PER DIEM - School-Based Therapist

Effective School Solutions; Santa Maria (CA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

Effective School Solutions is seeking a per diem School-Based Therapist to serve the Santa Maria region. The role delivers school-based mental health services, including individual and family therapy, with coverage for leave assignments on an as-needed basis.

The hourly rate ranges from $55.00 to $65.00 per hour. Clinicians work within public schools to support student resilience, collaborating with families and school staff to provide care without benefits eligibility.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field.
• Active associate number or clinical license in CA (AMFT, APCC, ACSW, LMFT, LPCC, or LCSW).
• 2+ years of experience working with children/adolescents with behavioral and emotional needs.
• Experience providing training and coaching to educational professionals and parents/caregivers on student mental health issues.
• Experience with schools, families, and community-based services.

Responsibilities

• Provide school-based mental health services (individual, group, family therapy) and intake/diagnostic assessments.
• Partner with families and facilitate parent support programming.
• Conduct risk assessments and crisis intervention; coordinate referrals when needed.
• Develop and implement individualized, evidence-based treatment plans.
• Oversee day-to-day clinical operations of the school-based program.
• Serve as primary clinical point of contact for school partners; foster collaboration.
• Facilitate weekly consultation and ensure documentation standards.
• Collaborate with families, school staff, and interdisciplinary teams on care delivery.

Skills

Clinical licensure readiness

Experience with children/adolescents

Training & coaching

EMR / Microsoft Office

Education

MSW or related field

Tools

EMR systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

PER DIEM School-Based Therapist - Santa Maria Region

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.

Hourly Rate: $55.00-$65.00/hour

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 berequiredon a temporary basis when covering extended leave assignments.

Why This Role Matters

You’llprovide 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
• Oversee the day-to-day clinical operations of the assigned school-based program
• Serve as the primary clinical point of contact for school partners,providingexpert 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

• Maintaintimely,accurateclinical documentationin accordance withregulatory,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
• Experienceprovidingtrainingand coaching to educational professionals andparents/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

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.