Start your mission volunteer experience with The Salvation Army today! We are looking for compassionate people who share our mission and values, if you have the passion and drive to commit yourself to a challenging and rewarding role; we invite you to review our current vacancies. ABOUT US The Salvation Army is one of Australia’s largest and most-loved charities, helping thousands of Australians every year find hope in the midst of all kinds of personal hardship. The Salvation Army offers the opportunity to use your skills and expertise to make a real difference in the lives of people who need help most. In a voluntary capacity, the Research Assistant will work as part of an approved university research project in partnership with a front-line service provider. The research scope will be to review the current services and provide insight to the impact and the level of success of integration of asylum seekers and refugees into society. The research findings will inform how future services need to be designed to be most effective for service users. About the role The Salvation Army Asylum Seeker and Refugee Service in Brunswick, Melbourne supports over 500 clients per year, with an additional 2000 people benefitting from their services. Aimed at providing resources to refugees and asylum seekers of all backgrounds, the Service coordinates multiple programs, including employment skills, women and children’s groups and multifaith activities. They regularly work with people who have experienced significant trauma and distress so assisting with practical aid like food and financial assistance, as well as mentoring and support, helps refugee and asylum seekers adjust to their life in Australia. In a voluntary capacity, the Research Assistant will work as part of an approved university research project in partnership with a front-line service provider. The research scope will be to review the current services and provide insight to the impact and the level of success of integration of asylum seekers and refugees into society. The research findings will inform how future services need to be designed to be most effective for service users. Key responsibilities Through observations of The Salvation Army’s ‘Doorways’ program, along with interviews with the service users and workers (both paid and volunteer), compile report on activities and interventions of the current service. Experience volunteering in the role of Community Support Work to gain an understanding of this role. Research best practices of other asylum seeker and refugee services to inform recommendations for improvement in effectiveness of this Doorways program. Regularly meet with university representatives for feedback on research project. Maintain confidentiality of all interactions Where there is involvement with under 18s, keep children safe by always abiding by Salvation Army’s child safe policies and code of conduct Qualifications and skills (desired/required) Keen interest in the challenges and opportunities of refugee and asylum-seeking experience A sound knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel is highly desired Research skills and experience Capabilities and personal attributes Show Respect – Recognises and respects differences in culture, style and viewpoint. Responds in a culturally appropriate way. Work Collaboratively – Works as a supportive and cooperative team member, shares information and acknowledges the contribution and support of others. Plan for Service Delivery – Considers emerging trends; identifies long-term opportunities with whole-of-sector outcomes. Research and Analyses – Researches and analyses information and makes recommendations based on relevant evidence; identifies ways to improve systems or processes which are used by the team/unit/department Cultural Competency:  We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status.   Understands the concepts and principles of diversity and inclusion and how they impact on current day approaches and practices    Demonstrates commitment to culturally appropriate and inclusive practice    Demonstrates practical application of concepts and principles of inclusion    Understands specific issues faced by culturally diverse clients particularly in the areas of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LBGTQI, CALD, neuro-diversity and multi faith    Applies culturally appropriate approaches and skills when engaging with culturally diverse clients particularly in the areas of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LBGTQI, CALD, neuro-diversity and multi faith    Works effectively with an interpreter as required, in line with organizational guidelines Background check requirements Background checks play an important part in our commitment to being a safe organisation. Where an applicant has disclosable history, the selection process includes a fair assessment and a risk management approach. Collection of personal information is handled per our privacy and confidentiality policies. Below is what is required for this role: As this role has access to personal details and sensitive information it will require a Police Check and Working with Children Check (if working with under 18s) Development opportunities with this role This role will provide the Research Assistant with a valuable opportunity to experience directly the work of The Salvation Army Refugee and Asylum Seeker programs, as well as apply and further build their research skills and experience to inform improvements in this valuable service. The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people. The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child related roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Additionally, certain volunteer roles may require a National Police Check. The Salvation Army is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all workers, clients and visitors. As part of this commitment, certain areas of work require vaccinations such as for COVID-19 and flu. Information on required vaccinations will be provided in the application process. Please consider this requirement when applying to a position at The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus. We share the love of Jesus by: Caring for people Creating faith pathways Building healthy communities Working for justice When you work with the Salvos, you help make a real difference to the community and the lives of others. About Us: We have a range of employment and volunteering opportunities across our organisation including community and caring professions, aged care, retail, employment services, legal, corporate and support services. Our employees have access to a range of opportunities that deliver real and meaningful benefits such as career diversity and professional development, generous salary packaging opportunities and flexible working arrangements. Our volunteers have access to opportunities that deliver community connections and skills, besides professional development and a way of giving back to the community.