Mental Health Fellow

The Mental Health Fellow is a full-time, on-ground role under the Leadership in Mental Health Programme. Fellows work directly with district administrations, de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, OOAT centres, and communities to strengthen Punjab's response to substance use and mental health.

Detailed Job Description: [JD_DOWNLOAD_LINK]

Apply Now: [APPLICATION_FORM_LINK]

What You Will Do

As a Mental Health Fellow, you will:

• Engage with de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, OOAT (Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment) centres, other healthcare institutions, and district administrations to support psychosocial initiatives under the Yudh Nashean Virudh programme.

• Collaborate with District Nodal Psychiatrists to monitor, formulate, and execute projects on mental health and substance use at the district, cluster, and state levels, working in coordination with departments including the Punjab Police, Department of School Education, and Department of Higher Education.

• Research, implement, and document evidence-based practices to reduce substance use disorder and promote mental wellbeing in de-addiction centres, schools, colleges, and communities.

• Handle communication, logistics, and coordination for government initiatives and capacity building efforts.

• Support monitoring and supervision activities in collaboration with state and district-level programme teams.

• Document departmental and district initiatives and undertake additional tasks as assigned.

Where You Will Be Placed

Fellows are deployed across Punjab in one of three settings:

• Districts of Punjab - working directly with district administration, DDRCs (District De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centres), OOAT centres, and community settings

• Cluster Resource Centres (CRCs) - designated medical colleges at Patiala, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Faridkot, and Mohali, translating state strategies into district-level implementation

The place of posting is determined based on programme requirements and may be changed at the discretion of AIMS Mohali.

Eligibility

Age

Maximum 30 years as on the closing date for receipt of applications.

Nationality

Candidates must be citizens of India.

Qualification and Experience

Candidates must meet one of the following qualification pathways:

Note: Only full-time qualifications and full-time work experience are considered; qualifications obtained through distance or open learning are not eligible. Work experience is computed as on the closing date for receipt of applications.

Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee shortlisting or selection. The selection committee reserves the right to shortlist, select, or decline applications at any stage.

Desirable

Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge of the Punjabi language and prior experience working with government systems.

Remuneration

Consolidated remuneration of Rs. 60,000/- per month, subject to applicable deductions, plus travel allowance.

Training and Mentorship

Selected fellows undergo intensive induction training covering: addiction and substance use, mental health practice, clinical skills, supervision, ethics, community engagement, and working with government administration. Fellows receive continuous mentoring and support from programme staff and academic partners throughout their engagement.

How to Apply

Apply Here: [APPLICATION_FORM_LINK]

Job Description: [JD_DOWNLOAD_LINK]

For queries: lmhptiss.2026@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this a full-time commitment?

Yes. This is a full-time, on-ground contractual engagement. Fellows are required to work 6 days a week in accordance with office timings as notified by the competent authority.

• Are students or fresh graduates eligible to apply?

No. All candidates must have the requisite full-time work experience as specified in the qualification pathway they are applying under. Please refer to the eligibility table above.

• Does a full-time M.Phil. or Ph.D. count as work experience?

No, but you likely don't need it. Time spent in full-time academic study, including an M.Phil. or Ph.D., is not counted as work experience; only paid, full-time professional employment counts toward the experience requirement. However, the M.Phil. and Ph.D. pathways themselves require zero months of additional experience, holding the degree is enough to meet that pathway's criteria. See the eligibility table above for the exact requirement under each pathway.

• Can I apply if my degree is from distance or open learning?

Qualifications obtained through distance or open learning may not be considered. Please refer to the note under the eligibility section.

• What is the role of TISS Mumbai in this programme?

Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai is the knowledge-cum-training partner for LMHP. TISS is responsible for selection, capacity building, and supervision of fellows.

• Will I be paid, and how much?

Yes. All fellows receive a consolidated remuneration of Rs. 60,000/- per month, subject to applicable deductions, along with a travel allowance.

• Can I defer my joining if selected?

No. All selected candidates are expected to join from the training induction as scheduled. Deferment is not offered.

• What are Cluster Resource Centres (CRCs)?

Cluster Resource Centres are five designated medical colleges - in Patiala, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Faridkot, and Mohali - that act as operational and technical hubs translating state strategies into district-level action. They facilitate training programmes for medical officers, counsellors, and psychologists, monitor progress, and support implementation of the Yudh Nashean Virudh initiative.

• Who do I contact for queries?

For any queries, write to lmhptiss.2026@gmail.com

• Is this role focused on counselling or working directly with patients?

No. This is not a clinical or patient-facing counselling role. Fellows work at the community and systems level — with district administrations, de-addiction centres, schools, and government stakeholders — to strengthen referral pathways, build awareness, and support programme implementation. One-on-one clinical counselling is not part of the role.