About Us:
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 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.
We are a values-driven organisation that strives to be part of a change movement that supports people seeking asylum by providing critical services such as assistance with accommodation, food, medical and legal services.
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 (2 vacancies at 0.4 FTE):
As a Paralegal in the Human Rights Law Program, you will serve as the crucial first point of contact for refugees and people seeking asylum presenting to the ASRC for legal assistance.
Working closely with supervising solicitors and Associate Lawyers within our Legal Triage space, you will welcome clients, gather initial instructions, perform preliminary legal triaging, lodge Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and support client document management. You will also play an integral role in supporting and mentoring our dedicated network of legal volunteers.
Key Accountabilities:
- First Point of Contact & Intake: Greet clients with empathy and dignity, obtain comprehensive initial instructions, and collect relevant legal and migration documentation.
- Legal Triage: Undertake preliminary triaging of incoming legal requests, identifying urgent issues and escalating matters appropriately to supervising lawyers.
- Legal Support & Drafting: Prepare and lodge Freedom of Information (FOI) applications, assist with drafting basic migration forms, and explain complex legal processes in clear, plain English.
- File & Data Management: Maintain accurate digital client files, manage confidential documentation, and report on emerging trends and systemic issues within the triage pipeline.
- Volunteer Support: Mentor, guide, and support legal volunteers and placement students operating within the triage environment.
- Collaboration: Foster strong working relationships within the Human Rights Law Program, the broader Rapid Response Team, and external community legal partners.
About You:
To succeed in this role, you bring a high degree of empathy, strong administrative rigor, and the resilience required to support individuals navigating complex legal and social barriers.
Essential Criteria:
- Qualifications/Experience: A relevant paralegal qualification OR a minimum of 3 years’ experience as a paralegal in an Australian legal practice (community legal sector experience is highly regarded).
- Legal & Ethical Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of legal professional duties, client confidentiality, and conflict of interest management.
- Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional communication skills with a proven ability to engage respectfully and compassionately with culturally diverse and vulnerable individuals.
- Organization & Adaptability: Outstanding organizational skills with the ability to manage high-volume workflows and adapt in a dynamic environment.
- Communication: Excellent written English skills, with the ability to translate legal concepts into accessible, plain English.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and digital legal database systems.
- Values Alignment: A strong commitment to human rights, social justice, and the core values of the ASRC (Welcoming, Authentic, Courageous, Collaborative).
Employee Benefits:
Joining the ASRC means being a part of the largest human rights organisation in Australia, supporting refugees and people seeking asylum. 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:
- We do have a 60% in-office approach to building our team cohesion.
- Annual Leave Loading of 17.5%
- Additional discretionary leave provisions including:
- Leave for Cultural or Religiously Significant Events
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Leave
- Leave for Staff Seeking Asylum
- Gender Affirmation Leave
- Regular community lunch
- 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
Application Process
Only applications that include a CV and cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria, will be considered. If your application does not include a cover letter it will not be considered.
Applications close Tuesday 8 September at 11:59pm.
Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately, and the position may close earlier than stated if we have found suitable candidates.
All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and provision of a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement.
Our Commitment to You: ASRC Candidate Care Statement
At the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, we believe in recruiting through the lens of our core values, ensuring every interaction and decision reflects the principles that define our culture.
What you can expect from our process:
- Welcome: We champion inclusion and encourage applications from all backgrounds, especially those with lived experience of seeking asylum. Please tell us if you need any accessibility adjustments.
- Authentic: We commit to a transparent and fair process, providing clear timelines and constructive feedback if you are interviewed.
- Courageous: We make objective hiring decisions based purely on merit and mission alignment, ensuring fairness and equity for every candidate.
- Collaborative: We value your time. We commit to timely, respectful communication and keeping you informed about the status of your application.
Thank you for your interest in joining the ASRC. We look forward to connecting with you. 