About the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
Founded in 2001, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is Australia’s largest human rights organisation providing support to people seeking asylum. We are an independent, values-driven, not-for-profit organisation whose programs support and empower people seeking asylum to maximise their own physical, mental and social well being. We champion the rights of people seeking asylum and mobilise a community of compassion to create lasting social and policy change.
The ASRC movement is proudly supported by a community of committed volunteers and supporters who embrace the organisation’s vision that people seeking asylum can live safely, sustainably, independently and equally.
About The Role (Part-Time, 0.8 FTE)
We are seeking a compassionate, highly organised, and resilient Senior Paralegal to play a vital leadership role in our Legal Triage Program.
As the first point of contact for people presenting to the HRLP, you will guide individuals through the initial intake process with dignity, empathy, and respect. Working closely with Associate and supervising solicitors, you will help coordinate our triage space, lead client intake appointments, draft essential migration documents, and play a key role in supervising and mentoring our dedicated team of legal volunteers and support paralegals.
Key Responsibilities
- Triage & Intake Coordination: Conduct initial intake appointments with clients, obtain comprehensive legal instructions, gather documentation, and perform preliminary triaging to escalate urgent legal matters to lawyers.
- Legal Support & Casework: Under supervision, prepare and lodge Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, draft basic migration forms, and assist in providing clear, plain-English legal pathways to vulnerable clients.
- Triage Leadership & Volunteer Supervision: Assist in coordinating the day-to-day operations of the intake and triage space, providing direct support, training, and mentorship to volunteer paralegals and legal students.
- File & Data Management: Maintain precise database records, manage client files, and support innovative, efficient record-keeping practices.
- Service Development: Work collaboratively with the triage senior leadership team to co-design, implement, and continuously review our human rights-based intake model.
About You
- Solid Paralegal Experience: A formal paralegal qualification OR a minimum of 3 years’ experience working as a paralegal within an Australian legal practice.
- Client-Centric Communication: Outstanding interpersonal skills with a proven capacity to engage sensitively and effectively with vulnerable people or individuals in crisis.
- High-Volume Coordination: Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to adapt, remain calm, and multitask in a fast-paced, high-volume frontline legal environment.
- Professional Ethics: A thorough understanding of legal professional privileges, ethical boundaries, client confidentiality, and conflicts of interest.
- Leadership & Mentorship: Demonstrated ability or willingness to guide, coach, and support volunteers and junior paralegal staff.
- Advocacy Mindset: Working knowledge of the Australian immigration system, visa categories, and the systemic barriers faced by people seeking asylum in Australia.
Employee Benefits
We recognise and appreciate our incredible staff for their contribution, dedication and passion to support and empower people seeking asylum by providing the following conditions above the relevant modern award.
- Annual Leave Loading of 17.5%
- Additional discretionary leave provisions
- Free onsite car and bicycle parking
- Salary packaging (up to $15,900 per year tax free)
- Entertainment Packaging (up to $2,650 per year tax free)
- Discounts via HR systems provider at grocery and retail outlets
- Close proximity to public transport (100 metres from Footscray Station and buses)
Position Description
Please find the Position Description here to address the Selection Criteria: https://asrc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PD-Senior-Paralegal.pdf
Application Process
Only applications that include a CV and cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria, will be considered.
Applications close 11:59pm Tuesday 4th August 2026
Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and this position may close earlier than the advertised date. We encourage you to submit your application early.
All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check, and provision of a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement. 