Psychiatrist

Salary : $270,323.04 - $308,900.80 Annually
Location : County of Santa Barbara - All locations, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-6167-02 (O)
Department: Behavioral Wellness
Opening Date: 11/26/2025
Closing Date: Continuous

Description
SALARY

$129.96 - $148.51 Hourly

$270,323.04 - $308,900.80 Annually

Bilingual allowance when applicable

5% Special Duty Assignment allowance when regularly assigned to the Psychiatric Health Facility or when regularly assigned to work in North County positions in Lompoc and Santa Maria.

New Hire Incentive: The County has a generous hiring incentive program and may provide reimbursement for reasonable relocation expenses, and at the discretion of the CEO, can provide flexible relocation assistance, housing, student loan offsets, cash incentives, and/or vacation and sick leave pre-accruals in the interest of attracting the best talent to the organization.
BENEFITS OVERVIEW!

• Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
• Holidays: 12 days per year
• Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
• Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). The county contributes toward the employee's premium.
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 15.
• Specialized Duty allowance when applicable.

For more information on County of Santa Barbara benefits click HERE or on the Benefits Tab above. Applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

We are accepting applications to establish one employment list to fill full-time and part-time vacancies in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Lompoc for the Behavioral Wellness Department. To be considered for a specific location, you must check the individual Location(s) on the application where you would be willing to accept an assignment. Although incumbents will be assigned a home base location, the selected candidate may need to travel between different sites within Santa Barbara County. The operational area may include: Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Goleta, Lompoc, Los Olivos, Santa Mara, and Santa Ynez.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
Founded in 1962, it is the mission of the Department of Behavioral Wellness to promote the prevention of and recovery from mental illness and addiction among individuals, families and communities, by providing effective leadership and delivering state-of-the-art, culturally competent services. The Department provides treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to 10,000 clients with mental illness and substance use disorders annually through its professional staff of over 400, in addition to its many contracted Community-Based Organization (CBO) providers. The Department's decisions and service delivery are guided by the following values:

• Quality services for persons of all ages with mental illness and/or substance abuse
• Integrity in individual and organizational actions
• Dignity, respect, and compassion for all persons
• Active involvement of clients and families in treatment, recovery, and policy development
• Diversity throughout our organization and cultural competency in service delivery
• A system of care and recovery that is clearly defined and promotes recovery and resiliency
• Emphasis on prevention and treatment
• Teamwork among department employees in an atmosphere that is respectful and creative
• Continuous quality improvement in service delivery and administration
• Wellness modeled for our clients at all levels; i.e., staff who regularly arrive at the workplace healthy, energetic and resilient
• Safety for everyone

THE POSITION: The candidate selected for this position will, under direction, but with independent responsibility for professional results, provide psychiatric diagnostic and therapeutic service in a mental health clinic and/or inpatient psychiatric facility; and perform related duties as required. The candidate selected will also need to be able to treat patients using a measurement-based care approach as well as establish relationships with primary care and substance use disorder providers of clients.

Adult Specialty: On-call rotation for adult services as required at the Psychiatric Health Facility, and 3 to 4 weeknights per month of telephone availability.

Child/Adolescent Specialty: On-call rotation for child services is approximately one week per month of telephone availability. You may elect to volunteer for paid duty on weekends at the inpatient "Psychiatric Health Facility."

For the position in the inpatient Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF): Incumbents will be required to acquire training in Management Assaultive Behavior (MAB) or a related crisis prevention course within the first six months of employment.

Examples of Duties

1. Conducts psychiatric examinations; makes diagnoses and prescribes therapy.
2. Conducts individual and group psychotherapy; administers and interprets projective tests.
3. Participates in staff conferences recommending appropriate treatment approaches.
4. Assists in developing and organizing a program of clinic treatment.
5. May direct case conferences; may serve as a consultant to other clinic staff, confers with patient's relatives regarding illness and treatment.
6. Assists through consultation in establishing psychiatric programs and policies, cooperates with other public health and hospital personnel.
7. Keeps medical records and prepares psychiatric reports; and testifies to the Superior Court on matters concerning petitions and affidavits.

Employment Standards
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must provide detailed information on their application to demonstrate how they meet the employment standards (minimum qualifications) listed below:

• Completion of a residency training program in psychiatry AND possession of a valid license as a physician and surgeon issued by the State of California.

Additional Requirements for Child-Adolescent Psychiatry Specialty:

• Completion of a residency training program in child and adolescent Psychiatry.

NOTE: Initial acceptance may be based on licensure as a physician and surgeon in another state; licensure as a physician and surgeon in California is required prior to appointment. For additional information on obtaining a license go to mbc.ca.gov or call toll-free 800-633-2322. It may take up to 6 months to obtain a license.

Additional Qualifications:
Certification:

• Employees must obtain Board Certification in Psychiatry within five (5) years of employment.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required at the time of appointment.

Knowledge of: General medicine and psychiatry; current developments in the field of psychiatry; and hospital and clinic organization, management, and procedures.

Ability to: Skillfully diagnose and treat severely and persistently mentally ill patients; analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action; prepare records and reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; and maintain objectivity and confidentiality.

Desired Qualifications:

• Additional Qualifications: The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish is desirable. Note: You must self-certify on the application form that you are fluent in English and Spanish. The department will test you on your fluency.

Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Candidates' response to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the employment list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than eleven 11 qualified candidates.

Applicants must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER:

• Live Scan and Background Check: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the selected candidate's appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a Live Scan and background check which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.
• The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Recruiters will communicate with applicant by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Vaccination Verification and Testing: This position is subject to State Health Officer Orders (SHOOs) or County policy regarding vaccine verification and/or testing. Please contact the hiring department for more information.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: This position will remain open until filled. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.
Leza Patatanian - LPatatanian@countyofsb.org
Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit:

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:

*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines that I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.

• I understand

02

As part of the application process, a completed supplemental questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

• I understand

03

The Human Resources Department communicates with All Applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly and it is current. If you feel you are not receiving your emails, please check your spam or junk inbox for our emails. Please check selection process on job bulletin for dates notices will be sent out and dates the information is required to be completed.

• I understand

04

Please make sure you provide your education and work experience on your application. All applicants must meet one of the requirements (minimum qualifications) listed below at the time of application. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all supporting information on their application, and not on a resume. All information may be verified as true and correct. Please check which employment standard you meet. If you realize you do not meet one of the qualifications listed below or do not provide enough information on how you meet the employment standard you selected; your application will not be accepted.

• I understand

05

To be considered for this position your application must CLEARLY state how you meet each of the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Bulletin or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. The First Part of the Employment Standards is: Completion of a residency training program. Have you completed your residency training program in psychiatry? If your answer is yes, please attach a copy of your certification/diploma to your application. Your application will not be accepted if you fail to provide the required information.

• Yes
• No

06

The Second Part of the Employment Standards is: Possession of a valid license as a physician and surgeon issued by the State of California. Please select which one best describes your licensure. On your application, please include your license as a physician and surgeon number and expiration date; include from which state it was obtained. Please Note: Initial acceptance may be based on licensure as a physician and surgeon in another state; licensure as a physician and surgeon in California is required prior to appointment. For additional information on obtaining license go to mbc.ca.gov or call toll free 800-633-2322.

• Possession of a valid license as a physician and surgeon issued from another state.
• Possession of a valid license as a physician and surgeon issued by the State of California.
• None of the above.

07

Child-Adolescent Specialty Employment Standard: Completion of residency training in child and adolescent psychiatry. Please select which one best describes your residency in child and adolescent psychiatry status. If you have completed the residency, please attach a copy of your certification to your application.

• I am in process of completing the residency in child and adolescent psychiatry.
• I have completed the residency in child and adolescent psychiatry.
• None of the above.

08

Select which specialty you are interested in and qualify for per the Employment Standards:

• Adult Specialty
• Child-Adolescent Specialty

09

Have you received training in Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB) or a related crisis prevention course?

• Yes
• In Process
• No

10

Per the position conditions for the Adult Specialty, are you willing to be on-call rotation as required at the Psychiatric Health Facility every three months, and 3 to 4 weeknights per month of telephone availability?

• Yes
• No

11

Per the position conditions for the Child/Adolescent Specialty, are you willing to be on-call rotation for approximately one week per month of telephone availability. You may elect to volunteer for paid duty on weekends at the inpatient "Psychiatric Health Facility."

• Yes
• No

12

I understand my responses to the following supplemental questions will be used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules.

• I understand

13

Examination Question: How many years of experience do you have as a Psychiatrist? Internship(s), volunteer experience, and/or part-time experience is applicable (full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your completed application).

• 7 or more years of experience
• 4 - 6 years of experience
• 1 - 3 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I do not have this experience

14

Examination Question: Please select which certifications you have from the following list. Make sure all certifications are listed in the certification section of the application.

• Certification for Addiction Psychiatry
• Certification for Geriatric Psychiatry
• Certification for Forensic Psychiatry
• Other Certification
• None of the above

15

Examination Question: Please select which one applies to you.

• Board-Certified in Psychiatry
• Board-Eligible
• None of the above

Required Question