About this opportunity
Effective School Solutions lists this PER DIEM - School-Based Therapist opportunity in milpitas, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Per Diem - School-Based Therapist
Milpitas, CA
Per Diem Clinician - Milpitas Area
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
Hourly Rate: $55.00-$65.00/hour
This is a per diem position and is not eligible for benefits. Per diem clinicians support ESS on an as-needed basis, including coverage for leave assignments (e.g., medical or maternity leave).
Clinicians 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 clinical license (e.g., LCSW, LPCC, LMFT) in CA
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 on 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.
Worksite address
milpitas, CA, 95035, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.