The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) invites applications for a full-time (contractual) role of a Social Worker for a period of one year (extendable based on performance). The role will be based out of the NLSIU Bengaluru campus.

Juvenile Justice Clinic

Established in 2021, the Juvenile Justice Clinic delivers direct legal aid and clinical support to children under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2015, working with both Children in Conflict with Law (CiCL) and Children in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP). The Clinic is headed by Dr. Madhubanti Sadhya and Ms. Amaidhi Devaraj.

The Clinic’s core fieldwork is anchored at a dedicated legal aid Helpdesk within the Government Observation Home in Madiwala, Bengaluru, where clinic staff provide sustained, on-ground legal representation and psychosocial support to CiCL. This includes case tracking, assistance with bail and disposition proceedings before the Juvenile Justice Board, liaison with probation officers and legal aid counsel, and follow-up on rehabilitation and reintegration plans post-release.

Building on this foundation, the Clinic is expanding its fieldwork to reach CNCP, extending legal aid and case support to children referred through Child Welfare Committees, shelter homes, and allied child protection institutions across Bengaluru. This work involves case documentation, coordination with District Child Protection Units, and support through inquiry and rehabilitation processes under the Act.

The Clinic’s legal aid extends across the full range of forums, boards, and courts before which children’s matters are adjudicated, including the Juvenile Justice Board, Child Welfare Committee, Sessions Courts, and the High Court, as required. This encompasses drafting and filing of applications, bail petitions, and appeals, representation at inquiry and hearing stages, and continuous follow-up on case status to ensure timely disposition. The Clinic’s involvement is sustained through each stage of proceedings, ensuring that children receive consistent legal support from first production before the Board or Committee through to final disposition and, where applicable, appellate remedies.
Beyond direct casework, the Clinic engages closely with police, judiciary, and child protection functionaries through structured capacity-building trainings aimed at improving frontline handling of juvenile justice cases. This is complemented by ongoing field-based research and evidence generation on systemic gaps in implementation, which feeds into targeted advocacy for reforms strengthening protection and rehabilitation outcomes for children across both categories.

About the Role

The Social Workers will be responsible for anchoring the psychosocial activities of the Juvenile Justice Clinic Project. The Social Worker will report to the Clinic Co-Directors.

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing the Psychosocial services provided to children through the ‘HELPDESK’ at the Observation Home, Madiwala;
• Reviewing and improving the quality of reports (SIR, ICP, Counselling Reports) created for children in conflict with the law as mandated by the Juvenile Justice Act;
• Building institutional capacities for social work interventions within the Observation Home;
• Anchoring awareness and outreach programmes for children and families, both within the Observation Home and in vulnerable community settings;
• Coordinating partnerships with other CSOs, NGOs and Institutions working in the Observation Home;
• Supporting the team in preparing, organising and conducting training programmes, workshops and conferences;
• Ensuring timely preparation of progress notes, social investigation reports and individual care plans for children in conflict with law;
• Supporting the follow-up and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law;
• Attending state and national meetings, consultations and conferences.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Candidates with a Master’s Degree in Social Work or allied fields from a recognised University
• Minimum of three (03) years experience working directly with vulnerable children/communities
• Background in child rights or human rights
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English
• Demonstrated proficiency in speaking (mandatory), reading and writing (desired) in Kannada
• Proficiency in the use of G-Suite, MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel and google workspace

Desirable:

• Familiarity with statutory child protection frameworks, including the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
• Experience in psychosocial support, or case management for children in vulnerable situations

Key Attributes

• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively in a team, with strong attention to detail and self-motivation.
• Capacity to connect with vulnerable children through empathy, trust, and meaningful rapport-building.

Compensation

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications, experience and University norms.

How to Apply

Please use the Google form provided and include the following documents:

1. Updated Curriculum Vitae.
2. Statement of Purpose (500–800 words) explaining their interest in the position and relevant experience.
3. Names, designations and contact details of two professional or academic referees.

Deadline

The last date for submission of applications is 19 August 2026 5 PM (IST).

For any queries regarding the position, applicants may write to: