DCPU Vellore Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline for Child Helpline Counsellor and Child Helpline Supervisor Posts

DCPU Vellore (District Child Protection Unit, Vellore) is recruiting for Child Helpline Counsellor and Child Helpline Supervisor positions under the Department of Social Welfare, Tamil Nadu. The recruitment is conducted offline through application submission. These positions support the implementation of child protection schemes under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) and operate the 1098 Child Helpline service. Selected candidates will work on counselling children in distress, coordinating rescue operations, and managing helpline operations. This is a contractual engagement opportunity serving the district's child welfare infrastructure. The roles are crucial for protecting and rehabilitating vulnerable children across Vellore district.

Educational Qualification

For Child Helpline Counsellor:

• Diploma in Social Work / Psychology / Counselling / Child Development from a recognized institution
• OR Bachelor's degree in Social Work / Psychology / Sociology with counselling certification
• Proficiency in Tamil and English languages required
• Computer knowledge essential

For Child Helpline Supervisor:

• Diploma in Social Work / Child Development with minimum 2 years of experience in child welfare
• OR Bachelor's degree in Social Work / Sociology with 1 year experience
• Previous experience in child helpline operations or NGO work preferred
• Knowledge of child protection laws and Tamil Nadu Child Protection policies

Age Limit

Typical / Indicative Age Criteria:

Age Relaxation:

Nationality

• Candidate must be a citizen of India
• Preference given to candidates from Tamil Nadu or with knowledge of local languages and culture

1. Download Application Form: Visit the official DCPU Vellore website or district collectorate office to obtain the prescribed application format

1. Fill Application Form: Complete all sections of the application form neatly in own handwriting using black/blue pen

1. Attach Required Documents: Affix recent passport-size photograph and attach self-attested copies of:

• Educational certificates (10th, 12th, Diploma/Degree)
• Date of birth proof (10th certificate)
• Community certificate (if applicable)
• Experience certificates (if applicable)
• ID proof (Aadhar card)

1. Prepare Application Fee: Pay the application fee as detailed below (Typical / Indicative):

1. Submit Application: Send the completed application form with DD and all attachments by registered post to: The District Programme Officer, District Child Protection Unit, Collectorate Campus, Vellore - 632004, Tamil Nadu OR submit in person at the DCPU office during working hours (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM) on working days before the last date

1. Application Screening: All received applications are screened for eligibility criteria including educational qualifications, age limit, and required experience. Incomplete applications are rejected at this stage.

1. Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates are called for original document verification including educational certificates, experience letters, community certificates, and identity proofs at DCPU office.

1. Written Test/Skill Assessment: Candidates may be required to undergo a written test covering child psychology, child rights, social welfare schemes, general knowledge, and Tamil language proficiency. For counsellor posts, counselling skills assessment may be conducted.

1. Personal Interview: Qualified candidates appear before an interview panel comprising DCPU officials and child welfare experts. The interview assesses subject knowledge, communication skills, counselling aptitude, problem-solving abilities, and motivation for child welfare work.

1. Merit List Preparation: Final selection is based on combined performance in written test (if conducted) and interview. Merit list is prepared category-wise and published on the official website.

1. Medical Fitness: Selected candidates must undergo medical examination to establish fitness for the position before final appointment.

Written Test Pattern (if conducted - Typical / Indicative):

Interview Pattern:

Negative Marking: Typically no negative marking in written test for DCPU recruitment. Each wrong answer does not result in deduction of marks.

Child Psychology & Development

• Stages of child development (physical, cognitive, emotional, social)
• Child behaviour patterns and developmental milestones
• Adolescent psychology and challenges
• Impact of trauma on children
• Child mental health and psychosocial support
• Counselling theories and techniques for children

Child Rights & Protection Laws

• United Nations Convention on Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
• Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012
• Right to Education Act, 2009
• Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986
• Child Marriage Prohibition Act
• Tamil Nadu Child Protection Policy

Social Welfare Schemes

• Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)
• Childline 1098 services and protocols
• Baal Sangopan Yojana
• Adoption regulations and procedures
• Foster care and sponsorship programmes
• Schemes for children in difficult circumstances
• Institutional care standards

Child Helpline Operations

• Emergency response protocols
• Case documentation and record keeping
• Referral mechanisms and networking
• Coordination with police, hospitals, and NGOs
• Crisis intervention techniques
• Follow-up and case management

General Knowledge & Current Affairs

• Indian polity and governance
• Tamil Nadu state administration
• Social issues related to children in India
• Recent developments in child welfare
• Important government initiatives

Tamil Language

• Reading comprehension
• Basic grammar and vocabulary
• Translation from English to Tamil
• Official correspondence in Tamil

Computer Awareness

• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Internet and email usage
• Basic troubleshooting
• Data entry and management systems

Typical / Indicative Salary Structure (Contractual Basis):

Note: These are contractual positions with consolidated monthly remuneration. No separate allowances like DA, HRA, or TA are provided. The salary is subject to TDS deductions as applicable. Annual increments may be provided based on performance review and contract renewal. No pension or gratuity benefits are available for contractual staff. Medical reimbursement may be provided as per DCPU norms for work-related medical expenses.

Career growth in DCPU is typically limited as these are contractual positions. However, experienced staff may be considered for supervisory roles within the child protection unit or get priority in regular government social welfare department recruitments. Performing well can lead to absorption in permanent positions when vacancies arise, and the experience gained is valuable for pursuing careers in child welfare NGOs, UNICEF projects, or higher positions in state child protection bodies.

If a written test is conducted, admit cards will be released approximately 7-10 days before the examination date on the DCPU Vellore website or district official portal. Candidates must download and print the admit card, carrying it along with a valid photo ID proof (Aadhar card, voter ID, or passport) to the examination/interview venue. No entry will be permitted without the admit card.

Results for each stage (written test, document verification, interview) are published on the official DCPU Vellore website and may also be displayed at the District Collectorate office notice board. The final merit list with selected candidates' names and wait-list is typically released within 15-20 days after completion of interviews. Selected candidates are informed via registered post or email and must report for joining within the stipulated time period.

Typical cutoff marks for written tests in DCPU recruitments range between 40-50% for general category candidates, 35-40% for OBC candidates, and 30-35% for SC/ST candidates. Interview performance carries significant weightage (50-60%) in final selection. Actual cutoffs vary based on number of applicants, difficulty level of examination, and available vacancies. Category-wise merit lists are prepared separately ensuring reservation benefits.

Exam centres are typically located in Vellore district only:

South India: Vellore, Chennai (if large number of applications)

For this district-level recruitment, the primary examination and interview centre will be at DCPU office or designated government buildings in Vellore city. Candidates from outside Vellore district may need to arrange their own travel and accommodation. In case of exceptionally high applications, additional centres in nearby towns like Ranipet or Tirupattur may be designated.