Working With RACS

General Information | Working as a Student Volunteer | Working as a Volunteer Migration Agent
Working at RACS as a Seconded Solicitor | Positions Vacant | Working at RACS as a Volunteer Interpreter

WORKING AS A VOLUNTEER MIGRATION AGENT

Overview

Currently, over 20 Migration Agents volunteer to assist at RACS’ Monday night evening advice service. Up to 32 asylum seekers access this service each month.

Migration Agents who volunteer to assist with this service are rostered on a monthly or fortnightly basis, depending on their availability.

You must have a current practicing certificate as a solicitor or barrister.

Duties of Volunteer Migration Agents

The evening advice service provided by RACS is designed to provide free legal assistance and limited advice to asylum seekers who cannot afford representation.

Structure of the Evening Advice Service

This service is by appointment each Monday from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. 3 to 4 clients are booked per session.

Each session is staffed by a RACS caseworker who supervises 3 – 4 volunteer Migration Agents. Agents will see between 2 and 3 clients per session.

Migration Agents are able to ask the RACS caseworker for advice or to deal with a particular client or legal problem if they are not comfortable doing so.

Volunteer Code of Ethics

To assist the professional operation of RACS, RACS endorses the following Code of Ethics for volunteers:

i) Volunteer workers must not give any legal advice or any information that could be construed as legal advice unless they hold a current practicing certificate and have sought permission from the Coordinator.

ii) Volunteer workers must not give any migration advice or any information that could be construed as migration advice unless they hold a current migration agents registration and have sought permission from the Coordinator.

iii) Volunteer workers must practice and maintain confidentiality and abide by the conditions of the Confidentiality Agreement.

iv) RACS requires volunteers to support the shared philosophy and values of the Centre.

v) RACS requires that volunteers treat clients with respect and dignity at all times and maintain a non-judgmental manner.

vi) RACS requires volunteer migration agents to make a commitment to the Centre of at least twelve months.

vii) RACS requires volunteer migration agents to notify the Coordinator at least two days in advance if they are unable to meet commitments.