Assistant Program Manager (Social Worker) Adoption

Join India's awarded winning Adoption Agency and be part of an amazing team changing the lives of vulnerable children.

Role & responsibilities

Responsibilities Related to Childrens Adoption:

• Coordinate with Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), DWCD, DCPUs, and police stations to trace biological families or to complete the childs legally free-for-adoption (LFA) process.
• Act as a liaison between Bal Asha Trust, Prospective Adoptive Parents and other stakeholders to facilitate the adoption process for children.
• Prepare Child Study Reports (CSRs) and Medical Examination Reports (MERs) in coordination with the medical team to upload on the Central Adoption Portal.
• Maintain accurate records of childrens cases, ensuring regular updates in internal systems and government portals.
• Coordinate, Monitor and follow up with families after placement by Bal Asha to ensure the childs well-being and successful integration and to update records on the central portal.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to obtain adoption orders, birth certificates and passports of legally Adopted children.
• Liaise with CCI homes linked to Bal Asha or any such home supported by Bal Asha under any other programmes for processes like Legally free for Adoption, Child Study Reports (CSRs) and Medical Examination Reports (MERs)

Responsibilities Related to Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs):

• Counsel Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAP) about the Pre & Post adoption process, documentation, procedures, and their roles in building a family through adoption.
• Conduct home visits and prepare detailed Home Study Reports (HSRs). Maintain detailed records and progress updates on PAP cases in internal systems and the central portal.
• Organize meetings with PAPs, finalize minutes, and circulate them for approvals.
• Participate in coordination meetings with other team members for case discussions and speedy rehabilitation of the children.
• Support the development of adoption-related programs that address children's needs.
• Arrange workshops, events, Support groups and peer learning opportunities for adoptive families for PAPs and other stakeholders to prepare them for adoption.

Responsibilities Related to Program Administration and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build strong relationships with internal teams as well as external stakeholders, including government agencies, and legal professionals.
• Staying updated on Adoption-related laws and procedures.
• Prepare quarterly and annual program plans, including budgets.
• Assist the Head of Programs in evaluating and enhancing the Adoption programme.
• Represent Bal Asha Trust at workshops, seminars, and events to promote its 39 years of work in Adoption.
• Present the adoption process and success stories to diverse audiences to create awareness on Adoption.
• Write and share periodic updates, reports, and testimonials with the communications team.
• Ensure all activities align with Bal Asha Trusts policies and legal requirements.
• Any other tasks or responsibilities assigned by the management.

Preferred candidate profile

• Fluent in English (mandatory) both written and verbal. Basic Marathi/Hindi (both verbal and written).
• Strong communication, observation, and listening skills, ability to learn and to build rapport with beneficiaries.
• Good in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with strong overall computer skills.
• Empathetic toward the emotions of beneficiaries. Ability to approach sensitive topics with compassion and confidentiality.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities; works well independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage collaborations and partnerships effectively.
• High attention to detail and diligence in all tasks.
• Understanding of work ethics and organizational values.

Educational Qualification:

• Master of Social Work or Bachelors Degree in Social Work

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience.
• Prior experience of counseling or working with Child Care Institutions (CCI) or Specialized Adoption Agencies (SAA) will be of added advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to travel independently within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Perks and benefits

• Fluent in English (mandatory) both written and verbal. Basic Marathi/Hindi (both verbal and written).
• Strong communication, observation, and listening skills to build rapport with beneficiaries.
• Good in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with strong overall computer skills.
• Empathetic toward the emotions of beneficiaries. Ability to approach sensitive topics with compassion and confidentiality.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities; works well independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage collaborations and partnerships effectively.
• High attention to detail and diligence in all tasks.
• Understanding of work ethics and organizational values.