Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Public Safety

About the Role

First Responders Wellness Center (FRWC) is Illinois' premier mission-driven practice exclusively dedicated to first responders and veterans. This role offers a talented clinician a unique opportunity for deep clinical impact and a structured pathway into executive leadership, clinical supervision, and long-term practice management. The position is designed for a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Ph.D. / Psy.D.) with expertise in trauma-focused therapy and specialized evaluations, who also possesses the ambition to shape the future of the practice.

Position Summary & Unique Leadership Opportunity

This role includes a mentored Leadership & Executive Succession Track. As you integrate into the specialized clinical framework, you will progressively:

• Assume clinical supervision of post-doctoral fellows and interns.
• Oversee operational workflows.
• Engage in department consultation.
• Prepare for executive leadership.

The Leadership & Practice Management Pathway

Growth is structured across four distinct phases:

• Phase 1: Clinical Mastery & Cultural Immersion (Months 1–12)

• Establish a robust specialized caseload serving first responders, veterans, and their families.

• Master FRWC's evidence-based trauma modalities (EMDR, exposure), specialized wellness visits, and evaluation frameworks.

• Integrate deeply into local law enforcement, fire, and veteran public safety culture.

• Phase 2: Clinical Supervision & Mentorship (Years 2–3)

• Begin providing 1-on-1 supervision and mentorship to post-doctoral fellows, doctoral interns, and pre-licensed clinicians.

• Co-lead weekly clinical didactics, case reviews, and team consultation sessions.

• Assist in refining clinical protocols, quality assurance, and treatment program development.

• Phase 3: Operations & Practice Management (Years 3–5)

• Transition into an Associate Clinical Director / Operations Manager role.

• Learn end-to-end private practice leadership, including intake logistics, departmental contract management, clinical compliance, and staff development.

• Expand agency outreach, conduct department presentations, and lead crisis debriefing responses.

• Phase 4: Executive Leadership & Practice Transition (Years 5–6+)

• Step into primary operational and clinical leadership of FRWC.

• Lead day-to-day practice governance, strategic expansion, and senior management.

• Explore long-term equity, profit-sharing, or executive partnership opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Specialized Psychological Evaluations & Testing

• Conduct comprehensive pre-employment psychological evaluations for public safety candidates.

• Perform complex diagnostic assessments.

• Conduct FOID Card reinstatement evaluations and mental health certifications under Illinois law.

• Synthesize assessment batteries into clear, legally defensible clinical reports.

• Trauma-Focused Clinical Therapy

• Deliver evidence-based individual and couples therapy tailored for high-functioning, trauma-exposed populations (CBT, CPT, EMDR, DBT, ERP).

• Apply sophisticated neurobiological conceptualizations of PTSD and chronic occupational stress to treatment planning.

• Facilitate specialized annual wellness visits, crisis intervention, and critical incident debriefings for departments.

• Clinical Supervision, Consultation & Management

• Participate in weekly multidisciplinary team didactics and case consultation.

• Provide weekly clinical supervision to interns, post-doctoral fellows, and staff clinicians.

• Document all administrative and clinical contacts in accordance with FRWC ethical standards and HIPAA guidelines.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Education & Licensure:

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from an accredited program.

• Active, unrestricted Illinois license as a Clinical Psychologist required at hire.

• Professional Experience:

• Demonstrated background in psychological assessment, diagnostic testing, and forensic-adjacent report writing.

• Experience with pre-employment or FFDE testing is strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated interest in clinical supervision, team leadership, practice management, and long-term organizational growth.

• Core Competencies & Cultural Fit:

• Deep respect for and working understanding of first responder, law enforcement, and veteran subcultures.

• Ability to build immediate rapport with a "trust-guarded" clientele.

• Advanced knowledge of trauma neurobiology and evidence-based trauma modalities.

• High professional integrity, emotional intelligence, and executive presence.