Volunteers

Volunteers play a significant role at IDRS; they are valued members of our team and we could not do what we do for our clients without them.

The generosity of volunteers enables our team to reach far more people across much more of NSW than we otherwise could. Their impact in providing legal advice and in supporting justice for people with cognitive impairment in NSW is enormous.

Given the serious nature of our work and the vulnerability of our clients we have implemented a stringent Volunteer Recruitment Process; this is to ensure that this role is right for you and equally important ensure that our clients are getting the best possible support and help.

For this reason you may be required to submit a resume, attend an interview, undergo reference checking, obtain a Criminal History Check, and attend regular training.

There are 5 types of volunteers at IDRS:

1.     Legal Student Volunteers – are often people who have studied law and are looking to complete their Practical Legal Training (PLT) placement with IDRS.

Occasionally we take on law students who are in the final two (2) years of undergraduate legal studies and who demonstrate clear interest and likely aptitude for helping us and our clients.

2.     Legal Practitioner Volunteers, business hours – are qualified solicitors who have their practising certificate and are looking to gain work experience and mentorship in providing legal assistance services to people with disability.

We do not always have the capacity to take on a Legal Practitioner Volunteers, business hours; but make contact with us and we will talk with you and identify potential opportunities.

3.     Legal Practitioner Volunteers, after hours Criminal Law Service – are qualified practising solicitors who have many years of experience in criminal law and are looking to give back to their community and help those most in need.

Legal Practitioner Volunteers working in our after hours criminal law service provide legal advice over the phone to people with cognitive disability in police custody after hours, on weekends and on public holidays. The program operates on a monthly roster system and program administration such as advice booking is done by an IDRS team member.

4.     Justice Advocacy Service (JAS) Volunteers – are people within the community who want to give back to their community or provide help to the people around them.  For others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. Our JAS Volunteers range from retirees to university students to stay at home mums and dads. It does not matter what your skills, experience, and qualifications are we will provide a comprehensive induction, training and support program.

A JAS Volunteer supports victims, witnesses, suspects and defendants at police stations, court and legal appointments.

Support justice and walk alongside people with cognitive impairment – Apply Now 

5.     Care and Protection Volunteers – are people within the community who want to give back to their community or provide help to the people around them. It does not matter what your skills, experience, and qualifications are we will provide a comprehensive induction, training and support program.

Care and Protection Volunteers assist parents with intellectual disability in the Children’s Court in Child Care and Protection Matters.