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:

The Detention Advocacy Casework Coordinator, a Fixed-Term (6 months) role, plays a vital role in providing direct casework and advocacy for people seeking asylum & refugees in detention. This position involves supporting clients through their legal and detention processes, ensuring they receive the full range of services and protections they are entitled to.

The role will work closely with the Detention Casework Policy Lead, who will provide supervision, guidance on complex cases, and regular debriefing. This role will also ensure consistency in case management, uphold high standards of documentation, and maintain effective service delivery. Through these efforts, the Detention Advocacy & Casework Coordinator will support the ASRC’s mission to drive systemic change in asylum and refugee policy.

Key Accountabilities:

• Provide casework support and advocacy for people seeking asylum and refugees detained both onshore in Australia and offshore in Nauru and Papua New Guinea, in collaboration with the Detention Casework Policy Lead and volunteers.
• Deliver complex casework for high-risk refugees, including suicide risk assessments, critical incident intervention, and welfare checks as required.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date case notes, data collection, documentation, and client files.
• Build and maintain strong networks with key stakeholders, including organizations and refugee advocates across Australia.
• Support de-escalation of client incidents, assist vulnerable clients across other ASRC teams, and participate in the client incident responder roster.
• Assist in volunteer management, including training, mentoring, supervising, and providing case consultation.
• Contribute to advocacy initiatives, document human rights abuses, manage a caseload of clients, and participate in professional development activities.

Essential Skills, Experience & Qualifications:

• Qualification: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related discipline.
• Advocacy Experience: Extensive knowledge and proven experience advocating for the rights of people seeking asylum, particularly those in immigration detention or other vulnerable people.
• Casework Expertise: Demonstrated experience in managing complex casework with vulnerable populations.
• Crisis Management: Proven experience in suicide intervention and critical incident management.
• Sector Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the refugee sector and migration processes for people seeking asylum.
• Time Management & Prioritization: Exceptional time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in an under-resourced and often high-pressure environment.
• Resilience & Conflict Management: Demonstrated resilience, resourcefulness, and excellent crisis and conflict management skills in similar work settings.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Apps.

Desirable:

• Lived experience of seeking asylum
• Bi-lingual or multi-lingual (including proficiency in English and identified community languages)

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)

Application Process

Only applications that include a CV and cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria, will be considered.

Applications will be assessed as they come in and job ad may close earlier if role is filled.

Please review the position description: Detention-Advocacy-Casework-Coordinator.pdf.

Please contact Priyanka if you have any questions on 0370688158.

All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and provision of a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement.