Public Safety Behavioral Health Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Public Safety Behavioral Health Coordinator

Police Department
University of California, Santa Barbara

Summary of Job Details: 

The Public Safety Behavioral Health Coordinator serves as the department's subject matter expert and program lead for behavioral threat assessment and management, co-response operations, employee wellness programming, and peer support for the University of California, Santa Barbara Police Department (UCSB PD). The position provides specialized expertise and collaborative leadership to strengthen the department's prevention, response, and post-incident capabilities while promoting the safety and well-being of both the campus community and department personnel. In coordination with the Academic Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) and other campus and community partners, the Public Safety Behavioral Health Coordinator provides behavioral health and operational consultation during complex behavioral health crises and critical incidents. The position develops, coordinates, and evaluates multidisciplinary threat assessment, violence prevention, and behavioral health response strategies and provides subject matter expertise to law enforcement personnel and department leadership. The position manages co-response initiatives involving behavioral health professionals and law enforcement personnel, including developing and delivering training to designated department personnel on the legal requirements, assessment criteria, documentation, and procedures necessary to initiate and complete involuntary mental health detentions pursuant to California Welfare and Institutions Code § 5150. As the department's Wellness Program Director, the Public Safety Behavioral Health Coordinator leads the development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of a comprehensive organizational wellness program for department personnel. Responsibilities include developing and overseeing the department's Peer Support Program, coordinating access to culturally competent behavioral health resources, organizing critical incident stress debriefings and defusing, and establishing procedures for department response to critical incidents. The position supports collaboration through institutional and regional partnerships and strengthens internal operations through the application of best practices and specialized expertise. The Public Safety Behavioral Health Coordinator supports UCSB PD's compliance with the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) Community Safety Plan through the development of multidisciplinary, service-oriented, and evidence-based behavioral health response systems that emphasize prevention, de-escalation, coordinated care, and a holistic approach to campus community safety.

Required Qualifications:
• Doctoral degree (PhD) in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Forensic Psychology, or a closely related field. PhD

• 1-3 years of experience working within law enforcement, public safety, behavioral health, higher education, crisis response, or related multidisciplinary environments.

• 1-3 years of demonstrated knowledge of behavioral threat assessment and management (BTAM) principles, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, violence risk assessment, and de-escalation techniques.

• 1-3 years of experience developing or coordinating first responder wellness, peer support, or resilience programs.

• Current, valid license in California as a psychologist. Out-of-state licensed psychologists have 180 days to complete licensure requirements in the State of California.

• Highly effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment in sensitive situations.

• Thorough knowledge associated with providing evaluation and psychological services.

• Thorough knowledge of applicable laws and standards of professional conduct.

• Thorough knowledge of diagnostic / psychological testing methodologies.

• Thorough skills associated with conducting complex analysis, problem-solving and critical-thinking.

• Ability to work in a highly collaborative manner.

Special Conditions of Employment:
• Work at any time day or night and in periods of disaster and civil disorder. 

• Must pass a background investigation to ensure the applicant is of good moral character [GC 1031(d)] and free of any physical, emotional, or mental conditions that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer [GC § 1031(f)], and that nothing in the applicant’s background is inconsistent with performing peace officer duties. The background investigation is also conducted to ensure that the applicant meets the minimum selection requirements of Commission Regulation 1953 and Government Code Section 1031. 

• Credential verification for clinical practitioner

• Mandated reporting requirements of Child Abuse

• Mandated reporting requirement of Dependent Adult Abuse

• UCSB Campus Security Authority under Clery Act

• Required to hold a valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies and procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

• Satisfactory criminal history background check

• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

Full Salary Range: $101,168 to $171,344/yr.

Working Days and Hours: Monday–Friday, with occasional evenings, weekends, on-call response, and emergency response requirements

Benefits: Full Benefits

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Application review begins 11/2/26. 

Apply online at

Job # 89474

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