Casa Serena·Santa Barbara, California
The Program Assistant oversees the daily structured activities for clients in a residential substance use, mental health, trauma, and eating disorder treatment center. This role supports clinical and medical departments while ensuring a safe, positive social living environment for all residents.
Description Casa Serena is a residential substance use, mental health, trauma and eating disorder treatment center for women only. We are currently looking to add creative, compassionate and innovative individuals to the team in the position of Behavioral Health Program Assistant!
As Santa Barbara's only licensed and accredited treatment program for women, we deliver high quality integral care in a collaborative team environment. Our unique curriculum is designed to help women and staff flourish. We believe in providing our staff with the resources and tools necessary to make a lasting impression on our vulnerable population. This is an excellent position for growth and someone who wants to be in the mental health field.
90% Employer Paid Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance 10% 401k Employer Match 3 Weeks Paid Time Off (PTO) Annually Availability We are hiring for the following shifts: AM: 6:45am - 3:15pm PM: 3pm to 11:15pm MID: 1pm - 9pm NOC: 10pm - 8am
Primary Purpose and Function The Program Assistant oversees the clients’ daily activities by maintaining a structured environment within the facility. This position also supports the clinical and medical departments while providing a safe, positive, intellectual, and emotional social living environment for all clients.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities Provide clinical, medical, administrative and operational support to all departments Support the Residential Manager with compliance across all governing entities Assist clients in meeting program requirements while upholding the organizational structure Collaborate with colleagues via team meetings Provide psychoeducation support to clients as guided by the clinical team Assist with client admissions and discharges Observe and report client behavior that may require medical or psychological intervention Provide accurate and clinically minded documentation throughout shift according to policies and procedures Transport and supervise clients to various activities Facilitate medication observation Perform crisis management as needed Perform High Risk Rounds and Withdrawal Screenings as guided by the Healthcare Manager and MEdical Team Conduct UA drug screening and perform room and property searches Facilitate a variety of group activities Assist all departments in providing a professional and compassionate environment Ensure a safe environment throughout the facility
Core Competency (minimum skills, knowledge and experience needed to perform essential functions and responsibilities) Client intakes & discharges Drug testing Room and belongings searches Crisis management Self - administered medication observation Possess a professional demeanor and a collaborative spirit. Have a general understanding and/or training in cultural diversity issues.
Experience in a behavioral health treatment facility preferred. Basic computer skills. Ability to communicate clearly, both in writing and verbally with clients, administration. Valid driver’s license and current personal auto insurance. Clean driving record and insurable by our insurance carrier.
Market context
In California, behavioral-health roles tied to substance use disorder counseling and case management are typically supported by ongoing community and treatment-program demand. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a high school diploma, at least 2 years of SUD counseling or case management experience, and current Registered or Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor status. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit and note that professional development and paid continuing education are listed as benefits.
