Frequently Asked Questions

1. Submit an application via our website for a role that suits your skills, experience and availability
2. If shortlisted, attend an interview
3. If successful, complete the Volunteer Induction, sign the volunteer agreement and undergo a Police Check and Working with Children check.
4. Start volunteering!

We offer a large range of volunteer opportunities across our programs. Volunteer roles are diverse and each requires different sets of skills, experience and availability. A Volunteer Information Evening provides an opportunity to talk to Program Managers about the requirements for specific roles.

Yes, you can submit your expression of interest here.

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 important for the benefit of people seeking asylum that ASRC programs operate with continuity and stability.

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 or with half day shifts. Other programs are more flexible. You will have further opportunity to discuss this with individual Program Managers at Information Evenings and/or interview.

As the ASRC primarily operates during business hours, the majority of our volunteering opportunities are during the day Monday to Friday. However some services operate on Wednesday evenings at our Footscray Office, and some other roles may be possible to do outside of hours.

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.

From the time volunteer applications close, it generally takes a few 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 of volunteers seriously for two reasons:
1. To ensure we match you and prepare you for your role.
2. To ensure we provide the best services possible for people seeking asylum.

We advertise new roles via our website every 6-8 weeks.

Attendance at an Information Evening is a great way to learn more about volunteering at the ASRC, but you don’t have to attend an Information Evening to be eligible to volunteer with us. You can apply for any advertised volunteer opportunities directly via our website.

The majority of our volunteer roles are based at our offices in Footscray and Dandenong. Offsite and remote volunteer opportunities are also occasionally available, and this will be specified in the Position Description if it is a possibility.

At the ASRC, we are looking for volunteers who are:
– Reliable and deeply committed to the welfare of asylum seekers and the values 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’ if necessary.

You don’t need to be an expert on asylum seeker issues, 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 at the Information Evening and education sessions.

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

Unfortunately 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 office is located a short walk south from Irving Street at 214-218 Nicholson Street, Footscray 3011. 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 office is located at 179 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, just a short distance from Dandenong Station (on the Foster St side).

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