Employment

This program provides employment assistance to people seeking asylum, refugees and migrants in vulnerable situations.

Employment Assistance 

Established in 2017, JRS Australia’s employment assistance program is an award-winning, specialist employment service assisting people seeking asylum and other migrants in vulnerable situations to be ready for work.

The JRS Employment Program provides refugees, people seeking asylum, and temporary residents guidance on navigating the Australian employment market to find meaningful work.

We aim to equip participants with work readiness skills including resume and cover letter building, job search support, interview preparation, and facilitate a strong awareness of employment rights and responsibilities. 

The program connects people to suitable education and training, and assists with finding pathways to employment. Work is a vital part of building a life in a new country, allowing people to regain independence, connect with social networks, develop new skills, and maintain good mental health.

JRS works closely with employers, social enterprises, small businesses, and other relevant stakeholders to organise job opportunities, volunteering, and internship placements.

The program supports people who are facing significant barriers to employment in Australia, including:

  • Non-recognition of short term ‘Bridging Visas’
  • Non-recognition of qualifications from overseas 
  • Absence of social networks and capital
  • Racism and prejudice

JRS Australia’s employment assistance program provides support through one-on-one sessions which focus on:  

  • resume development
  • workplace expectations
  • people’s rights and responsibilities at work
  • how to look for potential employment
  • practicing vital interview skills 

The program is supported by four staff members and a team of qualified and passionate volunteers.

Do you want to become an Employment Partner?

There are so many benefits to hiring a person with a refugee background, or a person seeking asylum. Our clients are highly educated, practically trained and are often limited only by opportunity. 

If you are an employer who would like to diversify your workforce and provide opportunities for refugees, people seeking asylum and temporary residents, you can express your interest here.

Read more about JRS Australia's Employment Assistance Program

Tima's Journey Read about how the employment program supported Tima to build a new future
Tima's Journey
Annual Report More information about our employment assistance program can be found on Pages 11 and 16 of our most recent annual report.
Annual Report
Laptop Drive Helps Refugees Find Work Read more here.
Laptop Drive Helps Refugees Find Work
They [] help you to build a community and make friends in your new home.
Gina*, a JRS Australia client.

Testimonials

Please read some excerpts from articles where our clients discuss how JRS Australia’s Employment Program has supported them.

Mohammad’s Story *

“I met many refugees who had left behind good jobs and bright futures. They just wanted a safe place to start it back again. The phone and laptop I was given from JRS Australia has been key in starting my career back again.”

Gina’s Story*

“JRS is an amazing organisation. They are a place that will help you with all different services like work opportunities and emergency needs. But they also help you to build a community and make friends in your new home.”

We are always looking for support.

Bridge the Digital Divide

You may be in a position to donate a device to our clients. Please see the flyer below to learn how you can help to bridge the digital divide, and contact tamana.mirzada@jrs.org.au to organise your donation.

Donate to JRS Australia

If you able to do so, please follow this link to donate to JRS Australia on a once-off or regular basis.

Your generosity enables us to continue our important work in the Employment Program, as well as our other services like the Finding Safety Project, Foodbank, and Casework.