Share
If you’ve Googled “Clinical Psychologist job description,” you’ve probably come across dozens of posts that look exactly the same: bullet points, buzzwords, and vague responsibilities like “provide therapy” or “conduct assessments.”
But here’s the real problem:
Those templates don’t help you attract a great clinical psychologist.
They just help you fill space.
A top-tier psychologist isn’t looking for a generic list of tasks—they want to know:
- Who they’ll be working with
- What kind of support systems are in place
- Whether your organization takes mental health seriously—or treats it as an afterthought
So if your job post reads like a formality, don’t expect high-impact candidates to get excited about it.
Before we dive into templates, responsibilities, and examples, here’s what we recommend:
👉 Read this full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ It walks through why most job posts fail—and how to create one that connects.
Because writing a job description isn’t about listing duties. It’s about telling the right story—so the right person says, “This is the kind of team I want to be part of.”
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
What Does a Clinical Psychologist Actually Do?
Let’s skip the jargon and get real.
A clinical psychologist helps people work through emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges using evidence-based approaches like CBT, trauma-informed therapy, or other specialized techniques.
But that’s just the clinical side.
In practice, a great clinical psychologist does far more than diagnose or treat—they build trust with clients, listen deeply, and create a safe space where people feel genuinely heard. They help clients move from surviving to thriving, often in complex or high-stress environments.
Depending on your setting—whether it’s a private practice, hospital, school, or community clinic—their responsibilities may include:
- Providing individual or group therapy
- Conducting psychological evaluations
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
- Developing treatment plans
- Supporting families or caregivers
In other words:
You’re not just hiring a practitioner—you’re hiring a partner in someone’s healing journey.
That’s why emotional intelligence, communication, ethics, and resilience matter just as much as academic training or certifications.
Two Great Clinical Psychologist Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Version 1: Job Description For an Experienced Clinical Psychologist
📌 Job Title: Clinical Psychologist – Trauma-Informed Care (Full-Time | New York | $92K–$115K/year)
📍 Location: On-site (Upper Manhattan) | 🕒 Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
🎥 [Insert Loom video here: “A message from our Director of Mental Health Services”]
Who We Are
At Riverstone Behavioral Health, we work with underserved communities to provide accessible, high-quality mental health care. From trauma recovery to long-term support, our team is committed to walking alongside individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult moments.
We believe healing happens through connection—and we’re building a team of compassionate professionals who understand the human side of psychology.
Why This Role Matters
As our new Clinical Psychologist, you’ll work closely with survivors of trauma, offering both individual and group therapy in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment. You’ll also mentor junior clinicians, contribute to program development, and help shape how mental health care is delivered in our community.
This isn’t just a position—it’s a mission-driven opportunity to make real impact, one person at a time.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Deliver 1:1 and group therapy sessions using trauma-informed and evidence-based techniques
- Conduct psychological assessments and collaborate on treatment planning
- Maintain accurate, timely case documentation
- Coordinate with social workers, psychiatrists, and case managers
- Participate in regular clinical supervision and case reviews
- Help improve internal programs and training processes
What We’re Looking For
- Doctoral degree (PhD/PsyD) in Clinical Psychology
- Licensed or license-eligible in New York State
- 3+ years of clinical experience (preferably with trauma populations)
- Familiarity with EMR systems (we use SimplePractice)
- Strong interpersonal skills, emotional maturity, and cultural humility
Perks and Benefits
- $92,000–$115,000 annual salary
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off (3 weeks starting), plus mental health days
- 401(k) with 4% match
- Paid CEU opportunities and license renewal support
- Wellness stipend + free on-site yoga every Wednesday
Our Hiring Process
We know your time is valuable. That’s why we use WorkScreen, a smart hiring platform that helps us evaluate candidates based on real skills—not just buzzwords.
Click the link below to complete a short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
We review every application and respond within 10 business days. Final candidates will be invited for interviews and reference checks.
✅ Version 2: Job Description For Entry-Level Clinical Psychologist / Post-Internship Role
📌 Job Title: Clinical Psychologist – Early Career Opportunity (Full-Time | Hybrid | $78K–$85K/year)
📍 Location: Hybrid – 3 days remote / 2 days in office (Chicago, IL)
🎥 [Optional: Insert a short video message from a team member or clinical director]
About Us
At Solace Collective, we help young adults navigate anxiety, trauma, and life transitions through evidence-based therapy and personalized support.
We believe new graduates and early-career psychologists deserve the same mentorship, clarity, and encouragement they give to others. If you’re recently licensed or finishing your postdoc—and looking for a place to grow—we’d love to meet you.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Provide therapy to clients (mostly aged 18–35) both in-person and online
- Get weekly clinical supervision and attend monthly training sessions
- Collaborate with senior clinicians on complex cases
- Contribute to client resources and psychoeducation content
- Help build a culture of empathy, transparency, and support
What We’re Looking For
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PhD or PsyD)
- Either fully licensed or completing hours toward licensure
- Comfort using Zoom and therapy EMRs (we’ll train you!)
- Growth mindset, reliability, and genuine passion for client wellbeing
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You’ll have a consistent caseload and weekly mentorship
- We offer a clear path to licensure support
- You’ll be part of a close-knit team that values learning, rest, and shared impact
- You can grow into a leadership role—we prefer promoting from within
Salary & Benefits
- $78,000–$85,000 annual salary
- 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental
- 2+ weeks PTO plus winter office closure
- CEU and license prep stipends
- Monthly wellness allowance
- Annual team retreat in the mountains
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to streamline the hiring process and give every candidate a fair shot. To apply, click the link below and complete a short skills-based evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
We respond to all applicants within 7–10 business days.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Why These Job Posts Actually Work (And Attract Top-Tier Candidates)
Let’s break down what makes these two clinical psychologist job descriptions effective—and why they stand out from generic posts online.
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Purpose-Driven
Instead of the flat “Clinical Psychologist” label, each job title includes context:
- “Trauma-Informed Care” signals the clinical focus
- “Early Career Opportunity” speaks directly to new grads
- Location and salary are upfront, saving time and building trust
These titles don’t just describe the role—they frame the opportunity and help the right people self-identify immediately.
✅ 2. The Intros Feel Warm, Real, and Mission-Driven
Rather than starting with dry facts about the organization, each post leads with a purpose:
- Why the role exists
- Who it helps
- What kind of impact the candidate will make
That emotional framing draws in mission-driven candidates and makes them feel like the work matters—because it does.
✅ 3. Culture and Values Are Not Just Claimed—They’re Shown
Phrases like “healing happens through connection” and “we treat our people like partners” give the reader a feel for the team dynamic.
They’re not just working for a clinic—they’re joining a community that shares values like empathy, trust, and professional growth.
This emotional clarity helps candidates assess if they belong—which reduces mismatches and turnover later.
✅ 4. Responsibilities Are Written With Context and Clarity
Instead of listing tasks like “conduct therapy sessions,” the posts connect each duty to its larger purpose:
“Help everything stay on track.”
“Build a culture of empathy and transparency.”
“Contribute to client education.”
That storytelling gives meaning to the work—and shows candidates they’re not cogs in a machine.
✅ 5. The Requirements Are Flexible—Without Lowering the Bar
Both templates state what’s essential (like licensing status or education), but they also signal openness to growth:
“License-eligible” instead of “must be fully licensed”
“Nice to have” software experience—but training will be provided
This widens the talent pool without compromising standards. It also signals psychological safety, which matters deeply in therapeutic environments.
✅ 6. The Hiring Process Is Transparent, Fair, and Respectful
By clearly outlining timelines, communication expectations, and the use of WorkScreen, the post makes the applicant feel seen.
No more “we’ll contact shortlisted candidates only.”
Instead, it’s: “We respect your time, and we’ll respond within 10 business days.”
That’s rare—and it builds massive goodwill with serious professionals.
✅ 7. Compensation and Benefits Are Clearly Listed
No vague “competitive salary.”
Both posts include pay ranges, real benefits, and even perks like mental health days, CEU stipends, and wellness budgets.
This transparency isn’t just ethical—it attracts the right applicants while saving time on misaligned expectations.
Bad Clinical Psychologist Job Description (What Not to Do)
Job Title: Clinical Psychologist
Location: N/A | Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are looking for a clinical psychologist to join our team. The psychologist will be responsible for diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, conducting assessments, and writing reports. Must work well independently and have strong attention to detail.
Key Responsibilities
- Diagnose and treat mental health disorders
- Conduct psychological assessments
- Write patient reports and treatment plans
- Maintain patient records
Requirements
- Doctoral degree in Psychology
- Valid license
- 2–3 years’ experience
- Good communication skills
How to Apply
Send your resume and cover letter to hr@clinicmail.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🛑 Why This Job Post Falls Flat
Let’s break down why this description fails to connect, inspire, or attract top talent.
🚫 1. The Job Title Is Too Generic
“Clinical Psychologist” says what the job is, but not what it’s about—no mention of the setting, specialty, or impact. Candidates can’t tell if this is hospital work, private practice, trauma support, or general outpatient.
🚫 2. The Intro Is Cold and Robotic
The summary feels like it was written for a policy document, not a human. There’s no mention of who the clinic serves, why the position exists, or what kind of team they’d be joining.
This creates emotional distance, which turns off qualified applicants looking for purpose-driven work.
🚫 3. No Culture, No Mission, No Context
There’s zero mention of company values, what the team is like, or how they support their clinicians. That makes it impossible for a psychologist to know if they’d fit in—or even want to apply.
🚫 4. Responsibilities Are Vague and Uninspiring
“Diagnose and treat mental health disorders” is technically correct—but it’s dry and meaningless without context. The tasks are generic, copy-pasted, and offer no clue about day-to-day realities or challenges.
🚫 5. No Mention of Salary or Benefits
This is one of the biggest red flags in today’s hiring landscape. Omitting compensation details reduces trust and deters top candidates who value transparency and fairness.
🚫 6. The Application Process Is Dismissive
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” tells applicants: we don’t have time for you.
In contrast, modern job posts reassure candidates that their time will be respected—something especially important in the mental health field.
🚫 7. No Personality in the Call to Action
The closing line could’ve been written by AI. There’s no energy, no invitation, no sense of connection—just an email address and a wall.
This kind of post might attract desperate applicants, but it will repel the thoughtful, mission-aligned psychologists you actually want on your team.
Bonus Tips: Small Details That Make a Big Impact
Once you’ve written a solid job post, these extra touches can take it from good to outstanding. Think of them as high-return upgrades—small things most employers overlook, but candidates instantly notice and appreciate.
🛡️ Tip 1: Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Job seekers are increasingly cautious about scams, especially in healthcare roles where personal information is shared.
Add a line like this near the end of your job post:
“We take the security and privacy of all job applicants very seriously. We will never request payment, banking details, or personal financial information during any part of the hiring process.”
This builds trust from the start—and reassures ethical candidates that you’re a legitimate, professional employer.
🏖️ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Great psychologists are often overworked and emotionally taxed. Offering—even just a few—personal days or flexible scheduling options can make your role significantly more appealing.
Example:
“Enjoy up to 24 flex days off per year to recharge and show up fully present for your clients.”
Or:
“We offer a hybrid work model with flexible hours to support your personal wellbeing and work-life balance.”
📚 Tip 3: Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Clinical roles often require continuing education, supervision hours, or specialization. If you offer mentorship, CEU stipends, or license support—don’t bury it. Highlight it.
Example:
“We invest in your growth. You’ll receive paid CEU hours, clinical supervision, and support toward licensure or specialization.”
This shows candidates that you’re not just filling a seat—you’re committed to their long-term career.
🎥 Tip 4: Include a Video From the Hiring Manager or Team
Most job posts feel anonymous. Including a short video (via Loom or YouTube) from the hiring manager or a peer gives your post a human face.
Example:
“Watch this short message from our Clinical Director, where she shares what it’s like to work on our team.”
[Insert Loom or YouTube link]
This builds instant trust and connection—especially important in therapeutic environments where relationships are everything.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
💬 Tip 5: Make the Call to Action Feel Like an Invitation
Instead of saying “Send your resume here,” speak directly to the kind of person you want and invite them in.
Example:
“If you’re someone who truly cares about helping people heal—and you want to do it with a team that supports you as much as you support others—we’d love to hear from you.”
This isn’t fluff. It’s how you emotionally qualify candidates and show them your team gets it.
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
It’s tempting.
AI tools like ChatGPT, Manatal, and Workable’s built-in generators can give you a job post in seconds. But here’s the problem:
Speed doesn’t equal connection.
And if you’re hiring for a role as human and sensitive as a clinical psychologist, connection matters.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
If you just say “Write a job description for a clinical psychologist,” you’ll likely get something like this:
“We are seeking a motivated and experienced Clinical Psychologist to join our team. The ideal candidate will conduct assessments, develop treatment plans…”
Looks familiar, right?
That’s because AI tends to generate safe, vague, and lifeless content when it has no real context to work with.
And the result?
- It attracts generic, low-effort applications
- It repels high-quality candidates who are looking for purpose and people, not boilerplate
- It reflects poorly on your brand—it looks like you didn’t care enough to write the post yourself
✅ The Right Way to Use AI (With Context and Control)
AI can be incredibly useful when used as a polishing tool, not a blind generator.
Here’s how to prompt it properly:
Start with this:
“Help me write a job description for our organization, [Insert Company Name]. We’re hiring a Clinical Psychologist to help with [Insert real responsibilities].
Our culture is [Describe company culture], and we want to attract candidates who are [Insert ideal traits].
We offer the following benefits: [Insert real perks and salary info].
Our hiring process looks like this: [Explain timeline, steps, and communication approach].
Here are some notes I’ve drafted to get started:
[Insert your ideas, tone, or sample paragraphs].”
Then ask AI to:
- Refine the tone (more conversational, more clinical, etc.)
- Improve structure for flow
- Shorten or clarify dense sections
- Suggest better phrasing without losing meaning
💡 Want a shortcut?
Give AI a real job post like the two good examples we shared earlier, and ask it to create something in that style using your company’s info.
Bottom Line:
AI won’t replace your input.
But it can help you say what you mean—clearly, quickly, and in your voice.
Write first. Then let AI polish.
Not the other way around.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?
We get it—sometimes you’re in a rush. Maybe you’ve already read the full guide, understand what makes a strong job post, and just want a solid starting point.
That’s what this is.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: Clinical Psychologist — Join a Team That Puts People First
💼 Type: Full-Time | 📍 Location: [Insert Location] | 💰 Salary: [$XX,000–$XX,000/year]
🎥 [Insert a quick Loom video from the hiring manager]
Who We Are
At [Company Name], we help individuals overcome emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges through thoughtful, client-centered care. Whether it’s trauma, anxiety, grief, or life transitions—we meet people where they are and walk with them as they heal.
Why This Role Matters
We’re looking for a Clinical Psychologist who doesn’t just check boxes—but deeply connects with their clients. You’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team that values empathy, collaboration, and professional growth.
This isn’t a role where you’re left to figure things out on your own. You’ll be supported, respected, and empowered to do your best work—because when clinicians thrive, so do their clients.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Provide individual and group therapy
- Conduct assessments and collaborate on treatment plans
- Maintain accurate documentation
- Contribute to team meetings and case reviews
- Help shape how we deliver care to our community
What We’re Looking For
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PhD or PsyD)
- Licensed or license-eligible in [Insert State]
- Genuine care for clients and commitment to ethical practice
- Excellent listening and communication skills
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off + mental health days
- CEU reimbursement + license support
- Wellness perks and flexible scheduling
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to evaluate candidates fairly and efficiently.
To apply, click the link below to complete your structured assessment:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
📋 Option 2: Traditional Job Description Format (Structured)
Job Title: Clinical Psychologist
Location: [Insert Location]
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: [$XX,000–$XX,000/year]
🎥 [Insert a quick Loom video from the hiring manager]
Job Brief
We are seeking a compassionate, licensed Clinical Psychologist to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will provide therapy, conduct psychological assessments, and collaborate with other clinicians to support client wellbeing.
Responsibilities
- Deliver individual and group therapy sessions
- Perform psychological evaluations and assessments
- Create and manage treatment plans
- Maintain clinical documentation
- Participate in supervision and clinical team meetings
Requirements
- Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in Clinical Psychology
- Active license or license eligibility in [State]
- Experience in therapy or clinical settings
- Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
- Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR)
Benefits
- days PTO
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- CEU stipend and training support
- Flexible hours or hybrid work options
- Supportive clinical environment
How to Apply
To apply, click the link below and complete your short evaluation via WorkScreen.io.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
We review all applications and respond within 7–10 business days.
Ready to Hire Smarter? Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step
Writing a strong job post is the first step. But what happens when the applications start pouring in?
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
WorkScreen helps you:
🎯 Quickly identify your top candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
🔍 Assess real-world skills, not just credentials
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
🚫 Eliminate low-effort and AI-generated applications
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
If you’re hiring for a role as important as a Clinical Psychologist, you can’t afford to make the wrong call.
Let WorkScreen streamline the process—so you hire with confidence, speed, and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Clinical Psychologist
The term “psychologist” is broad—it refers to professionals trained in the study of behavior, emotion, and mental processes.
A clinical psychologist, specifically, is trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders through therapy and evidence-based interventions. They often work with individuals dealing with anxiety, trauma, depression, or other psychological challenges in clinical or healthcare settings.
In short:
- Psychologist = general term (can include research, education, etc.)
- Clinical Psychologist = licensed mental health professional focused on therapy and diagnosis
In addition to clinical expertise, look for:
- Empathy and emotional intelligence — Crucial for building trust with clients
- Strong communication skills — To explain diagnoses and treatment plans clearly
- Cultural competency — To work respectfully with diverse populations
- Resilience and boundaries — To manage emotional demands of the role
- Commitment to evidence-based practices — To ensure quality, ethical care
Bonus points if they demonstrate reflective thinking and a growth mindset—both essential in high-emotion work.
Salaries vary by location, experience, and setting, but in the U.S.:
- Entry-level clinical psychologists: $65,000–$80,000/year
- Experienced clinicians: $90,000–$110,000/year
- Specialists (e.g., trauma, neuropsychology): $115,000+
Private practice, academic roles, or supervisory positions can exceed these ranges.
Always include salary ranges in your job post—transparency builds trust and attracts serious applicants.
That depends on:
- Caseload volume
- Budget and benefits structure
- Whether you can offer supervision (for license-track clinicians)
Many organizations start with part-time or contract roles, then scale up based on client demand. Just be sure to set clear expectations and boundaries, especially in emotionally intensive work.
Yes—especially for individual therapy and assessments that don’t require in-person interaction.
Since the pandemic, telehealth has become a widely accepted and effective option in mental health care. However, some roles (e.g., inpatient, school-based) may still require on-site presence.
Make sure to check state licensing rules—some restrict psychologists from practicing across state lines via telehealth.
- Licensed: Has completed all postdoctoral hours and passed required exams.
- License-eligible: Has earned a doctorate and may be completing supervised hours or waiting on board exam results.
Hiring someone license-eligible can be a great option if you’re able to provide supervision and support their path to licensure.
