Employment Support
Who may be able to access the service?
The ASRC knows that many people seeking asylum are in crisis because they do not have the right to work or access to mainstream social services in Australia. While we aim to support as many people as possible, the level of need we see always exceeds the resources we have available as a community organisation. We therefore prioritise those who face the biggest barriers to accessing their right to employment, and provide equitable access to as many people as we can. We continue to advocate for a broader safety net for people seeking asylum.
Our employment service is open to people seeking asylum on Bridging Visas with work rights. It is also open to people seeking asylum who do not currently have the right to work, but who would like to explore how to apply for work rights, where possible.
Who MAY be able to access this service | Who will NOT be able to access this service* |
|---|---|
| A person seeking asylum holding a Bridging Visa | Not seeking asylum or refugees |
| Currently unemployed, not working enough hours, or wanting a new job that uses your professional skills | We do not prioritise people who are already working full-time in a suitable role, or who are looking for a second job |
| Level 2 English and above | If you have English below this level, we can help you to access English classes in your local area, or limited pre-employment English support at the ASRC if other options are not available to you |
| Aged 18 and over | Under 18 |
| Living in the Melbourne Metropolitan Area | Not living in the Melbourne Metropolitan Area. If you live in regional Victoria, please see the links below for Jobs Victoria services in your local area. |
* If this is you, you may be able to access other services listed here
What does this service offer?
Our employment service works alongside our other Vocational and Empowerment Pathways services to support people seeking asylum to develop their skills and make progress toward their goals in education, work and life.
We also support people seeking asylum who do not currently have the right to work or study, but who would like to explore how to apply for those rights, or consider other ways to use their skills to participate in the community.
The program supports people seeking asylum and refugees to:
- Understand their employment rights and conditions in Australia
- Identify their preferred type of work, and understand how their past skills and experience can help them find a suitable job in Australia
- Develop work readiness plans that reflect their existing skills and interests, and provide support for challenges
- Prepare tailored resumes and job applications
- Understand effective ways to look for work and feel more confident at job interviews
How to access the service?
Please call 03 9326 6066 (Footscray) or (03) 8772 1380 (Dandenong), or come into one of our Centres during our opening hours (see below), and our team can discuss your circumstances and the choices available to you.
Call or drop in to Refugee Resource Hub Dandenong during business hours to make an appointment ahead of time.
Opening hours
Service hours may vary depending on staff capacity but these are the days and times we are open (excluding public holidays). Please note, the service is paused during lunchtimes on the open days.
ASRC Footscray
Level 2, 214-218 Nicholson St. Footscray
Monday: 10.00am to 3.30pm
Tuesday: 10.00am to 3.30pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10.00am to 3.30pm
Friday: 10.00am to 3.30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
ASRC Refugee Resource Hub Dandenong
205 Thomas St. Dandenong
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10.00am to 2.00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10.00am to 2.00pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
What you need to provide:
- Signed consent form including agreeing to ASRC’s Rights and Responsibilities agreement (completed with a worker at the ASRC)
- Visa document and, where needed, consent to confirm your visa status
What we use this for:
- Consent to access services in line with ASRC’s relevant policies and procedures
- Confirm Visa status and right to work and study
What other services could I try?
Other Employment Services
Services: Jobs Victoria provides personal support for people who face challenges finding work. The service offers help with applications, interviews, training or changing careers.
Find your nearest Jobs Victoria Employment Service via the links below:
Web: https://jobs.vic.gov.au/help-for-jobseekers/find-support-in-your-local-area
Web: https://jobs.vic.gov.au/help-for-jobseekers/personalised-support/advocates
You can also call the Jobs Victoria Hotline on 1300 208 575, 9 am-5 pm, Monday to Friday.
Connect with us
Need help from the ASRC? Call 03 9326 6066 (Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm) to book an appointment.