Description
Psychiatrist
County of Santa Barbara | Behavioral Wellness Department
The County of Santa Barbara’s Behavioral Wellness Department is seeking dedicated and mission-driven Psychiatrists to join our team of professionals committed to strengthening the mental health and wellness of our diverse communities. We are establishing one employment list to fill vacancies across Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc.
Candidates may select their preferred work location(s) directly in the application. While each incumbent will have a home base, travel throughout Santa Barbara County may be required, including to Carpinteria, Goleta, Lompoc, Los Olivos, Santa Maria, and Santa Ynez.
The Position:
Under direction and with independent clinical responsibility, Psychiatrists provide psychiatric diagnostic and therapeutic services within outpatient clinics and/or the County’s inpatient Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF). This role is ideal for clinicians who thrive in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments and who value meaningful community impact.
Responsibilities include:
Conducting psychiatric evaluations, diagnoses, and treatment planning
Providing individual and group psychotherapy
Participating in clinical staff conferences and treatment teams
Assisting in developing and enhancing clinic treatment programs
Consulting with families, staff, and community partners
Preparing medical records, psychiatric reports, and court testimony as needed
Using measurement-based care to guide treatment decisions
Collaborating with primary care and substance use disorder providers
Specialty Assignments
Adult Psychiatry:
Participation in on-call rotation at the Psychiatric Health Facility
3–4 weeknights per month of telephone availability
Child/Adolescent Psychiatry:
Approximately one week per month of telephone on-call rotation
Optional paid weekend duty at the PHF
Inpatient PHF:
Completion of Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB) or similar crisis intervention training within six months of hire
Requirements
Employment Standards:
To be considered, applicants must demonstrate:
Completion of a residency in Psychiatry AND
A valid California Physician & Surgeon license
– Initial acceptance may be based on out-of-state licensure; however, a California license is required prior to appointment.
Child/Adolescent Specialty
Completion of a child and adolescent psychiatry residency program
Additional Requirements
Board Certification in Psychiatry within five (5) years of employment
Valid California Class C driver’s license (may be required)
Knowledge & Abilities
Expertise in general medicine and psychiatry, including current clinical practices
Ability to diagnose and treat individuals with severe and persistent mental illness
Strong analytical, interpersonal, and recordkeeping skills
Ability to maintain objectivity, confidentiality, and effective working relationships
Desired Qualifications
Bilingual English/Spanish fluency (self-certification required; testing provided)
