Volunteer Health Direct Care Worker

The Asylum Seekers Centre of NSW is the only organization in Sydney working exclusively with community-based asylum seekers. We are an independent, not-for-profit organisation funded through grants received from religious and philanthropic foundations as well as individual donations. Our vision is that asylum seekers be welcomed to Australia and afforded a dignified, meaningful and safe existence pending the fair, transparent and expeditious resolution to their claims.

In addition to our case management and volunteer-led recreation and education programs, we run a health care program for Medicare ineligible clients, administered by a part-time program coordinator and reliant upon a network of pro-bono health practitioners.

The Volunteer Health Care Workers will work closely with the Health Care Coordinator to secure access to the health system for clients, essential pharmaceuticals and pro bono care from an extensive array of health professionals

Qualifications and experience

Essential

• Relevant degree in nursing/other health related field or equivalent experience
• Experience working with clients from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds in relation to their health needs
• Demonstrated sound understanding of issues affecting asylum seekers within the current Australian context
• Good oral, written, cross-cultural and interpersonal communication skills
• Capacity to work cooperatively and independently in demanding but friendly NGO environment
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to EEO, OH&S and child protection policy and legislation

Desirable

• Experience in working with asylum seekers and/or refugees
• Sound understanding of inequities in social determinants of health
• A commitment to the principles of social justice
• An understanding of torture and trauma issues affecting asylum seekers and their health implications
• Proficiency in a relevant community language (e.g. Arabic, Mandarin, Indonesian, Spanish)