NIMHANS Announces Walk-in Selection for Psychologist/ Medical Social Worker

The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) has announced that it is conducting a Walk-in Selection to fill up the post of Psychologist/ Medical Social Worker on a contract basis.

Nimhans is one of the most renowned institutions in India dedicated to the multidisciplinary pursuits of patient care and academic research in the field of mental health and neurosciences. It is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The institute is synonymous with providing high standards of clinical care, quality training and cutting-edge research in the fields of psychology and neuroscience. It was given the status of an ‘Institute of National Importance’ in 2012. It is known to provide inputs to both the Central and State Governments in areas such as the establishment of new psychiatric facilities, improvement of existing facilities, and building a national programme for improved mental health of the citizens.

Find out more details of the post below:

The vacancy is for the post of ‘Psychologist/ Medical Social Worker’. The selected candidate will be working on a contract basis on a project titled ‘Sustained Access for Maharashtra AshRam school students through the Enhanced Mental Health Initiative (AADI-SAMARTH) – A Tribal Development Department, Government of Maharashtra & NIMHANS Collaborative Program’. This project is funded by the Tribal Development Department, Government of Maharashtra. It will be headed by Dr. V. Senthil Kumar Reddi, Professor of Psychiatry and Principal Investigator, NIMHANS, Bengaluru.

Number of Vacancies: 01

Salary for the post: Rs.31,000/- per month (Consolidated)

Essential Qualifications required for the post: Either a Master of Arts/ Master of Science in Psychology recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC) with relevant experience, or, a Masters in Social Work Recognized by University Grants Commission with relevant experience.

Other Desirable Qualifications:

1. Fluency in Marathi, English and Hindi languages.
2. Qualifications obtained from institutes of repute.
3. Academic honours such as University Gold Medal, grants, or fellowships.
4. Clinical and/or research experience in Telemedicine and/or Tele-training.
5. Prior experience working with multidisciplinary research teams.

Roles/Responsibilities of the Post:

1. Developing training materials, conducting training sessions
2. Data management and entry, Research activities, sending emails
3. Coordinating with the participants and developing IEC materials.
4. Coordinating with the Psychiatrists in the team for collaborative audio/video consultations when required.
5. Undertaking periodic assessments and site visits for onsite training.
6. Facilitating follow-along support.

Maximum Age Limit for Applicants: 35 years

Duration of the Post: An initial appointment of 6 months shall be provided to the selected candidate. It may be extended further, depending upon the performance of the candidate during the appointment.

Further Information and Instructions:

• Eligible candidates who fulfil the above-mentioned criteria are advised to appear for walk-in selection.
• Location of the walk-in selection – NBRC Building, 1st Floor, NIMHANS, Bengaluru – 560029.
• Date and time of the selection – 09.02.2024, starting 10.00 A.M.
• The candidates are required to register their names half an hour before the Interview process begins.
• No additional compensation or TA/DA shall be provided for attending the examination.
• The number of posts provided currently is tentative only and may increase or decrease depending on the availability of funding.
• Candidates who have been selected shall be informed through email.
• Submission of NOC obtained from the Principal Investigator if working on projects (Extramural/Intramural) in NIMHANS is compulsory.

The Duties and Responsibilities of a Medical Social Worker:

1. An MSW works in a multidisciplinary medical team consisting of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff. They coordinate with and help the patients, their family members, and other members of the team.
2. It is their responsibility to communicate with the patient and family members and help them understand the medical problem or disability they are undergoing. They also help the patient cope with the illness and adjust to it emotionally.
3. They are also required to assess the social and economic condition of the patient and provide appropriate counselling accordingly. They help the patient find ways and means of managing the financial aspect of the illness. They help them arrange for and manage resources required to carry out their treatment and support the family.
4. They also help the patient’s family in arranging for financial support through Governmental and Non-Governmental Organisations.
5. MSWs advise the patient on the disability benefits that are provided by the government and help them avail those benefits.
6. They also play a role in sorting out any interpersonal issues that may appear in familial life as a result of their disability/illness
7. They help the patients adjust to their physical environment post-illness/disability. They address issues of architectural barriers and suggest ways for the patient to overcome them or provide alternatives.
8. They also engage in medico-social research.