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

Effective School Solutions (ESS) is a pioneering organization dedicated to transforming student mental health within public schools. Serving over 6,000 K-12 students across 12 states, ESS provides comprehensive, school-based mental health services that typically would only be accessible through private practices, out-of-district placements, or specialized residential programs. The organization is committed to delivering high-quality clinical care directly within schools by offering a full continuum of clinical programming, professional development, and district consultation. This approach significantly advances access to mental health support for students often underserved or without alternative care options.

ESS's mission focuses on helping students succeed academically, fostering resilience, and promoting overall well-being through strategic mental health interventions. The organization values clinicians as trusted partners who play a vital role in shaping supportive and healthy school environments. With a strong emphasis on trauma-attuned modalities and collaboration with school administrations, ESS strengthens the capacity of educational communities to support mental health needs effectively.

The Lead Clinician/Social Worker role at ESS is a critical position that bridges clinical expertise with leadership and professional development in school settings. The position offers a competitive starting salary range of $70,000 to $75,000 and involves providing various clinical interventions, including individual, group, and family therapy. The role requires leading weekly consultation sessions with clinicians to ensure student goals are met and documentation standards are adhered to. The Lead Clinician also facilitates family engagement through monthly evening Parent Support groups and manages referrals to appropriate levels of care, ranging from outpatient to intensive inpatient services.

Beyond clinical responsibilities, the Lead Clinician serves as an essential resource for professional development, offering coaching and training to school administrators, teachers, staff, and caregivers on mental health issues and trauma-attuned practices. This role demands a high level of collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to create an optimal care environment and foster strong working relationships with district leadership and school personnel.

Administrative duties include timely submission of clinical documentation, maintaining professional licensure, consistent attendance and professional conduct, participation in learning opportunities such as supervision groups, and involvement in treatment planning. The Lead Clinician is also responsible for evaluating clinician performance and data collection relevant to academic and behavioral outcomes, enabling continuous improvement in service delivery.

Clinicians at ESS benefit from a supportive work environment featuring a school-day schedule with no weekend or on-call requirements, small caseloads, ongoing supervision and clinical support, free continuing education units (CEUs), competitive salary with year-round pay, and leadership by a CEO with clinical expertise. ESS is committed to equal opportunity employment and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its workforce.

Joining ESS means becoming part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the mental health and academic success of students. This position offers an excellent opportunity for experienced clinicians passionate about child and adolescent mental health to lead and innovate within educational settings.