About the role

The Temporary Visa Clinic, based out of the Refugee Resource Hub, Dandenong is set-up to assist people in applying for Subsequent Temporary Protection Visas and Bridging Visas. The Temporary Visa Clinic paralegals work on client files, preparing applications under the supervision of staff solicitors and migration agents and perform administrative duties to run these clinics. In return, we provide an energetic and engaging workplace with ongoing training and development opportunities.

The Human Rights Law Program is an accredited community legal centre working within the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre to provide free, expert immigration legal advice and representation to people seeking asylum. The Human Rights Law Program comprises a team of full-time solicitors and works with a large team of volunteers to deliver holistic and innovative legal services. The program also engages in community legal education, law reform, sector capacity building and advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support that enables the smooth operation of legal clinics for people seeking asylum, including booking clients into clinics. • Conduct client appointments and communicate with clients via telephone and email. • Prepare clients for interviews with the Department of Home Affairs. • Assist clients with the lodgment of applications. • Complete paralegal tasks for clinic clients such as drafting correspondence, taking accurate messages and completing forms. • General administrative support for the HRLP, including filing and photocopying, accurate record keeping, receiving and processing mail. • Conduct legal research and country information research and provide memorandums of advice

Accountability This role reports to the Supervising Solicitors / Principle Solicitor (legal taks) and the HRLP Volunteer Coordinator (general operations).

Location Refugee Resource Hub, Dandenong

Volunteer shifts This role requires a minimum commitment of 1 shift per week for 12 months. Shifts are available on Thursdays, 10am-5pm (Remote) Fridays, 10am-5pm (Onsite)

What we’re looking for ● Demonstrated interest in Refugee Law and commitment to protecting the rights of people seeking asylum. ● Ability to work in a culturally appropriate manner in line with ASRC values, and adherence to our responsibilities as a Community Legal Centre. ● Ability to take instructions and adjust work practices in accordance with constructive feedback. ● Flexible, collaborative attitude and ability to build strong relationships with our staff, volunteers, clients, suppliers and associates. ● Professional phone manner with high-level communication skills, including the confidence to liaise with a range of clients, staff, volunteers, associates and community members. ● Attention to detail, administrative and time management skills, and the capacity to handle ongoing and discrete tasks consistently and competently. ● Technical proficiency in Google and Microsoft systems, formatting documents, preparing letters and learning new systems. ● Previous experience in a legal office is favourable, although not essential.

Training & Requirements ● ASRC Volunteer Induction ● Volunteer Agreement ● Compliance with ASRC COVID-19 Vaccination Policy ● Police Check ● Working with Children Check ● On-site training and/or work for home checks ● Program Specific Training

About Us

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is both a place and a movement. We are an independent not-for-profit whose programs support and empower people seeking asylum to maximise their own physical, mental and social wellbeing. As a movement, we mobilise and unite communities to create lasting social and policy change for people seeking asylum in Australia. We are proud to be owned and run by our community of volunteers and supporters. We pride ourselves on living and breathing our values in all areas of our work – our values are who we are and guide how we operate.

The ASRC values are: ● Welcoming ● Authentic ● Collaborative ● Courageous

To apply for this role, you must complete the application form available on the ASRC website or click on the Apply button below.