Be Part of the Solution at Effective School Solutions (ESS) 

At Effective School Solutions, we’re redefining what school-based mental health can look like — balancing meaningful impact with professional stability and personal well-being. 

We offer: Clinician Supervision | School-Day Schedule (no evenings or weekends) | Light Summers (10hr/wk for 5 weeks) | Competitive Pay and Benefits | Small Caseloads | A Collaborative Culture that values your growth and well-being. 

About Effective School Solutions: 
Effective School Solutions (ESS) is a leading provider of school-based mental health services for K–12 students. Serving over 6,000 students across 12 states, ESS brings the level of clinical care typically found in private practice settings directly into public schools. In response to the growing mental health needs of young people, ESS has expanded its offerings to include a full continuum of clinical programming, professional development, and consultative services for districts. 

What You Can Expect 

• Ongoing, multi-layered support from Regional Directors, clinical supervisors, and your school team. 

• Extensive training in ESS’s evidence-based, school-focused model of care. 

• A stable, school-based schedule with no intensive travel or unpredictable hours. 

About the Role 

ESS is seeking a School-Based Therapist in San Leandro, CA. This therapist will provide therapeutic services to a small group of students with emotional and behavioral challenges, supporting their social, emotional, and academic growth. 

You’ll collaborate with school staff and families to create safe, trauma-attuned environments that promote lasting stability for students 

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver individual, group, and family therapy aligned with ESS’s trauma-informed approach. 

• Coordinate care and referrals to appropriate community services. 

• Collaborate with school administration, teachers, and ESS teams to support student success. 

• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and participate in regular team meetings. 

• Engage families through programming and parent support groups as needed. 

Qualifications 

• 2+ years of experience working with children/adolescents with behavioral or emotional challenges. 

• Active associate number (ASW, AMFT, APCC) or full clinical license (LCSW, LMFT, LPCC) in California. 

• Strong communication, collaboration, and documentation skills. 

• Experience in school-based or youth mental health settings preferred. 

• Proficient with Microsoft Office and electronic medical record systems.

Why Join ESS 

• Make a real difference addressing the youth mental health crisis in schools. 

• Join a mission-driven organization with strong growth and innovation. 

• Enjoy school-year schedules and light summers. 

• Competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development opportunities. 

• A culture that values clinician voice and work-life balance. 

Be part of the solution. Be part of ESS. 

The starting salary range for this position is $80,000 - $90,000 yearly 

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About the role: Effective School Solutions is currently seeking a Mental Health Technician to join our team in the San Leandro, CA area for the 2026-2027 school year. The Mental Health Technician is responsible for direct client care including in-classroom social-emotional counseling, crisis management and de-escalation and data collection and observation. The Mental Health Technician assists with classroom management and structuring when required.

Job Responsibilities

• Promote and deliver trauma-attuned interventions consistent with needs of the student in a safe and ethical manner that promote and sustain academic and mental health stability.
• Assist students with activities of daily school day; attends to student behavioral needs and provide assistance in de-escalation and crisis intervention, as needed.
• Work with other members of the ESS/classroom multi-disciplinary team in leading/assisting student activities and groups.
• Support and follow classroom management protocols and daily schedules.
• Understand continuum of mental health services within the school environment and greater community supports.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
•  Develop strong working relationships with school/District leadership, teachers and paraprofessionals.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and strong professional boundaries.
• Participate in all ESS team training and meetings.
• Document student observations, following prescribed procedures and standards.

Qualifications:

•  Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience working in a mental health setting, preferably with children and adolescents ages 5-18.
• Experience and knowledge of mental illness treatment with highly acute children and adolescents and continuum of care (crisis management experience strongly preferred).
• Effective problem solving and communication skills.
• Experience working with students and families, as well as community health and social services agencies.

 Why join Effective School Solutions?

• ESS is focused on addressing one of the biggest challenges our country is facing - the mental health of our youth.
• ESS is a dynamic organization with a strong record of accomplishment of innovation and growth.
• ESS provides staff with excellent career growth opportunities.
• ESS provides extensive time off tied to the school calendar, with limited summer hours. ESS prioritizes and gives value to a clinician's work-life balance.
• ESS offers staff competitive compensation and benefits offerings.
• ESS values clinician voice and perspective and has multiple methods to give feedback and input on company decisions.

Salary $45,000 - $55,000 annually 

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, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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