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

Effective School Solutions (ESS) is a prominent provider of school-based mental health services, dedicated to supporting over 6,000 K-12 students across 12 states in the United States. As a respected organization in the field of educational mental health, ESS stands out by delivering clinical care that rivals the quality found in private practices and out-of-district placements. Their comprehensive approach includes a full spectrum of clinical programming, professional development opportunities, and expert consultation services for school districts. The company’s mission centers on transforming student mental health by facilitating access to crucial services within public schools, thereby eliminating barriers faced by students who require mental health support but may lack access due to systemic or geographic challenges.

The role of Lead Clinician/Social Worker at ESS is central to advancing this mission. This employment opportunity offers a starting salary range of $70,000 to $75,000 and is designed for a clinical professional eager to make a tangible difference in student well-being and academic success. The Lead Clinician is responsible for providing direct mental health interventions such as individual counseling, group therapy, and family counseling. These interventions are thoughtfully tailored to support students’ academic progress, emotional resilience, and overall mental health stability. Importantly, ESS emphasizes an ethical and safe clinical environment that fosters sustainable well-being among students and their families.

As a Lead Clinician, you will serve as a trusted consultant and collaborator within your school community, working hand-in-hand with school administrators, teachers, and other staff members to create supportive environments for students. Your leadership includes conducting weekly consultation sessions with clinicians to ensure treatment goals and documentation standards are met. You will also provide valuable family programs, such as monthly Parent Support groups, to extend mental health education and support beyond the classroom.

The scope of this role extends into professional development where you will coach and train educational professionals, caregivers, and guardians on mental health issues and trauma-attuned modalities (TAM). Your work ensures that schools are well-equipped to address mental health proactively and compassionately. Participation in various team and administrative meetings rounds out your responsibilities, creating a cohesive approach to mental health within each school and district ESS serves.

Administrative duties include timely clinical documentation aligned with electronic medical records, maintaining professional licensure, adhering to ethical standards, punctuality, and professional appearance. ESS supports ongoing professional growth through supervision groups and continuous learning opportunities designed to enhance clinical skills. The role also involves data collection to track student metrics such as grades, attendance, and discipline, facilitating outcome-based improvements and strategic action planning.

Why choose ESS? Clinicians find ESS appealing due to its school-day schedule with no weekend or on-call requirements, small caseloads, ongoing clinical supervision, free continuing education units (CEUs), competitive salaries with comprehensive benefits, and year-round pay. The CEO’s clinical background shapes an organizational culture with clinical leadership at its core. Joining ESS means contributing meaningfully to transforming student mental health nationwide while growing professionally within a supportive environment dedicated to excellence.