The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Jobs & Careers

Overview of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is a leading nonprofit university dedicated to educating professionals in the behavioral sciences and related fields. Founded in 1979, it pioneered the practitioner-scholar model, which blends rigorous academic training with hands-on clinical practice to prepare graduates for real-world impact in psychology and counseling. With its main campus in Chicago, Illinois, and additional locations in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and online, the institution serves a diverse student body focused on master's and doctoral programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and more.

Jobs at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology attract professionals passionate about mental health education and community service. Opportunities span faculty, clinical, administrative, and support roles, all contributing to the school's mission of advancing human understanding through behavioral sciences. The Chicago location offers a dynamic urban environment, ideal for roles involving community partnerships and clinical training sites.

History and Mission

Established by clinical psychologist Michael Brose in Chicago, the school began as a graduate program emphasizing practical training over traditional research-heavy models. Over four decades, it has grown to enroll thousands of students annually, earning accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission and the Higher Learning Commission. Its mission centers on fostering ethical practitioners who apply psychological knowledge to improve lives, particularly in underserved populations.

This history shapes jobs at The Chicago School, prioritizing candidates with clinical experience and a commitment to social justice. Faculty often engage in community outreach, reflecting the school's roots in addressing urban mental health needs.

Academic Programs and Departments

The school offers over 30 degree programs, including the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology, Master of Arts in Counseling, and PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. Departments cover clinical psych, school psychology, forensic psychology, and health psychology, with a strong emphasis on licensure preparation.

Careers here involve teaching in these programs, supervising practicum students, and contributing to curriculum development aligned with American Psychological Association (APA) standards.

Types of Jobs at The Chicago School

Job openings include core faculty positions requiring full-time commitment to teaching, advising, and scholarship; adjunct faculty for part-time courses; clinical directors overseeing training clinics; and research roles in areas like trauma studies. Administrative jobs cover admissions, student affairs, and diversity officers. For a full breakdown of university job types, visit our dedicated resource.

• Faculty roles emphasize classroom instruction and clinical supervision.
• Research positions focus on applied studies in behavioral health.
• Staff positions support operations in a student-centered environment.

Many roles leverage Chicago's diverse population for fieldwork in community mental health centers.

Definitions

Practitioner-Scholar Model: An educational approach that trains psychologists to be both skilled clinicians and informed researchers, balancing practice with evidence-based scholarship.

PsyD (Doctor of Psychology): A doctoral degree focused on clinical practice rather than research, unlike the PhD, preparing graduates for licensure as practicing psychologists.

Licensure as a Psychologist: State-granted permission to practice independently, requiring a doctoral degree, supervised hours (typically 2000+), and passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Preferred Experience, and Skills

📊 For faculty jobs at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, a PhD or PsyD in psychology or a closely related field is essential. Licensure or eligibility for licensure in Illinois is often required for clinical roles.

Research focus typically involves applied areas like multicultural counseling, child and adolescent psychology, or organizational behavior, with expertise in urban mental health preferred given the Chicago campus.

Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of teaching at the graduate level, peer-reviewed publications (e.g., in Journal of Counseling Psychology), grant funding from sources like the National Institute of Mental Health, and clinical hours exceeding 1000 post-licensure.

• Skills: Proficiency in evidence-based therapies (CBT, DBT), cultural competence, student mentoring, and data analysis tools like SPSS.
• Competencies: Strong communication, ethical decision-making, and collaboration in interdisciplinary teams.

Administrative roles may require a master's in higher education administration or psychology, with experience in accreditation processes.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

The Chicago School prioritizes diversity through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, offering scholarships like the Diversity Leadership Scholarship for underrepresented students and faculty. They host annual Diversity Conferences and integrate multicultural training across curricula. Faculty hiring emphasizes diverse candidates, with programs supporting first-generation scholars and LGBTQ+ initiatives in counseling programs. In 2023, over 40% of students identified as people of color, influencing inclusive hiring practices.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

🎓 The Chicago campus fosters work-life balance with flexible teaching schedules, sabbaticals after 6 years, and employee assistance programs for mental health. Wellness initiatives include yoga classes and therapy access. Campus life in downtown Chicago provides proximity to Millennium Park, museums, and Lake Michigan, with events like guest lectures from APA presidents and student-faculty mixers. Remote options for some roles and generous parental leave (12 weeks) support faculty parents. Professional development funding up to $2000 annually aids conferences and certifications.

Application Process and Tips

To apply for jobs at The Chicago School, submit via their online portal with a tailored CV, cover letter addressing the practitioner-scholar fit, teaching philosophy statement, and three references. Interviews often include teaching demonstrations and diversity statements.

• Research the job description thoroughly and align your experience.
• Quantify achievements, e.g., "Supervised 50 practicum students to 95% licensure pass rate."
• Network at APA conventions or through alumni.
• Use our free cover letter template and prepare for behavioral interviews.
• Follow up post-interview and highlight Chicago-specific interests.

For lecturer roles, review advice on becoming a university lecturer. Enhance employer branding knowledge via employer branding secrets.

Why Pursue Jobs at The Chicago School?

Joining The Chicago School means contributing to innovative psychology education in a supportive, mission-driven environment. With competitive salaries (assistant professors around $80,000-$100,000), benefits like tuition remission, and growth opportunities, it's ideal for advancing your career in higher ed. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com.