Employment Support
Who may be able to access the service?
The ASRC acknowledges that many people seeking asylum experience crises due to not having the right to work or access mainstream social services in Australia. While our goal is to assist as many people as we can, the demand for support consistently surpasses our available resources as a community organisation. Consequently, we prioritise individuals facing significant barriers to accessing employment rights and strive to ensure equitable access for as many people as possible. We remain committed to advocating for a broader safety net for people seeking asylum.
Our employment service is available to people seeking asylum on Bridging Visas with work rights. Additionally, it is open to people seeking asylum who do not currently have the right to work but are interested in exploring avenues to obtain work rights, whenever feasible.
Who MAY be able to access this service | Who will NOT be able to access this service* |
|---|---|
| A person seeking asylum holding a Bridging Visa | Not seeking asylum or refugees |
| Currently unemployed, not working enough hours, or wanting a new job that uses your professional skills | We do not prioritise people who are already working full-time in a suitable role, or who are looking for a second job |
| Level 2 English and above | If you have English below this level, we can help you to access English classes in your local area, or limited pre-employment English support at the ASRC if other options are not available to you |
| Aged 18 and over | Under 18 |
| Living in the Melbourne Metropolitan Area | Not living in the Melbourne Metropolitan Area. If you live in regional Victoria, please see the links below for Jobs Victoria services in your local area. |
* If this is you, you may be able to access other services listed here
What does this service offer?
Our employment service works alongside our other Vocational and Empowerment Pathways services, aiming to assist people seeking asylum in enhancing their skills and advancing toward educational, professional, and personal goals.
We also provide support to those without current work or study rights who wish to explore avenues to obtain those rights or seek alternative ways to utilise their skills within the community.
- Understanding their employment rights and conditions in Australia
- Identifying their preferred types of work, and recognising how their past skills and experience can aid them in securing suitable employment in Australia
- Developing personlised work readiness plans that align with their existing skills and interests while offering assistance for overcoming challenges
- Crafting tailored resumes and job applications
- Learning effective strategies for job searching and gaining confidence for job interviews
How to access the service?
If you are an existing ASRC client, please call Ph. 03 9274 9815 (Footscray) or Ph. 03 7068 8156 (Dandenong) to speak to an employment team member. If you are new to ASRC please call Ph.03 9326 6066 (Footscray) or (03) 8772 1380 (Dandenong), or come into one of our Centres during our opening hours (see below), to discuss your circumstances and the choices available to you.
Opening hours
The Employment program is not staffed full time, so service hours may vary depending on when staff are available. The ASRC however is open most days, see opening hours below (excluding public holidays). Please note, that the service is paused during lunchtimes on the open days.
ASRC Footscray
Level 2, 214-218 Nicholson St. Footscray
Monday: 10.30 am to 4.00 pm
Tuesday: 10.30 am to 4.00 pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10.30 am to 4.00 pm
Friday: 10.30 am to 4.00 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
ASRC Refugee Resource Hub Dandenong
205 Thomas St. Dandenong
Monday: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
Tuesday: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
What you need to provide:
- Signed consent form including agreeing to ASRC’s Rights and Responsibilities agreement (completed with a worker at the ASRC)
- Visa document and, where needed, consent to confirm your visa status
What we use this for:
- Consent to access services in line with ASRC’s relevant policies and procedures
- Confirm Visa status and right to work and study
What other services could I try?
Other Employment Services
Services: Jobs Victoria provides personal support for people who face challenges finding work. The service offers help with applications, interviews, training, or changing careers.
Find your nearest Jobs Victoria Employment Service via the links below:
Web: https://jobs.vic.gov.au/help-for-jobseekers/personalised-support
Call the Jobs Victoria Hotline on 1300 208 575, 9 am-5 pm, Monday to Friday.
Connect with us
Need help from the ASRC? Call 03 9326 6066 or visit us: Mon-Tue-Thur-Fri 10am -5pm. Closed on Wednesdays.