[2026-2027] Licensed School-Based Mental Health Clinician (Lead)

Transforming student mental health in schools.

About Effective School Solutions

Effective School Solutions (ESS) is a leading provider of school-based mental health services, serving 6,000 K–12 students across 12 states. ESS is currently seeking a Lead Clinician/Social Worker to join our team.

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 by providing a full continuum of clinical programming, professional development, and district consultation.

Why This Role Matters

You'll provide critical mental health support to students who may not otherwise have access to care by helping them succeed academically, build resilience, and thrive.
At ESS, clinicians are trusted partners in shaping supportive school environments.

Starting salary range: $70,000 – $75,000

Clinical Responsibilities:

• Leads weekly consultation sessions focused on student goals and documentation compliance with assigned clinician(s).
• Delivers clinical interventions consistent with needs of the student and family, in a safe and ethical manner that promote and sustain academic and mental health stability.
• Demonstrates competency in: Group Therapy, Individual Counseling, and Family Counseling.
• Provides family programming with monthly evening Parent Support groups.
• Understands continuum of mental health services, referring students and family to an appropriate level of care in coordination with their supervisor (such as: substance abuse services and/or IOP/PHP/In-Patient).
• Optimizes the collaboration and coordination of the interdisciplinary team to enhance the environment of student care.
• Demonstrates a commitment to developing strong working relationships with school administration, district leadership, teachers, and paraprofessionals.

Professional Development Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates a commitment to developing strong working relationships with school administration, district leadership, teachers, and paraprofessionals.
• Consults with school administrators, teachers, and staff (including clinicians) on mental health and trauma-attuned modalities (TAM) in their school community.
• Provide coaching and training to school administrators, teachers, and staff on mental health issues, and protocols.
• Provide coaching and training on mental health issues to caregivers, guardians, and parents.
• Participates in and at times leads, team meetings including but not limited to: Administrative School Meetings, ESS Town Hall meetings, ESS Supervision Meetings, and Treatment Team meetings.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Submits Clinical Documentation in a timely manner, aligned with the electronic medical record.
• Maintains current professional license and adheres to ethical standards in accordance with the governing board.
• Consistently attends work on scheduled day and time, in professional attire and with a professional demeanor.
• Participates in learning opportunities provided by ESS, such as Supervision Groups, and treatment planning, that will advance knowledge of clinical interventions and skills throughout the school year.
• Collects the necessary data: grades, discipline, attendance, to ensure all metric goals are met
• Participates in completing clinicians' performance evaluations
• Demonstrates the ability to develop action plans when data falls below ESS standards
• Prepares relevant data in preparation for coordinator meetings

Qualifications:

• Must have 3 years of experience treating children and/or adolescents with significant behavioral and emotional challenges.
• Must hold a full clinical license in social work (LMHC/LCSW), counseling, or marriage and family therapy (LMFT) in the state the services are being provided.
• Experience providing training and coaching to educational professionals and parents/caregivers on student mental health issues.
• Significant knowledge and experience in trauma-attuned modalities (TAM).
• Worked in or has experience collaborating with school districts preferred.
• Effective problem-solving and communication skills.
• Experience working with students and families, plus community mental health and social service agencies.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable using a computer.
• Must be able to complete thorough clinical documentation.

Why Clinicians Choose ESS

✔ School-day schedule — No weekends or on-call requirements; occasional evening hours as needed to support family engagement
✔ Small caseloads
✔ Ongoing supervision, clinical support, and free CEUs
✔ Competitive salary comprehensive benefits and year-round pay
✔ Clinical leadership at the heart of our company – guided by a CEO with a clinical background

Make a meaningful impact on student mental health.
Join Effective School Solutions

Equal Opportunity Employer
ESS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

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