Clinical Lead (LMFT, LCSW), First Responder Institute

Institutes of Health; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institutes of Health in San Diego is seeking an experienced Clinical Lead (LMFT or LCSW) to provide direct clinical services, supervise associate clinicians, and advance the First Responder Institute program.

The role blends direct patient care (60-70%) with leadership, supervision, crisis response, training, and program operations, requiring strong clinical judgment and collaborative partnership with operations and peer support groups.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in MFT, Social Work, or related clinical discipline.
• Current and unrestricted California license as LMFT or LCSW.
• Experience supervising associate clinicians (AMFTs/ASWs) and leading a clinical team.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an active clinical caseload while supervising clinicians and supporting program operations.
• Provide crisis intervention and clinical support to clients and staff.
• Deliver onsite training on trauma-informed care and first responder needs.
• Oversee daily caseload distribution and quality of care.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Crisis intervention

Team supervision

Communication

Program development

Education

Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or Social Work

Tools

Clinical documentation systems

Job description

Institutes of Health is a multidisciplinary healthcare organization committed to providing comprehensive, patient centered care. Our First Responder Institute delivers specialized behavioral health services designed to support first responders, retirees, and their families.

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Clinical Lead (LMFT or LCSW.) to provide direct clinical services, supervise associate clinicians, and support the continued development of our First Responder Institute program.

Position Overview

The Clinical Lead (LMFT or LCSW) provides leadership and clinical oversight to clinicians serving First Responder Institute participants. This position maintains an active clinical caseload while supporting team development, clinical supervision, crisis response, training, and program operations.

Approximately 60 to 70 percent of the role will be dedicated to direct patient care, with the remaining 30 to 40 percent focused on administrative and leadership responsibilities. Time allocation may shift based on patient care and program needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain an active caseload and provide psychological services to program participants and their families.
• Provide clinical supervision, case consultation, and required supervision hours to AMFTs and ASWs working toward licensure.
• Oversee the clinical team’s daily performance, caseload distribution, and quality of care.
• Provide crisis intervention and clinical support to clients and clinicians as needed.
• Deliver onsite training related to first responder populations, trauma informed care, and program protocols.
• Coordinate with peer support groups serving first responders.
• Partner with the Operations Manager regarding scheduling, caseload flow, and program administration.
• Collaborate with First Alarm Wellness on clinical coordination and referral flow.
• Balance clinical and administrative responsibilities based on patient care and operational needs.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, or a related clinical discipline.
• Current and unrestricted California license as an LMFT or LCSW.
• Qualified and approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to supervise associate clinicians, including AMFTs and ASWs.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience providing services to first responders, retirees, and their families, or comparable experience supporting veterans or military populations.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional management and/or clinical director experience.
• Previous experience managing or leading a clinical team in an outpatient setting.
• Ability to provide crisis support, conduct onsite training, and collaborate with peer support groups.
• Ability to balance direct clinical care with leadership and administrative responsibilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and commitment to protecting patient confidentiality.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to manage competing clinical and administrative priorities.
• Ability to process complex clinical information and make sound decisions during high stress or crisis situations.
• Proficiency with clinical documentation systems and standard office technology.
• Ability to travel locally within the San Diego area for training, meetings, and peer support activities.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds, with reasonable accommodations provided as required.

Join Our Team

This is an opportunity to combine clinical practice with meaningful leadership while supporting a population that serves our communities every day. The successful candidate will bring strong clinical judgment, a collaborative leadership style, and a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of first responders and their families.

Institutes of Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer, maintains a drug free workplace, and complies with applicable disability accommodation requirements.