Position: Program Officer

Organization: Ashiyana Foundation

Location: Mumbai

Position Overview:
As a Program Officer, you will be required to work with children and youth in Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and upon their release for rehabilitation and reintegration. You will build intentional relationships with children and youth, engage them in a variety of programs, facilitate sessions, support in the process of behaviour change and enable a smooth transition from institution to society. Program Officers will report to the Program Manager/Supervisor. This is a full-time position for our Mumbai and Chhattisgarh locations and requires sensitive, passionate and committed candidates.

Key responsibilities:
– Facilitate individual and group sessions with children as per the designed program with sensitivity to the program intention and group needs.
– Facilitate and conduct sessions with staff of CCI on talking Circles, Participatory Methods and weekly meetings.
– Identify and support children and youth that require special attention and care.
– Closely work with other stakeholders – Staff of the institution like Probation officers, Housemasters, Guards, Superintendent, and family members.
– Coordinate with stakeholders like the Juvenile Justice Board, Child Welfare Committee, and the District Child Protection Unit.
– Maintain each child’s record and document individual children’s progress through reports, case studies, etc.
– Document all processes carried out in the CCIs.
– Once children are released from the institutions, ensure they are moving towards outcomes of emotional independence, self-reliance and living out of harm’s way.
– Cater to the needs of children as well as the organisation by being part of other initiatives of Ashiyana as and when expected.

We are looking for someone who:
– Feels called to be part of the healing and transformation of youth in closed institutions and sees them as capable of becoming self-reliant and positive contributors to the world.
– Has good problem solving, decision making and conflict resolution skills.
– Enjoys challenging and volatile situations and is able to find creative ways to deal with complex problems.
– Is comfortable working with youth individually as well as in groups.
– Is reflective, a good listener and exhibits a strong willingness to learn.
– Has a bold and yet flexible personality to adjust within the individual-centric and yet versatile work approach of Ashiyana
– Team player, resourceful and works with a sense of possibility
– Is willing and keen to develop an awareness of one’s own emotional, spiritual and intellectual learning process
– Is flexible and willing to work outside of normal business hours and holidays and/or weekends as needed.
– Is willing to travel, as and when required.

Professional / Computer skills: Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Knowledge of Juvenile Justice system.
Location: Mumbai & Chhattisgarh
Age: Preferably 25 & above
Language Skills: Hindi, English, Marathi (optional, if applying for Mumbai location)
Educational Qualification: Graduate/Postgraduate preferably in Social Work.