VRASS operates as an emergency relief agency, providing assistance to asylum-seekers and refugees. The assistance provided takes the form of food vouchers, clothing vouchers, and payments towards rent, living costs and utility accounts. The Service also acts as an advocate in whatever capacity is required. It operates in a non-judgmental manner according to the principles of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, promoting respect, advocacy and compassion. VRASS also tries to give people a ‘hand-up’ and offers a number of other free services:

• Migration lawyer working with people seeking asylum
• Financial and budget counselling
• English language classes
• Jobs and training help
• Regular eye clinics
• Regular dental clinics

Essential to this position:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Experience with record-keeping including data bases and data extraction
• An understanding of and capacity to relate to people from a diverse range of social and cultural backgrounds, including those with complex needs
• a commitment to treating everyone with fairness and respect

Highly valued:

• Knowledge and experience in the asylum seeker/refugee sector
• Case work experience
• Ability to speak Farsi, Dari or Urdu