Lead Psychiatrist – Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF)
Job at a glance
Job description
Job Title: Lead Psychiatrist – Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF)
Location: Santa Barbara, California
Position Overview
A county-based behavioral health program is seeking a Lead Psychiatrist to support clinical leadership within a Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) serving adult patients. This part-time leadership role (20 hours/week) combines direct patient care with program oversight, quality improvement involvement, and collaboration with facility leadership.
About the Organization
This county behavioral health system provides a full continuum of care, including adult and child mental health services, substance use treatment, and community-based programs. The organization is committed to collaboration, community partnership, and patient-centered care, supporting individuals, families, and community partners.
Facility Details
- 16-bed inpatient Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF)
- Adult patient population (18+)
- Team-based environment with multiple psychiatrists and clinical staff
Job Responsibilities
- Provide psychiatric care in an inpatient PHF setting as needed
- Support and assist with all Staff Psychiatrist clinical duties
- Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives
- Attend and contribute to PHF Governing Board meetings
- Provide clinical leadership and guidance to the care team
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including nursing, social work, and case management
- Assist with treatment planning, care coordination, and discharge planning
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record
- Support program development, compliance, and quality of care standards
Working Hours
- Part-time: 20 hours per week
- Flexible scheduling options available
- Inpatient setting (adult population)
Qualifications
- MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school
- Board Certified in Psychiatry
- Active California medical license (or ability to obtain)
- DEA license required
- Experience in inpatient psychiatry required
- Prior leadership, supervisory, or medical director experience preferred
Skills
- Strong leadership and clinical oversight capabilities
- Expertise in inpatient psychiatric care and acute stabilization
- Experience with quality improvement initiatives (QAPI)
- Effective communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
- Strong organizational and decision-making skills
- Ability to balance clinical and administrative responsibilities
- Commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care
Compensation & Benefits
- $210/hour (W-2, part-time)
- Attractive 401(k) with competitive company match
Additional Highlights
- Leadership opportunity within a county-based behavioral health system
- Combination of clinical + administrative responsibilities
- Collaborative, mission-driven environment
- Located in coastal Santa Barbara, CA
Job Responsibilities
Provide psychiatric care in a 16-bed inpatient Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) as needed
Support and assist with all Staff Psychiatrist clinical duties, including evaluations, rounds, and medication management
Provide clinical leadership and oversight to the psychiatric care team
Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) processes
Attend and contribute to PHF Governing Board meetings
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including nursing, social work, and case management
Assist with treatment planning, care coordination, and discharge planning
Ensure compliance with clinical protocols, regulatory standards, and organizational policies
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record
Support continuous improvement initiatives and overall quality of patient care
Qualifications
Board Certified in Psychiatry
Active California medical license (or ability to obtain)
Active DEA license required
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in inpatient psychiatry
Prior leadership, supervisory, or medical director experience preferred
Experience with quality improvement initiatives (QAPI) preferred
Strong clinical, leadership, and communication skills
Ability to balance clinical and administrative responsibilities
Commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care
Working Hours
Part-time: 20 hours per week
Flexible scheduling options
Inpatient PHF setting (adult population)
Combination of clinical and administrative responsibilities
Schedule coordinated with facility needs and leadership meetings
Skills
Strong leadership and clinical oversight abilities
Expertise in inpatient psychiatric care and acute stabilization
Experience guiding multidisciplinary teams in a collaborative environment
Knowledge of Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) processes
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong clinical judgment and decision-making capabilities
Ability to balance clinical responsibilities with administrative leadership
Strong organizational and time management skills
Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) systems
Commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care