Becoming a Volunteer
The following is an overview of the steps to becoming a volunteer:
- Attend a volunteer information evening, after which you will go on to our Volunteer Register.
- Once you are on our Volunteer Register you will receive monthly emails from the ASRC notifying you of available volunteer opportunities.
- Submit an application.
- Applications are shortlisted.
- Attend an interview with Program Coordinator (this may be an individual or group interview).
- If you are successful in getting a position you will need to attend general Volunteer Induction Training, complete a police check and sign a volunteer agreement.
- Attend Program Specific Training (for some programs).
- Start Volunteering!
1. Attend a Volunteer Information Evening
Individuals interested in becoming a volunteer must first attend an ASRC Volunteer Information Evening. At the Information Evening you will have the opportunity to learn more about the ASRC and how it operates, speak with Program Coordinators about volunteer opportunities available and find out other ways in which you can contribute.
For details of the next Volunteer Information Evening, click here.
2. Go on to our Volunteer Register & receive monthly emails outlining available volunteer roles
If you sign in at the Information Evening you will go on to our Volunteer Register. Once you're on the Register you will get an email from us once a month that lists all of the roles we have open and the position descriptions for these roles. Your name will stay on the Register for 12 months, after which time we will contact you to check if you wish to remain on the Register or not.
3. Submit an application
When you see a role that matches your interests, skills and availability you can submit an application, which will include an online application form, a CV and a cover letter. You can apply for up to two programs at one time.
4. Shortlisting of applications
After the closing date all applications will be reviewed by the Volunteer Support Program and then passed on to the relevant Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator will decide whether you will progress to an interview, based on whether your skills, experience, qualifications and availability outlined in your application match the requirements of the role.
5. Interview with Program Coordinator
All shortlisted applicants are required to go through some form of interview, although this varies by program and role. Some interviews will be over the phone, others will be done by a panel, and others may be group interviews. The interview is an opportunity for the program coordinator to assess your suitability for the role, and for you to assess whether the role is right for you.
6. Volunteer Induction Training & Police Check
If you are successful in getting a volunteer position you will need to attend Volunteer Induction Training. This training is compulsory for all new volunteers, regardless of the program that you are volunteering in. It's an important opportunity to learn more about issues facing asylum seekers in Australia, how the ASRC operates and what are your rights and responsibilities as a volunteer. This training is a four-hour session held once a month, alternating between business hours sessions and outside business hours sessions. You will also be required to undertake a police check at your own expense of $13.50. Alternatively, if you have a police check issued within the last 12 months this will be accepted.
7. Program-specific training
Some programs have additional training that new volunteers are required to undertake prior to starting in their role. Other programs teach volunteers 'on-the-job'.
8. Start volunteering!
Once you have completed the above, your start date will be negotiated between you and your program coordinator. At the ASRC we do require volunteers to commit to 12 months to ensure continuity of support for our members.
