Postgraduate Fellow

The Organization

Through clinical services, education, and research, The Family Institute at Northwestern University is one of the nation’s leading relationship-based behavioral health organizations committed to strengthening and healing children and adolescents, couples, families, and individuals. When you join The Family Institute, you are joining a team of over 230 collaborators comprised of clinicians, educators, researchers, therapists-in-training, partners, and administrators across three service sites. We are a strong, independent organization focused on advancing the world of behavioral health.

Learn more about our culture.

The Role

The Family Institute’s Postgrad Program Fellowship is a one-year opportunity for recently graduated, relationally minded systemic therapists. It is a commitment to further clinical and professional development and provides a path to integrate into and grow at The Family Institute. The community is rich with resources, including a number of consultation groups, monthly Grand Rounds learning events, and other CEU and learning events free of charge. During their year of fellowship, fellows will also engage in additional didactic opportunities with experts inside and outside of TFI, be provided clinical supervision with sought-after clinicians, and personal mentoring sessions. Fellows will be expected to contribute to TFI’s mission in various ways, and in return, can enjoy a supportive transition into the next step of their careers.

This one-year program is most valuable to clinicians early in their careers, as it is specifically tailored to the developmental stage of a recently graduated (within two years) clinician. This is a one-year role with an invitation to apply for a Staff Therapist position.

Location

Chicago

Department

Clinical Services

Reports To

Director of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies Program, Director of Couples Services

FLSA Status

Exempt

Primary Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a clinical caseload.

• Adhere to organizational policies, including timely documentation, engaging with Measurement Informed Care (MIC), and collaborative scheduling.

• Attend required clinical meetings, supervision, and consultation.

• Participate in all required Fellowship activities, including workshops and didactic meetings, mentorship opportunities, and professional development sessions.

• Perform other duties as assigned by manager for business necessity.

Summary of Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills

• Essential clinical skills to provide therapy to clients with diverse presenting problems.

• Experience or invested interest in developing skills related to either:

• Systemic and relational therapy (Couples therapy preferred, candidates interested in family therapy, and/or therapy with children will be considered.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Demonstration of cultural humility, passion for clinical work, and commitment to delivering scientifically informed treatment.

Minimum Hiring Specifications

• Possess a master’s or doctoral degree in a relevant mental health discipline, or anticipate completion of degree before the start date.

• Have at least 2 years of clinical supervision by a licensed mental health professional that unequivocally supports the candidate’s application.

• Have clinical interests that align with current service needs at The Family Institute. These are subject to change based on our staffing needs and demand for our services.

Application Timeline

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, the application deadline is February 13, 2026. *

Job Requirements

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Must be able to compose written reports clearly and effectively

• Must be able to be in a stationary position due to attention to computer screen

• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations

• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer) to perform work-related duties

• Must be able to apply established protocols in a timely manner

• Must be able to determine solutions to problems

• Must be able to operate successfully while handling multiple projects

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Family Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or any other protected class. We strive to create a working environment that is free of all forms of discrimination and one that promotes human dignity and mutual respect among all staff. We believe every member of our organization enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, to identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions.

If you are a candidate with a disability and require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, please direct your inquiries to the [email protected].

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: scope and responsibilities of the position; a candidate’s applicable work experience, key skills and qualifications, as well as internal and external market considerations. The compensation for this full-time, exempt position is $46,827.18 . The Family Institute provides competitive benefits, including health, a 403(b) retirement savings plan, generous time off, and professional development. For a more inclusive list of benefits, please visit our Careers page at