Licensed School-Based Mental Health Clinician (Lead)

LEAD CLINICIAN

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.

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.

Starting salary range: $70,000+

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

Consultation, Training & Collaboration

Oversee the day-to-day clinical operations of the assigned school-based program

Serve as the primary clinical point of contact for the school partners

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

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field

Active clinical license (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT) in the state of Illinois, where services are provided

3+ years of experience working with children and/or adolescents with behavioral and emotional needs

Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound clinical judgment, and effectively problem-solve in a fast-paced environment

Experience working with schools, families, and community-based services (school-based experience preferred)

Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills

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 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

• 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.

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