PER DIEM - School-Based Therapist (LAC/LPC, LAMFT/LMFT, LSW/LCSW)

Per Diem School-Based Therapist – NuView Academy (Piscataway, NJ)

Transforming student mental health in schools.

Position Type: Per Diem
Hourly Rate: $45.00–$48.00/hour
Training Rate: $25.00/hour (combination of virtual and in-person, including CPI and Ukera )
Benefits: Available to per diem staff working 30 or more hours per week

About Effective School Solutions

Effective School Solutions (ESS) is a leading provider of school-based mental health services, serving more than 6,000 K–12 students across 12 states.

We bring the level of clinical care typically found in private practice, out-of-district placements, or higher levels of care directly into schools. We provide a full continuum of clinical programming, professional development, and district consultation.

About the Role

ESS has a large clinical team at NuView Academy, a state-run therapeutic school. As a per diem therapist at NuView, you'll provide coverage wherever the team needs you most. Depending on the day or assignment, you may step in for:

• One of our 4 mental health therapists


• One of our 5 Mental Health Technicians


• Our Clinical Director, including collaborating with the program psychiatrist and handling administrative tasks

No two assignments are exactly alike, which makes this a great opportunity for a clinician who enjoys variety and wants to make an impact across an entire program.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for a dynamic, adaptable clinician who is comfortable moving between roles and responding to changing needs throughout the day. Experience working with students who have more acute mental health needs is required. You should be confident handling crises, stay calm under pressure, and build rapport quickly with students and staff.

Schedule and Flexibility

Per diem therapists support ESS as needed, including covering leave assignments such as medical or maternity leave. You choose your level of commitment. You can:

• Pick up occasional shifts


• Work a few days per week on an ongoing basis, when needed


• Take on a temporary full-time schedule when covering a longer-term leave

You're free to accept or decline assignments based on your availability. This role doesn't follow a consistent full-time schedule, but full-time hours may be available temporarily during 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 and Family Support

• Provide school-based mental health services, including individual, group, and family therapy, along with intake, diagnostic, and clinical assessments


• Partner with families and facilitate parent support programming


• Conduct risk assessments and crisis intervention, keeping students safe and coordinating referrals to the right level of care when needed


• Develop and carry out individualized, evidence-based treatment plans that support students' emotional, behavioral, and academic success

Collaboration and Professional Development

• Work with families, school staff, and interdisciplinary teams to coordinate care, and provide consultation, coaching, and training on mental health and trauma-informed practices


• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing professional development

When Covering the Clinical Director Role

• Oversee the day-to-day clinical operations of the program


• Serve as the primary clinical contact for school partners, providing expert guidance and building strong, collaborative relationships


• Collaborate with the program psychiatrist and complete administrative tasks


• Lead weekly consultation sessions to keep the team aligned on student goals and documentation standards


• Monitor program performance and keep it aligned with ESS clinical and operational standards


• Support clinician performance through feedback, coaching, and evaluations

Documentation and Professional Expectations

• Keep clinical documentation timely and accurate, in line with regulatory, ethical, and organizational standards


• Maintain active licensure, ethical practice, reliability, and a strong professional presence

Qualifications

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


• Active associate or independent clinical license in New Jersey (LAMFT/LMFT, LAC/LPC, or LSW/LCSW)


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


• Experience working with students with acute mental health needs


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


• Ability to build and maintain trusting relationships with students, families, and school staff


• Commitment to high-quality, evidence-based care and best practices


• Ability to make confident, sound decisions in ambiguous or changing situations


• Comfort with clinical documentation and electronic systems such as an EMR and Microsoft Office

Why Clinicians Choose ESS

✔ School-day schedule with no weekends (occasional evening hours to support family engagement)
✔ Flexible, choose-your-own commitment
✔ 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.

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