Rachel Kabi joined the Department of Social Work as an Assistant Professor in May 2023. She graduated from the University of Madras in English Literature and pursued Masters in Social Work from the same university specializing in Medical and Psychiatry which paved the way to be involved in the development sector for almost two decades.
She had been actively involved in the field of counselling clients from varied backgrounds such as substance abuse, childhood disorders, mental illness, family issues, career guidance and handling grief during her tenure at ‘The Hindu’ and TTK Hospital in Chennai. Training industry personnel, educational institutions, leading community rehabilitation programmes and research were some regular activities that were executed. As a State Consultant for UNICEF, Assam, she was closely associated with the Government of Assam in strengthening their child protection programmes and providing technical support in sensitizing key stakeholders like the Police, Judiciary and other government officials across the State on
legislations and their crucial roles and responsibilities.
Her years of experience in the field led her to pursue a career in academics where she started teaching Social Work at Assam Don Bosco University when the department was first established. It was here that she completed her Doctorate in Social Work (study of children in conflict with the law in Assam). She also taught Social Work at Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh for some time.
Courses handled by her include Mental Health and Social Work, Psychiatric Social Work, Community Organization and Social Action, Social Work Research and Statistics, Theoretical Aspects of Counselling and Psychotherapy, Human Growth and Development, Social Analysis and Strategies for Social Change, Environment and Disaster Management, Integrated Social Work Practice, Social Welfare Legislations and Computer Applications for Social Work Practice. She was also responsible for Coordinating Field Placement for students by networking with social welfare organizations and institutions in Assam.
Apart from presenting papers in conferences and publishing articles in journals, she has also undertaken three research projects in the areas of child protection, mental illness and gender issues. Has been a regular resource person in programmes organized on child protection by Government of Assam and other institutions; was involved in drafting Manuals for training of child protection functionaries in the State. She has been a member of committees notified by the Government of Assam in strengthening the child protection system in the State.
Areas of expertise include research, mental health, counselling, work with children, youth and substance use. She strongly believes in work ethics that is grounded in the core values and principles of social work profession laying emphasis on integrity and social justice. Establishing rapport easily, adapting to different situations and believing in the strength of a unified team is her way of functioning. She can be an understanding friend and a caring mentor to her students, willing to give her time and efforts in molding them into responsible and socially conscious individuals. Passion for reading, crocheting and any art activity that is relaxing and enjoyable keeps her engrossed when she finds time apart from work.
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