Social Services Coordinator (Part-Time, Fixed-Term)

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 42,000 - 56,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave loading 17.5%

Discretionary leave

Onsite parking

Salary packaging

Entertainment packaging

Staff discounts

Public transport nearby

Job summary

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in Melbourne is seeking a part-time Social Services Coordinator (0.6 FTE) for a 12-month fixed-term contract. You will deliver information, referrals, and short- to medium-term service coordination to clients within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.

Working with the Client Engagement Team, you will conduct psychosocial assessments, coordinate housing-related services, and support staff and volunteers while promoting client independence and long-term

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Social Work or related discipline.
• Experience coordinating services for people seeking asylum or with complex needs.
• Ability to undertake intake and psychosocial assessments in a busy setting.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration with multidisciplinary staff.
• Knowledge of asylum policy contexts and trauma-informed practice.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise volunteers or students is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Holistic service delivery with client-centred trauma-informed support.
• Provide information and referrals to access relevant services.
• Coordinate short- to medium-term services, including housing support.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments and tailor services to client needs.
• Collaborate with the Client Engagement Team for integrated support.
• Track referrals and follow up to ensure service delivery.
• Assist with crisis de-escalation and support vulnerable clients.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Cultural competency

Trauma awareness

Crisis management

Volunteer supervision

Client engagement

Education

Tertiary qualification in Social Work

Job description

About the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

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, values-driven, 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.

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 (Part-Time, 0.6 FTE, 12 Months Fixed-Term Contract)

The Social Services Coordinator plays a crucial role in providing information, referrals, and short- to medium-term service coordination to clients within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. This role serves as a short-term bridge to meet clients' immediate practical needs while promoting their long-term stability. Working closely with the Client Engagement Team, the Coordinator delivers holistic service coordination to minimize the need for re-presentation and empower clients to reach their full potential. Additionally, the Social Services Coordinator offers support to other Humanitarian Services staff, contributing to the overall success of the Humanitarian Services stream.

Key Responsibilities

• Holistic Service Delivery: Provide trauma-informed, client-centred support that promotes independence, dignity, and choice for clients.
• Information & Referrals: Offer accurate information and referrals, ensuring clients access relevant services based on their individual needs.
• Service Coordination: Manage short-term and medium-term coordination of services, particularly for clients receiving housing support, in line with client goals.
• Client Assessments: Conduct psychosocial and service assessments to determine client needs and tailor services accordingly.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Work closely with the Client Engagement Team and other staff to ensure coordinated, integrated client support.
• Referral Tracking & Follow-up: Track and follow-up on referrals to ensure services are delivered and pathways are successfully followed.
• Crisis Management & De-escalation: Support with de-escalating client incidents and collaborate with other teams to assist vulnerable clients.

About You

• Relevant Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in Social Work or a related professional discipline.
• Experience with Vulnerable Populations: Proven experience providing service coordination and support to people seeking asylum, refugees, or clients with complex needs.
• Intake & Assessment Experience: Demonstrated ability to undertake intake and assessments in a busy, high-paced environment.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong adaptive and complex interpersonal skills to engage with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Problem-Solving & Analysis: Experience in analysing complex issues and identifying emerging practice trends to improve service delivery.
• Psychosocial Assessment & Crisis Management: Ability to conduct psychosocial assessments and provide effective crisis response in challenging situations.
• Volunteer & Student Supervision: Experience in managing volunteers and student placements, including recruitment, training, supervision, and ongoing support.
• Cultural Competency: High-level understanding of working with culturally diverse populations and a commitment to culturally inclusive practice.
• Trauma & Impact Awareness: Solid understanding of the impacts of trauma, homelessness, mental health issues, child protection, and family violence.
• Policy Knowledge: Knowledge of the policy context surrounding asylum seekers, visa categories/conditions, and the barriers faced by people seeking asylum in Australia.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Lived experience of seeking asylum
• Bi-lingual or multi-lingual (including proficiency in English and identified community languages) in the following languages: Farsi, Tamil, Urdu, Hazaragi, Arabic or Pasto.

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)

Position Description

Please find the Position Description here to address the Selection Criteria: https://asrc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PD-Social-Services-Coordinator.pdf

Applications close 11:59pm Wednesday 28th October 2026

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

Our Commitment to You:ASRC Candidate Care Statement

At the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, we believe in recruiting through the lens of our core values, ensuring every interaction and decision reflects the principles that define our culture.

What you can expect from our process:

• Welcome: We champion inclusion and encourage applications from all backgrounds, especially those with lived experience of seeking asylum. Please tell us if you need any accessibility adjustments.
• Authentic: We commit to a transparent and fair process, providing clear timelines and constructive feedback if you are interviewed.
• Courageous: We make objective hiring decisions based purely on merit and mission alignment, ensuring fairness and equity for every candidate.
• Collaborative: We value your time. We commit to timely, respectful communication and keeping you informed about the status of your application.

Thank you for your interest in joining the ASRC. We look forward to connecting with you.