1. Submit an application via our website for a role that suits your skills, experience and availability

2. If shortlisted, you’ll proceed to an interview

3. If successful, you’ll need to complete the online ASRC Volunteer Induction, sign the Volunteer Agreement and undergo both a Police Check and Working with Children check

4. Start volunteering!

The ASRC offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities across all of our programs. Whether you are a practicing lawyer or a registered nurse looking to share your specialist skills or someone who is looking to provide more generalised help with our administrative work or help out in our Foodbank – the opportunities to volunteer with the ASRC are diverse and always changing. Available roles are advertised every two months.

Generally, we prefer volunteers to commit to 12 months with the ASRC. Not only does this ensure efficient use of ASRC resources dedicated to training of new volunteers, it is also the foundation for program continuity and best service provision for people seeking asylum.
We do, however, occasionally advertise short term volunteer opportunities. Please read the Volunteer Position Descriptions for further information about the minimum time commitment required for individual roles.

Generally we ask that volunteers are available for one day each week from 10 am till 5 pm. However, some programs operate on a fortnightly roster, in the evening or with half day shifts. Other programs are more flexible. You will have further opportunity to discuss this at your interview, or it will be indicated in the Volunteer Position Description.

As the ASRC primarily operates during business hours, most of our volunteering opportunities are during the day Monday to Friday. However some services operate on Wednesday evenings at our Footscray Office, and some roles may be able to be performed out of hours. Please check the Volunteer Position Description for details of hours required. .

When you submit an application you can choose which of the available volunteer roles you wish to apply for based on your preference, availability and qualifications/skills. Successful candidates are chosen based upon careful comparison of the demands of the position with the abilities and skills of each candidate.

We’re currently working on new ways for your organisation and employees to volunteer with the ASRC. Access to our new Corporate Volunteering program is just one of the many benefits of being a corporate partner, and the program will offer unique volunteering opportunities while also supporting and empowering people seeking asylum in our community.

To learn more about how your business or organisation can benefit from a partnership with the ASRC, please click here.

We offer a limited number of student placement opportunities at the ASRC. All expressions of interest in student placement need to be made via this form. This form is to express interest in doing a student placement with ASRC, and is not an application or confirmation of a placement. Placement opportunities will depend entirely on staffing and needs of ASRC.

We will share the details with programs at the ASRC. If a program is interested in taking you on as a student placement you will hear from that program and if successful the onboarding process will begin. If you have further questions about student placements at the ASRC please email volunteer@asrc.org.au

Our Human Rights Law Program (HRLP) offers a robust work experience program for students undertaking their Practical Legal Training (PLT). Approved students must commit to volunteering for 2–3 days per week for a minimum of 60 days if they are not a current volunteer. Shorter PLT placements may be negotiable only for current volunteers in the HRLP program.

Other types of formal Student Placements, such as for paralegal roles to fulfil undergraduate credits, may be available for shorter periods if program capacity permits. Students must commit to 2-3 days per week for the duration of their placement. Please note that the HRLP will not retrospectively approve volunteering hours toward a PLT placement, university credits, or other student placement accreditation. To apply to undertake your PLT or student placement with the HRLP, please send a cover letter and CV together with your institution’s requirements to hrlpvolunteer@asrc.org.au

From the time volunteer applications close, it generally takes several weeks to process the applications, shortlist and organise interviews. If you are subsequently offered a role, it generally takes another 2-3 weeks to complete all of your background checks and induction so that you’re able to start.

We take selection processes for volunteers seriously for two reasons:
1. To ensure we properly match and prepare you for your role.
2. To ensure we provide the best services possible for people seeking asylum.

The majority of our volunteer roles are based at our centres in Footscray and Dandenong (opening mid 2021). Remote volunteer opportunities are also occasionally available, and this will be specified in the Position Description. We also run Community Organising programs in Sydney and Brisbane (limited roles available).

At the ASRC, we are looking for volunteers who are:
– Reliable and deeply committed to the welfare of asylum seekers and the values and mission of the ASRC
– Prepared to sign the ASRC Volunteer Agreement
– Complete a Police Check at your own expense and Working with Children check (free of charge for volunteers)
– Undertake the ASRC Volunteer Induction Program
– Able and prepared to undertake ‘program specific training’ where required
– Able to commit for the minimum time requirement

You don’t need to be an expert on the issues facing people seeking asylum, however a strong interest and commitment is required. You will have ample opportunity to learn more about people seeking asylum and the work of the ASRC during your induction, and as part of your volunteer role.

ASRC policy requires all staff and volunteers to have both a Working with Children check and a Police Check before commencing in their role.

All volunteers need to be at least 18 years of age. The ASRC is unable to offer school-based work experience placements.

The ASRC’s Footscray centre is located at 214-218 Nicholson Street, Footscray. The easiest way to get to the Centre is to take a train to Footscray Station and walk from there. There are also a number of buses that stop near the Centre. Please refer to the PT website for further public transport options. Car parking is limited. The ASRC’s Dandenong Hub is opening in 2021 and is located at 205 Thomas Street, Dandenong.

Please send us an email at volunteer@asrc.org.au and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.