Registered Nurse Volunteer
Organisational context
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is a leading advocacy organisation for people seeking asylum in Australia. We are a values-driven organisation that strives to be part of a movement that helps people seeking asylum by providing direct services such as assistance with accommodation, food, case coordination, employment, empowerment, education and legal services. We campaign and lobby with our sector to drive law reform and policy change.
At the heart of the ASRC strategy is the people we serve, and our commitment to ensuring that their voices of lived experience are embedded in all that we do. The ASRC exists for refugees and asylum seekers, and we are in the service of this community of people. It’s important that our work and focus is led by what this community needs, expects and wants from us.
About the Program: Health
The ASRC Health Program is a nurse-led service comprising seven nurses and one bicultural worker. The program is supported by a voluntary workforce of more than 50 healthcare professionals, including GPs, nurses and a multidisciplinary mental health team comprising mental health nurses, psychiatrists, counsellors, art therapists and trauma-informed yoga instructors.
The allied health team provides physiotherapy, osteopathy, acupuncture, dietetics and podiatry services. The Health Program offers refugee health assessments, triage and care coordination, as well as catch-up immunisations, pathology collection, diabetes management and health promotion. Financial assistance is also provided to support access to prescription medications.
People seeking asylum often require multidisciplinary care coordination to address complex and ongoing health needs. Many people accessing the service have little or no income and are on visas that restrict their access to employment and Medicare. As a result, the cost of pharmaceuticals and allied health services can be prohibitive, creating significant barriers to accessing essential healthcare.
Position Purpose
As a Registered Nurse working in a small team, you will provide high-quality health care in the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Health Program with care, commitment and in line with the values of the ASRC.
Key Responsibilities
● Support the delivery of primary health care services, including GP, allied health, immunisation, eye care and pharmacy programs.
● Provide care in line with ASRC Health Program policies, procedures and the relevant Nursing Code of Practice.
● Work collaboratively with health program volunteers in assessing, implementing and evaluating member care.
● Communicate with and refer members to external health services and agencies supporting refugees and people seeking asylum.
● Deliver health promotion, information, advice, advocacy and general support in partnership with the health program team.
● Maintain accurate and timely documentation of member health care and interactions.
● Prepare clinic spaces, manage stock and equipment and support safe, well‑organised clinical environments.
● Contribute to program development through participation in evaluations, feedback processes and ongoing quality improvement.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
● Division 1 Nursing qualifications
● General AHPRA Registration
● Knowledge of and commitment to the principles of primary health and health promotion
● Experience working with people from culturally diverse backgrounds in an appropriate and sensitive manner, with an awareness of trauma-informed care
● Demonstrated skills and experience in the delivery of quality health care services in a community setting
● Ability to work collaboratively
● High-level communication skills and the ability to work autonomously within a multi-disciplinary team
● Commitment to the principles of continuous quality improvement.
● Commitment to the rights of people seeking asylum and ASRC values (Collaboration, Welcome, Courage, Authenticity)
● Reliability and willingness to commit to agreed volunteer hours
Desirable:
● Prior experience in a similar role
● Lived experience as a person seeking asylum, or from a refugee background
● Knowledge of the policy context of practice with asylum seekers visa categories/conditions, and the barriers faced by people seeking asylum in Australia
The ASRC values lived experience, passion and commitment to justice and human rights for people seeking asylum over formal qualifications. You are encouraged to apply even if you do not meet every criterion.