Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Practice Leadership Pathway
Join Illinois' Premier Mission-Driven Practice Exclusively Dedicated to First Responders & Veterans
About First Responders Wellness Center
At First Responders Wellness Center (FRWC), we do not just study public safety culture—we live it. As the leading specialized practice in Illinois dedicated exclusively to police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers, corrections officers, and veterans, we provide a clinical home where those who serve feel understood the moment they walk through the door.
Our practice is experiencing rapid growth, creating an unprecedented opportunity for a talented clinician who desires both deep clinical impact and a clear, structured pathway into executive leadership, clinical supervision, and long-term practice management.
Position Summary & Unique Leadership Opportunity
This role is designed for a dedicated Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Ph.D. / Psy.D.) who excels in trauma-focused therapy and specialized evaluations, while possessing the ambition to shape the future of our practice.
In addition to core clinical responsibilities, this position includes a mentored Leadership & Executive Succession Track. As you immerse yourself in our specialized clinical framework, you will progressively assume clinical supervision of post-doctoral fellows and interns, oversee operational workflows, engage in department consultation, and prepare for executive leadership as our Founder transitions toward part-time ownership over the next 5 to 6 years.
The Leadership & Practice Management Pathway
We believe in developing leaders from within our culture. Your 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, 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 as the Founder transitions toward part-time ownership.
- Lead day-to-day practice governance, strategic expansion, and senior management.
- Explore long-term equity, profit-sharing, or executive partnership opportunities.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
1. Specialized Psychological Evaluations & Testing
- Conduct comprehensive pre-employment psychological evaluations for public safety candidates.
- Perform Fitness for Duty Evaluations (FFDE) and complex diagnostic assessments.
- Conduct FOID Card reinstatement evaluations and mental health certifications under Illinois law.
- Synthesize assessment batteries into clear, legally defensible clinical reports for command staff.
2. 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.
3. 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.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Licensure
- 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
- Clinical Experience: Demonstrated background in psychological assessment, diagnostic testing, and forensic-adjacent report writing; experience with pre-employment or FFDE testing strongly preferred.
- Leadership Ambition: 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.
Compensation, Benefits & Culture
FRWC provides a highly competitive financial package along with an exceptional quality of life and supportive professional environment:
- Competitive Base Salary & Caseload Bonuses: Range from $100,,000–$140,000+, structured around experience and leadership progression.
- Generous Paid Time Off: Full PTO, sick leave, and paid company holidays.
- Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical and dental insurance plans.
- Retirement Planning: 401(k) retirement plan with employer match eligibility.
- Professional Growth & Training: Continuing education reimbursement, paid training, and protected weekly supervision/didactic hours.
- Unparalleled Culture: A mission-driven, team-oriented practice built on genuine confidentiality, mutual support, state-of-the-art office spaces, and shared dedication to those who serve.
How to Apply
If you are a skilled clinician seeking more than just a caseload—and are ready to build a meaningful, long-term leadership career with Illinois' premier first responder wellness organization—we want to hear from you.
Please submit your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a cover letter detailing your clinical background and leadership aspirations directly to:
Dr. Carrie SteinerFounder & Clinical Director First Responders Wellness Center
Email:
Website:
Pay: $100,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: In person
