Volunteers
Darebin Community Legal Centre volunteers must be a member of the legal centre, agree with the centre's aims, and be able to commit to the minimum time.
In return, volunteers receive training, a handbook and the opportunity to work within a social justice framework.
There are a number of ways of being involved at Darebin Community Legal Centre.
Front Office
The front office is staffed by volunteers on Monday 9.30am-1.00pm and Tuesday to Thursday 9.30am-1.00pm and 1.00-4.30pm. The duties vary from reception, administrative tasks, and data entry to providing information and referral to clients. The front office handles a broad range of inquiries and situations.
Commitment: A weekly roster of one session for six months.
Training: Two training sessions.
Night Service
Volunteers staff the night service on Tuesday and Wednesday nights between 7.00-9.00pm. The team consists of a night co-ordinator, three legal volunteers and four community volunteers. The Night Co-ordinator is responsible for the co-ordination of the evening. The Legal Volunteer gives legal advice to the client and is required to have a practicing certificate. The Community Volunteer assists the client, undertakes administrative tasks and refers to any community services.
Commitment: Minimum is once a month for twelve months.
Training: Four training sessions in February, as well as being an observer at the Night Service
Project Work
Working with the Community Legal Education worker on community education programs or law reform issues. Darebin Community Legal Centre's priorities are "correctional" issues (prisons, police custody), increasing community awareness about family violence, increasing Indigenous people's access to the centre, and responding to the needs of recently arrived communities.
Commitment: A fortnightly roster of one session for four months (some work will be done away from the centre).
Training: Front office work for a minimum of 4 months.
If you are interested in volunteering at DCLC, please feel free to contact Darebin Community Legal Centre's Co‑ordinator of Volunteers for further information or an interview.
