PER DIEM - School-Based Therapist (2026-27)

Posted 5/7/2026 · last confirmed live 8/26/2026

Apply on Effective School Solutions’s site

  PER DIEM School-Based Therapist 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.   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.   Position Type: Per Diem   This is a per diem position and is not eligible for benefits. Per diem therapist support ESS on an as-needed basis, including coverage for leave assignments (e.g., medical or maternity leave).   Therapist 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.   Why This Role Matters   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.   Responsibilities   Direct Clinical Care & Family Support   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   Supervision, Training & Collaboration   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   Documentation, Compliance & Professional Expectations   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 Support clinician performance through feedback, coaching, and evaluations   Qualifications   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 (school-based experience preferred)  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   Why Clinicians Choose ESS   ✔ School-day schedule — No weekends; occasional evening hours as needed to support family engagement   ✔ Light summers ✔  Small caseloads   ✔ Ongoing clinical support, and free CEUs   ✔ Competitive Pay ✔  Clinical leadership at the heart of our company    Make a meaningful impact  o n 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.   #LP  

This role is published by Effective School Solutions on greenhouse. SwiftFit is not the employer and does not accept applications.