Senior Associate

The Senior Associate is a supervisory role within the Leadership in Mental Health Programme. Senior Associates provide technical mentoring, programme monitoring, and quality assurance support to Mental Health Fellows deployed in the districts, ensuring consistent implementation across Punjab.

Download Job Description (PDF): [JD_DOWNLOAD_LINK]

Apply Now: [APPLICATION_FORM_LINK]

What You Will Do

As a Senior Associate, you will:

• Provide technical supervision and mentoring to Mental Health Fellows in your cluster or area of responsibility.
• Monitor programme implementation across districts, identifying field-level challenges and facilitating timely resolution.
• Support quality assurance - reviewing reporting, documentation, and adherence to programme standards.
• Work with the state programme management team to translate strategy into consistent district-level delivery.
• Facilitate training programmes and capacity building efforts for Fellows and relevant health professionals.
• Coordinate with Civil Surgeons, District Nodal Psychiatrists, de-addiction centres, OOAT (Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment) centres, and other stakeholders.
• Support documentation, monitoring, and evaluation activities as required.

Where You Will Be Placed

Senior Associates are placed in one of three settings:

• Mental Health Cell (MHC) 
• Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit (DITSU)
• Cluster Resource Centres (CRCs) 

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

Eligibility

Age

Maximum 35 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:

 

No.	Qualification Pathway	Minimum Work Experience Required
1	PsyD/Ph.D. in Psychology, Public Health, Social Work, or equivalent discipline in Mental Health	24 months
2	M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology (Active RCI registration number preferred)	24 months
3	Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology (Active RCI registration number preferred)	36 months
4	Masters in Psychology, Public Health, Social Work, or equivalent degree in Mental Health	48 months

 

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. 80,000/- per month, subject to applicable deductions, plus travel allowance.

Training and Mentorship

Selected Senior Associates undergo induction training and receive continuous mentoring and support from programme staff and academic partners throughout their engagement, including on supervision, monitoring and evaluation, and working with government administration.

How to Apply

Apply Here: [APPLICATION_FORM_LINK]

Download Job Description: [JD_DOWNLOAD_LINK]

For queries: lmhp@tiss.ac.in

 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between a Mental Health Fellow and a Senior Associate?

Mental Health Fellows work directly on the ground in districts, de-addiction centres, and community settings. Senior Associates function as an intermediate supervisory layer: they mentor Fellows, monitor programme implementation, and ensure quality and consistency across districts and CRCs.

• Is this a full-time commitment?

Yes. This is a full-time, on-ground contractual engagement. 

• Will I be paid, and how much?

Yes. Senior Associates receive a consolidated remuneration of Rs. 80,000/- per month, subject to applicable deductions, along with a travel allowance.

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

No, but it may not matter for you. Full-time academic study is not counted as work experience; only paid, full-time professional employment counts. The M.Phil. and Ph.D. pathways require 24 months of experience even with the degree, this is different from the Fellow role, where these degrees can be exempt. See the eligibility table above for the exact requirement.

• Are students or fresh graduates eligible to apply?

No. All candidates must have the requisite full-time work experience specified in their qualification pathway.

• Can I defer my joining if selected?

No. All selected candidates are expected to join as scheduled. Deferment is not offered.

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

Qualifications obtained through distance or open learning will not be considered. Please refer to the eligibility note above.

• What does prior government experience mean?

Experience working with government health departments, public health programmes, national or state-level health missions, or similar government-led initiatives. This is desirable, not mandatory.

• 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 involved in selection, capacity building, and supervision under the programme.

• 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 for the Yudh Nashean Virudh initiative. Senior Associates posted at CRCs support training, monitoring, and implementation across their assigned cluster of districts.

 

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

 

No. This is a supervisory and systems role, not a clinical or patient-facing one. Senior Associates mentor Fellows, monitor programme quality, and coordinate with government stakeholders,  you are not providing direct counselling yourself.

• Who do I contact for queries?

For any queries, write to lmhp@tiss.ac.in