About the role

Generalist Clinic Paralegal Volunteers support the Human Rights Law Program (HRLP) by working on client files and performing administrative duties that facilitate the operation of the Footscray-based legal clinic. In return, we provide an energetic and engaging workplace with ongoing training and development opportunities.

Program: Human Rights Law

The Human Rights Law Program is an accredited community legal center working within the ASRC 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

• Complete paralegal tasks that ensure the smooth operation of the Generalist Clinic, including booking client appointments, conducting follow-up phone calls and SMS, drafting correspondence, and creating accurate file notes.
• Under the supervision of the Clinic Coordinator, conduct short client appointments and communicate with clients via telephone and email.
• General administrative duties including filing and document preparation, photocopying, accurate record keeping, receiving and processing emails and post.
• Carry out legal research and provide memorandums of advice.
• Ensure the Footscray Clinic spreadsheet is up-to-date.
• Draft closure letters and complete closure checklists.
• Under the supervision of the Footscray Clinic Coordinator, complete tasks for clinic clients such as drafting correspondence, preparing basic appointments for FCC and AAT lodgement, and completing Department of Immigration and Border Protection forms.
• Under the supervision of the Footscray Clinic Coordinator, work directly with a clinic caseworker to complete client tasks such as drafting correspondence, attending appointments for FCC and AAT lodgement, and completing Department of Immigration and Border Protection forms with or on behalf of clients.
• Review files from the Clinic and liaise with ASRC Counselling and Casework teams regarding possible welfare concerns.

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, accept feedback, and implement 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 one-off 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 favorable, although not essential.

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. **

For more information email volunteer@asrc.org.au