Effective School Solutions logo
Effective School Solutions
Pajaro, California

Licensed School-Based Therapist

Counselor 8.0 Work-LifeNo weekendsNo nightsFull-Time

Listed compensation

$80k-$90k

Listing transparency4 of 6 stated

Ask the employer about the work setting and call expectations.

Employment & setting
Full-Time
Call expectations
Not specified
Weekends
No weekends
Posted 36m ago · Verified live

Job Description

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 Licensed School-Based Therapist, Pajaro, California. 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.
  • Fully 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

#HP

Qualifications

Education
Professional certificate or licensure

Key Skills

Individual therapyGroup therapyTrauma-informed careCare coordinationReferral managementElectronic medical recordsCrisis intervention

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Licensed School-Based Therapist at Effective School Solutions a 8.0 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as excellent. This places the position in the top 10% in Mental Health Therapy (Counseling) — ranked against 7,736 active Mental Health Therapy (Counseling) listings on WeekdayDoc. Contributing factors include no weekend requirements, no night shifts.

Counselor Career Context

Effective School Solutions ranks #7 of 20 employers hiring Counselor on WeekdayDoc by average advertised pay.

Of the 50 active Mental Health Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 46% are remote, 26% have no call, 66% require no weekends.

Mental Health Therapy pay on WeekdayDoc is up 6.4% vs. the prior quarter (through Aug 2026).

The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$85k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $77k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Counselor Jobs

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Salary Distribution38 jobs · 30 employers

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Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks33 jobs · 30 employers

401k / retirement match
94%
CME allowance
42%
Sign-on bonus
24%
PSLF eligible
12%
Loan repayment
9%

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Work-life snapshot

8.0/ 10
Listing-based score

Top 10% in Mental Health Therapy (Counseling)

  • No weekends
  • No nights

Living in Pajaro

Median resident rent
$1,850/mo
Residents’ average commute
29 min
State income tax
Up to 13.3%
Sources & methodology

Sources: U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Effective School Solutions logo

About Effective School Solutions

Education Management
New Providence, New Jersey
201-500 employees

Benefits & Perks

Clinician Supervision
School-Day Schedule
Light Summers (10hr/wk for 5 weeks)
Competitive Pay
Benefits
Small Caseloads
Collaborative Culture
Professional Development