PER DIEM - School-Based Therapist

Effective School Solutions • Salinas, CA

3h • Onsite

About The Position

Effective School Solutions (ESS) is a leading provider of school-based mental health services, serving 6,000+ K–12 students across 12 states. We deliver the level of clinical care typically found in private practice, out-of-district placements, or higher levels of care directly within public schools- providing a full continuum of clinical programming, professional development, and district consultation.

This is a per diem position and is not eligible for benefits. Per diem clinicians support ESS on an as-needed basis, including coverage for leave assignments (e.g., medical or maternity leave).

Clinicians in this role have flexibility in their level of commitment. They may choose to pick up occasional shifts, work a few days per week on an ongoing basis, or take on a temporary full-time schedule when covering a longer-term leave assignment. Per diem clinicians can accept or decline assignments based on their availability.

This role does not follow a consistent full-time schedule; however, full-time hours may be required on a temporary basis when covering extended leave assignments.

You’ll provide critical mental health support to students who may not otherwise have access to care—helping them succeed academically, build resilience, and thrive.

At ESS, clinicians are trusted partners in shaping supportive school environments.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field
• Active associate number or clinical license (e.g., AMFT, APCC, ACSW or LMFT, LPCC, LCSW) in the state of California
• 2+ years of experience working with children and/or adolescents with behavioral and emotional needs
• Experience providing training and coaching to educational professionals and parents/caregivers on student mental health issues.
• Experience working with schools, families, and community-based services
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain trusting relationships with students, families, and school staff
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care and advocating for best practices
• Proven ability to positively influence, motivate, and elevate team members and stakeholders
• Ability to make confident, sound decisions in ambiguous or evolving situations
• Proficient in clinical documentation and use of electronic systems (e.g., EMR, Microsoft Office), with the ability to maintain accurate and timely records

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive, school-based mental health services, including individual, group, and family therapy, as well as intake, diagnostic, and clinical assessments
• Partner with families and facilitate parent support programming
• Conduct risk assessments and crisis intervention, ensuring student safety and coordinating referrals to appropriate levels of care when needed
• Develop and implement individualized, evidence-based treatment plans that support students’ emotional, behavioral, and academic success
• Oversee the day-to-day clinical operations of the assigned school-based program
• Serve as the primary clinical point of contact for school partners, providing expert guidance, ensuring alignment on student support strategies, and fostering strong, collaborative relationships.
• Facilitate weekly consultation sessions to ensure alignment on student goals and documentation standards
• Collaborate with families, school staff, and interdisciplinary teams to deliver coordinated care, and provide consultation, coaching, and training on mental health and trauma-informed practices
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing professional development
• Maintain timely, accurate clinical documentation in accordance with regulatory, ethical, and organizational standards
• Uphold professional standards by maintaining active licensure, ethical practice, reliability, and a strong professional presence
• Monitor program performance and ensure alignment with ESS clinical and operational standards

Benefits

• School-day schedule — No weekends or on-call requirements; occasional evening hours as needed to support family engagement
• Light summers — 10 hours/week for 5 weeks with full-time pay
• Small caseloads
• Ongoing supervision, clinical support, and free CEUs
• Competitive salary + comprehensive benefits
• Clinical leadership at the heart of our company

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level