HAF labor market integration. So far, HAF has predominantly used the job placement rate as the criterion to measure “success” and results. 

However, this rate only insufficiently represents the core processes of social services at HAF (support, networks, quality of life, social/inclusive effects and empowerment, etc.) or ignores them entirely – in particular when it comes to integration work of persons affected by complex and multiple problem situations and long-term unemployment. 

For these persons, “job placement” is often only possible following a long journey. But were these many years of work before the final job placement “unsuccessful”, or is it possible to find criteria for them? This would allow for a clearer illustration of the efforts of those involved, in other words, also the social services at HAF. This, in turn, could also be relevant when it comes to justifying this work in front of the contracting organizations.

In addition, research results could also contribute to the discourse on the “effectiveness and efficiency of social services”. 

This project aims to develop such alternative “success” criteria and review their feasibility. To do this, it uses practice examples, current literature, available figures on and possible interviews with those involved (clients, experts, contracting organizations, Austrian Public Employment Service – AMS).