We are always actively searching for passionate individuals who are able to assist people with cognitive impairment who find themselves in contact with the Criminal Justice System to navigate their way around the processes and procedures of a police station and court system. You can volunteer to support our clients at Court, Police Stations, or Correctional Facilities in your local area. Our clients are victims, witnesses, suspects or defendants. Alternatively, we can also use your help in administration support to keep the program running.
If you would like to volunteer, email volunteer@idrs.org.au for more details.
No prior experience or qualifications are required to begin volunteering with us. We are committed to providing comprehensive training that will equip you with all the necessary knowledge and skills you will need before you even start. Our aim is to ensure that you feel confident and at ease in your volunteer role.
You do not need any special skills or qualifications to become a volunteer – just a passion to help those with a cognitive impairment. However, upon receiving your expression of interest, we would love to have an informal chat to get to know you! From there, we will guide you through the training and induction process to get you on board and ready to go.
After we have had our informal interview over the phone, we can then begin our screening process to advise you on the next steps and any requirements we may have. This involves booking you in to attend and complete our comprehensive training workshop, obtaining or submitting proof of a National Police Check, potentially an NSW Working with Children Check (which is free for volunteers), and providing two references of your choice. Once everything is cleared, you can start volunteering with a member of staff to get you up and running!
Most of our amazing volunteers usually work with us for more than 12 months – some love it so much they’ve stayed for over 10 years! It really is a rewarding role. Please keep in mind that most of our volunteer opportunities are long term positions. Therefore, we hope that our potential volunteers are able to commit to a minimum of 12 months.
We expect volunteers to have some flexibility and availability during weekdays between business hours of 9AM to 5PM. This is because court sits at this time. Frequency of volunteering is dependent on the location.
We recognise that our volunteers may incur some financial costs while assisting clients at various locations for example public transport. Any out of pocket expenses are reimbursed by JAS and can be claimed provided they are in line with our Volunteer Expense Claim Guidelines. For further information or queries, volunteers should contact their Justice Advocate or Volunteer Program Coordinator.
All Police Checks done through JAS will be paid for by IDRS. Please note that all results are confidential and considered by our Volunteer Program Coordinator.
Yes – JAS requires all volunteers to have a WWCC. These can be organised through Service NSW.
Yes. We will be asking you to provide us with the details of two (2) referees of your choice. These can be any professionals you have worked or studied with before. For example, your previous or current employer, mentor, colleague or client.
No. You do not need to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to volunteer with JAS. We do not require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or any other medical records from our volunteers.
Whilst JAS volunteers must be over 18, we do not have an age limit – no one is too old to provide the support that we do!
Yes. You can still volunteer as long as you are able to fulfil the role safely and competently.
Please keep in mind that volunteers should be able, but are not limited to: travel to and from various locations such as their local Court, Police Station or Correctional Facility; accompany clients for long wait times; and accurately hear and communicate written and oral information.
If your medical condition may prevent this, please speak with the JAS Volunteer Program Coordinator as there may be other volunteer roles that are a good fit for you.
Yes. All volunteers will need to undergo a comprehensive 2-day training workshop that they may attend in-person or online prior to commencing their role. This is free and provided by our friendly JAS staff to effectively prepare and enable volunteers to effectively support clients with cognitive impairment.
We also have ongoing training that will help you along the way e.g. refreshers, new topics, changes of legislation etc.
Our friendly JAS staff are always happy to support and mentor you along the way. Your main points of contact will be your local staff member who will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
We also have an accessible Employee Assistance Program available to all volunteers which provides counseling, debriefing for work or personal concerns, critical incident and trauma support, mediation and conflict resolution, health and well-being resources. This service is completely free of charge.
We care for all of our wonderful volunteers and always want to see you succeed in your volunteer journey with us!
The volunteer will meet their client (often for the first time) at about 9am at the courthouse. They will spend a brief time getting to know each other and then likely speak with a lawyer in a legal advice meeting. The volunteer will then spend some time with their client waiting for an outcome at court. The volunteer might provide some emotional support, given that the day might be stressful, overwhelming and long for the client. The volunteer will also support the client to understand what is expected of them at court, and any outcomes. The volunteer will be able to contact a member of JAS staff by phone if they require any clarification/support.
Absolutely. All JAS volunteers are covered by our Professional Indemnity Insurance Policy. If an incident occurs in the course of your support service, rest assured that you are protected.
Yes. The Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS) is a Centrelink approved organisation. Centrelink clients can participate in the JAS Volunteer Program to meet their Mutual Obligations Requirements.
Whilst we appreciate interest from companies and groups with a passion to help, we do not offer corporate or group volunteering opportunities at this stage. Individuals are still welcome to apply separately for our vacant roles.
