Psychiatrist

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.

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.

• 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

• Participation in on-call rotation at the Psychiatric Health Facility
• 3–4 weeknights per month of telephone availability

• Approximately one week per month of telephone on-call rotation
• Optional paid weekend duty at the PHF

• Completion of Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB) or similar crisis intervention training within six months of hire

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.

• Completion of a child and adolescent psychiatry residency program

• Board Certification in Psychiatry within five (5) years of employment
• Valid California Class C driver’s license (may be required)

• 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

• Bilingual English/Spanish fluency (self-certification required; testing provided)