Psychiatric Nurse Supervisor

Psychiatric Nurse Supervisor

Salary

$137,296.64 - $165,769.76 Annually

Location

Santa Barbara, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-6150-01 (O/BW)

Department

Behavioral Wellness

Opening Date

03/02/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

NOTICE OF CHANGE:

This recruitment will remain open until filled.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis with the first review on Friday 3/13/2026

SALARY

$66.01 - $79.70 Hourly

$137,296.64 - $165,769.76 Annually

Shift differential and stand by pay

10% Special Duty pay for Inpatient

Bilingual allowance: bilingual/bi-cultural encouraged to apply

The County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness is seeking an experienced Psychiatric Nurse Supervisor to work the nocturnal shift 7:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. for the inpatient Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) in Santa Barbara.

We are also accepting applications to establish one (1) employment list to fill full-time, part-time, and Extra Help future vacancies for the Department of Behavioral Wellness.

BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits, please visit our website at https://www.countyofsb.org/3085/SEIU-Local-620. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

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

Position Description:

The Psychiatric Nurse Supervisor will report directly to the Branch Chief (Inpatient) and will work in conjunction with the additional PHF Psychiatric Nurse Supervisor and PHF Clinical Director to provide collaborative supervision of registered nurses, psychiatric technicians, licensed vocational nurses, and recovery assistants.

This is the supervisory-level classification within the Psychiatric Nurse series that exercises independent judgment on diverse and specialized nursing services in support of the County's inpatient program with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of assigned staff.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience overseeing staff in mental health outpatient and/or inpatient facilities
• Strong supervisory skills
• Have proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience working with electronic health records
• Experience working in justice-involved, detox, acute health, or emergency settings (highly desirable)
• Extensive experience in analyzing complex mental health problems, evaluating alternatives and making sound judgements and recommendations for treatment
• Experience preparing clear and complete reports
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Experience with regulatory compliance and taking a lead role in state/federal auditing of a facility

Examples of Duties

• Directs nursing activities of the licensed nursing staff, and recovery assistants inlocations throughout the County.
• Plans for floor coverage - short- and long-range scheduling of nursing/recovery assistant staff.
• Participates in and supervises staff in daily patient care activities and planning of patient after-care; plans, assigns, and reviews the work of all nursing staff, student nurses, and recovery assistants; ordering of supplies and equipment and supervises their proper use and maintenance.
• Interviews candidates for nursing positions and makes recommendations for hire. Conducts new employee training, orienting them to departmental policies and procedures and licensing state and federal regulations.
• Completes Employee Performance Reports (EPRs). Evaluates employee performance for the nursing staff and submits Employee Performance Reports (EPRs) to the Medical Director; analyzes and evaluates the need for staff training and provides staff training and corrective action plans as necessary.
• Participates in the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement and Medical Practice Committees to ensure compliance with program regulations.
• Provides expertise in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and monitoring to ensure with state & federal regulations and laws within the area of responsibility.
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to the area of specialization and update P&P Manual as needed. Makes recommendations regarding changes to nursing services and clinic activities; confers with staff to review and revise policies and procedures; develops and implements policies, procedures, and program objectives; maintains and writes updates to the department policy and procedures manual related to nursing services.
• Oversees the day-to-day treatment administered and operations of the Countys Psychiatric Health Facility on assigned shift.
• Confers with medical, mental health and inter-agency staff regarding client needs and ways of improving staffs ability to impact on clients.
• Maintains prescribed standards of mental health treatment and ensures services are rendered in conformance with policy and procedural guidelines.
• Ensures that Physician Orders are followed correctly and keeps the Branch Chief, Medical Director and Pharmacist-In-Charge informed about the activities and problems of unit operation.

Employment Standards

Possession of a current license as a registered nurse issued by the Board of Nursing Education and Nurse Registration in California; AND:

• Two (2) years of psychiatric nursing experience including one year of experience serving as a lead worker over nursing staff in a psychiatric health facility or inpatient unit; OR,
• One (1) year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Psychiatric Nurse, Senior or two years equivalent to Psychiatric Nurse II with Santa Barbara County; OR,
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Knowledge of: principles and practices of effective employee supervision, development, and evaluation; psychiatric nursing treatment and psychotherapeutic interventions; theories, techniques, and practices of professional nursing; principles, practices, and laws of professional nursing; basic occupational therapy and social work; laws and regulations pertaining to psychiatric nursing; the uses and effects of psychotropic drugs and narcotics; patient safety practices and locked-facility security; theories, principles, and techniques of group and individual psychotherapy; symptoms and behavior patterns of emotionally disturbed and mentally ill patients; mental health community resources and services; health education and interviewing and counseling techniques; common mental and physical illnesses, diseases, disabilities, injuries, and nutrition; medical equipment operation.

Ability to: plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work of nursing and support staff and facility activities as well as staffing/scheduling for a 24-hour psychiatric unit; identify and make recommendations regarding operational problems; develop and conduct staff training; explain mental health laws and regulations; observe emotional and physical behavior of patients; evaluate and assess the need for mental health services; analyze a situation and adopt a course of action; prepare and maintain medical records and reports; recognize and respect limits of confidential information; communicate with people of diverse socioeconomic and ethnic origins; speak before groups; exercise independent judgment in medical emergencies; demonstrate tact, diplomacy, patience and compassion; establish and maintain working relationships with other mental health professionals, subordinate staff, co-workers, other agencies, and organizations; comply with and enforce nursing policies, protocols, and program regulations; understand and follow instructions, work independently.

Desirable Qualifications: Possession of a bachelors or masters degree in nursing, Psychiatric Nurse Certification or other health-related field is highly desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Inpatient incumbent works in a locked facility with patients who can be a danger to themselves and others. Inpatient incumbent should have de-escalation knowledge for working with patients in crisis. Inpatient incumbent may be required to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Review Applications: Determine those candidates who meet the employment standards.
• 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 candidates 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.

Disaster Service Workers: 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 may be subject to State Health Officer Orders (SHOOs) or County policy regarding vaccine verification and/or testing. Please contact the hiring department for more information.

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.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: CONTINUOUS. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Gabriela Huerta, Behavioral Wellness Recruiter, ghuerta@sbcbwell.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: https://www.sbcers.org/ and http://www.santabarbara457.com

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: https://www.countyofsb.org/4012/Health-Benefits

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: https://www.countyofsb.org/4013/24636/WorkLife-Benefits

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: https://www.countyofsb.org/3085/SEIU-Local-620
• 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 it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meet the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge, if the County determines 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 I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meet the employment standards at the time I submit my application.

• I understand.

02

As part of the application process, detailed information regarding your employment history must be completed as part of 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 the requirements (minimum qualifications) listed below at the time of application. It is the applicants 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 demonstrate how you meet 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. Do you possess a current license as a registered nurse issued by the Board of Nursing Education and Nurse Registration in California?

• Yes, I currently possess a current license as a registered nurse.
• No, I do not possess a current license as a registered nurse.

06

In addition to the previous employment standard, which Employment Standard did you clearly demonstrate meeting on your application?

• Two (2) years of psychiatric nursing experience including one year of experience serving as a lead worker over nursing staff in a psychiatric health facility or inpatient unit
• One (1) year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Psychiatric Nurse, Senior or two years equivalent to Psychiatric Nurse II with Santa Barbara County
• Equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• None of the above - I do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

07

If you selected combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed... for the preceding supplemental question, then please describe in detail your combined training, education, and experience that qualifies you for this position.

08

Please select the highest level of education from the following options.

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Other (please make sure to specify in your application)
• None of the above

09

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 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules

• I understand.

10

How many years of experience do you have as a Psychiatric Nurse? Part-time experience is applicable. (full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your completed application).

• 5 or more years of experience
• 3 - 4 years of experience
• 1 - 2 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I do not have this experience

11

How many years of experience do you have working with individuals with mental illness, substance abuse, developmental disabilities, or geriatric population in a Psychiatric Facility, Justice involved facility or community mental health program? Internship(s), volunteer experience, and/or part-time experience is applicable (full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your completed application).

• 5 or more years of experience
• 3 - 4 years of experience
• 1 - 2 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I do not have this experience

12

How many years of experience do you have working as supervisor?

• 5 or more years of experience
• 3 - 4 years of experience
• 1 - 2 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I do not have this experience

13

Please select which of the following you have experience in (full details of this experience/knowledge should be on your completed application).

• Locked psychiatric facility.
• Unlocked psychiatric facility.
• Juvenile justice systems/courts/detention facilities.
• Adult justice systems/courts/detention facilities.
• Crisis intervention
• Providing care for those with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Supervision for multiple disciplines including licensed and unlicensed nursing personnel.
• Utilization of coaching techniques, feedback for employees.
• Hiring, firing and progressive discipline of staff supervised.
• Providing shift lead support.
• None of the above.

14

Please select which of the following trainings you have completed (full details of this training(s) should be on your completed application).

• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
• CPR/First-Aid/AED
• None of the above

15

How many years of experience do you have taking a lead role in an audit?

• 3 or more years of experience
• 1 - 2 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I do not have this experience

16

How many years of experience do you have writing or revising policies to comply with audit findings?

• 3 or more years of experience
• 1 - 2 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I do not have this experience

17

How many years of experience do you have compiling, tracking and presenting data to auditors?

• 3 or more years of experience
• 1 - 2 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I do not have this experience

18

Please select all experiences that apply to you related to audits and audit findings:

• Created strategic plans to maintain unit for audit readiness
• Lead audits with on-site surveyors
• Participated in writing plans of corrections
• Maintained and presented data reports
• Written policies and procedures
• Developed trainings and processes for staff in response
• None of the above

Required Question

Employer County of Santa Barbara

Address 1226 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, California, 93101

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty