Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get
to the ASRC?
to the ASRC?
The ASRC is located just off King Street near Flagstaff Gardens at 12 Batman Street, West Melbourne 3003. The easiest way to get to the centre is to take a train to Flagstaff and walk across the gardens to King Street. There are also a number of trams that stop near the centre. Please refer to the PT website for further public transport options.
What kind of
volunteer roles are available?
volunteer roles are available?
There are 25 different programs at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and we offer a large range of volunteer opportunities. Our volunteer roles are diverse and each requires different sets of skills, experience and availability. The Volunteer Information Evening is the best opportunity to talk to program coordinators about the requirements for specific roles.
I work fulltime,
can I still volunteer?
can I still volunteer?
As the ASRC primarily operates during business hours, the majority of our volunteering opportunities are during the day Monday to Friday. Volunteering opportunities do exist outside of business hours; however, these are more limited.
Can I choose which program
I volunteer in?
I volunteer in?
When you submit an application you can choose up to two programs to apply for. However, please note that this is not a guarantee of your volunteer role. The program you will be assigned to is based on your preferences, availability, qualifications/skills, and the needs of the ASRC.
What sorts of volunteers
is the ASRC looking for?
is the ASRC looking for?
At the ASRC, we are looking for volunteers who are:
- Reliable and deeply committed to the welfare of asylum seekers and the values of the ASRC
- Prepared to volunteer with the ASRC for a minimum period of 12 months (time off due to holidays, study requirements etc. not to exceed 3 months)
- Prepared to sign the ASRC Volunteer Agreement
- Willing to apply for a Police Check at your own expense ($13.50)
- Prepared to undertake the ASRC Volunteer Induction Program – this is a four-hour training session
- Able and prepared to undertake 'program specific training' if necessary.
- Reliable and deeply committed to the welfare of asylum seekers and the values of the ASRC
- Prepared to volunteer with the ASRC for a minimum period of 12 months (time off due to holidays, study requirements etc. not to exceed 3 months)
- Prepared to sign the ASRC Volunteer Agreement
- Willing to apply for a Police Check at your own expense ($13.50)
- Prepared to undertake the ASRC Volunteer Induction Program – this is a four-hour training session
- Able and prepared to undertake 'program specific training' if necessary.
Note: Some programs will require you to undertake program specific training, whilst training for other programs will be provided 'on the job'.
How do I
become a volunteer?
become a volunteer?
1. Attend a Volunteer Information Evening (after which you will go on our Volunteer Register)
2. Submit an application for a role that suits your skills, experience and availability
3. Undertake an interview
4. If successful, attend volunteer induction training and undergo a police check
5. Start volunteering!
2. Submit an application for a role that suits your skills, experience and availability
3. Undertake an interview
4. If successful, attend volunteer induction training and undergo a police check
5. Start volunteering!
How often does the
ASRC take new volunteers?
ASRC take new volunteers?
We hold four Volunteer Information Evenings per year; however, we do monthly intakes of new volunteers. Once you attend the Information Evening and are on our Volunteer Register you will hear from us once a month with our current volunteer roles.
What should I bring to the Information Evening/Induction Nights?
Entry to the Volunteer Information Evening is by a financial donation (e.g. gold coin), material items such as phone cards or gift cards, or food items for asylum seekers.
What if I can't make it
to the Information Evening/Induction Nights?
to the Information Evening/Induction Nights?
Attendance at an information evening is an important step in becoming a volunteer. Occasionally we do advertise for specific roles on our website, or on Go Volunteer. New volunteers are required to attend the induction training prior to starting in their role.
I don't really know a lot about asylum seekers,
is this a problem?
is this a problem?
You don't need to be an expert on asylum seeker issues, however a strong interest and commitment is required. You will have ample opportunity to learn more about asylum seekers and the work of the ASRC at the information evening and induction sessions.
I want to volunteer,
but only for a short time, can I do this?
but only for a short time, can I do this?
We require that all prospective volunteers are able to commit to 12 months with the ASRC. Not only does this ensure efficient use of ASRC resources dedicated to training of new volunteers, it is also important for the benefit of asylum seekers that ASRC programs operate with continuity and stability.
How many hours a week
does volunteering require?
does volunteering require?
How many hours that you are required to volunteer each week will depend upon the program in which you are placed. Generally, we ask that volunteers are available for one day each week from 10am till 5pm. However, some programs operate on a fortnightly roster or with half day shifts. Other programs such as our Home English Tutoring and Mentoring Programs are much more flexible. You will have further opportunity to discuss this with individual Program Coordinators at a Volunteer Information Evening.
I have a Working With Children Check,
do I still need to submit a police check?
do I still need to submit a police check?
Yes, although you have a Working With Children Check, you must still submit a Police Check before you can begin volunteering with the ASRC.
I am under 18 or over 80.
Can I volunteer?
Can I volunteer?
Unfortunately, we are not in a position to get insurance coverage for volunteers who are under the age of 18 or over the age of 80, therefore are not able to take on new volunteers in these age groups.
Where
are the volunteer roles based?
are the volunteer roles based?
The majority of our volunteer roles are based at our office – 12 Batman St, West Melbourne – but some positions such as Home English Tutoring or Mentoring are done offsite, at a location that suits the asylum seeker and volunteer. We are also opening an office in Dandenong in 2013, which will be providing employment services and some ESL Classes to asylum seekers in that area.
How long does the recruitment
and selection process take?
and selection process take?
Once you've attended a Volunteer Information Evening and are on our Volunteer Register you can apply for roles through our monthly intakes. Generally it takes around 6-8 weeks from the time you apply for a volunteer position to starting in that role. This process and timeline includes advertising roles, accepting applications, shortlisting applications, conducting interviews, induction training & checks and program-specific training. We take selection of volunteers seriously for two reasons:
1. For you. To make sure that you get to use your skills and experience while learning new things, and to make sure that your experience is satisfying and positive.
2. For our members – it means that we will be providing the best services and support to asylum seekers, which ultimately is why we are all at the ASRC.
1. For you. To make sure that you get to use your skills and experience while learning new things, and to make sure that your experience is satisfying and positive.
2. For our members – it means that we will be providing the best services and support to asylum seekers, which ultimately is why we are all at the ASRC.