Mental Wellness Center (MWC) is dedicated to empowering individuals on their mental health journey by providing support, education, and housing. We foster mental health and well-being through compassionate programs, tailored education, and safe housing opportunities that strengthen individuals, families, and our community.
Who we are...
For nearly eight decades, the Mental Wellness Center has been a cornerstone of care and hope in Santa Barbara, committed to supporting individuals living with mental health challenges, their families, and advancing the well-being of our community. What began on Chapala Street in a modest adobe serving our Fellowship Club members has grown into an organization that now touches the lives of more than 10,000 people each year.
Our vision is simple yet powerful: a community where everyone has the opportunity to live their healthiest life, free from stigma and supported with compassion. Guided by this vision and working alongside our dedicated Board of Directors, staff, peer specialists, family advocates, and volunteers, we provide:
- Free programs, support groups, and services for individuals and families.
- Mental health education for youth, schools, and the wider community.
- Safe, affordable housing for adults living with serious mental illness.
Today, we are at a pivotal moment. Mental health is part of a growing national conversation, and more people than ever are stepping forward to end silence and shame. As we listen and respond to our community, we remain steadfast in offering programs that are always free and without time limits on care.
Core Values
Our organizational values guide everything we do — from client care to staff relationships:
- Hope: We believe in the power of hope as the foundation for healing and growth.
- Respect and Inclusion: Every person deserves dignity, care, and to be fully seen and heard. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do.
- Collaboration: We strengthen our impact through partnerships and shared purpose within our community.
- Early Intervention: We meet people where they are, providing timely support to foster long-term recovery and resilience.
What We believe in
- Respect – we treat everyone with respect by being polite and kind.
- Integrity – we act with integrity by being honest and following our moral and ethical convictions.
- Ownership – we possess an orientation of ownership and a mentality that desires us all to thrive.
- Accountability – we lead by example, always accountable for doing what we agreed we would do.
Position Profile
The Program Manager for Adult Residential Facilities (ARF) oversees the daily operations, clinical quality, and regulatory compliance of Mental Wellness Center’s residential programs serving adults living with mental illness. This role blends program development, clinical oversight, residential operations management, and staff supervision to ensure safe, recovery‑oriented, person‑centered care.
You will coordinate the day-to-day operations of the residence, ensure and/or provide direct services, advance program quality, evaluate outcomes, and support staff in delivering trauma‑informed, culturally responsive services.
Your leadership will directly support adults with psychiatric disabilities in a home‑like setting, ensuring compliance with CCL licensing requirements and maintaining a therapeutic, stable environment.
About you
You bring a blend of clinical expertise, residential program experience, and strong leadership skills, including:
Empathy & Compassion— You demonstrate understanding and respect in all interactions.
Experience with Adults with Mental Illness — You have two-three years direct service experience in inpatient, outpatient, or residential settings.
And finally, values govern behavior, principles govern consequences and further describe our organization’s desired culture. Principles strengthen Mental Wellness Center’s set of hierarchal direction for decision making and establish guidelines for providing premier service – internally and externally. You are the organization, be proud of it and protect it, our people are Mental Wellness Center’s most valuable asset, prioritize our people and their safety. Safety is not a goal, it is an expectation and we must get our people home safely every day.
Residential Operations Knowledge — You understand CCL regulations and the unique needs of ARF-level care.
Clinical Expertise — You hold a California clinical degree and licensure (or are on a licensure track) to ensure clinical quality.
Leadership & Supervision — You have experience supervising staff and supporting professional development.
Communication Skills— You communicate clearly with residents, families, staff, and community partners.
Ethical Standards — You uphold high ethical and professional standards in all aspects of care.
Adaptability— You remain calm and effective in crisis situations and during on‑call rotations.
What you will do - Essential Functions
Residential Program Operations
- Coordinate and oversee the daily functioning of the residential facility.
- Ensure compliance with CCL licensing regulations, safety standards, and agency policies.
- Maintain a therapeutic, recovery‑oriented environment for adults with mental illness.
Clinical Oversight
- Provide clinical guidance using your degree and licensure (or licensure track).
- Ensure services align with best practices in mental health, trauma‑informed care, and recovery models.
- Support staff in managing crises and high‑stress situations.
Program Development & Quality Assurance
- Lead program development and enhancement aligned with community needs and agency values.
- Evaluate program outcomes, quality assurance indicators, and resident progress.
- Use data to inform improvements and sustainability.
Staff Supervision & Leadership
- Supervise and mentor program coordinators and residential staff.
- Conduct performance evaluations and support ongoing professional development.
- Promote a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and continuous learning.
Direct Services & Resident Support
- Provide direct service support as needed, including crisis intervention, skill‑building, and care coordination.
- Support residents in achieving individualized goals and maintaining stability.
Reporting, Grants, and Compliance
- Prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Evaluate grants and program data to ensure sustainability and effectiveness.
- Maintain accurate documentation and keeping.
On‑Call Responsibilities
- Participate in a structured on‑call rotation, responding to urgent needs within required timeframes.
Qualifications-
BA/BS in behavioral health or related field; clinical degree and licensure (or licensure track) strongly preferred.
- Minimum 2-3 years of direct service experience with adults with mental illness in inpatient, outpatient, or residential settings.
- Minimum 2-3 years of supervisory experience
- Understanding of CCL licensing regulations for Adult Residential Facilities.
- Ability to work in crisis situations and participate in on‑call rotation.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic record‑keeping systems.
- CPR, First Aid, and CPI certification (or obtained within 60 days).
- Valid driver’s license and ability to transport residents as needed.
Preferred- ARF Administrator Certification (or ability to obtain within 9 months).
Salary Range and more…
The expected base pay range for this position is $75,000 – $90,000 annually which reflects the good‑faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage range the employer reasonably expects to pay upon hire. Actual compensation within the posted range will be based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, education, skills, training, and internal equity. This range reflects the employer’s good‑faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay upon hire.
Mental Wellness Center is in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, the picturesque “American Riviera” just south of Santa Barbara. This setting offers an endless number of choices to outdoor activities, arts and entertainment, cultural events and highly rated restaurants. We offer an attractive compensation package, including health care, 401(k), vacation, sick and holiday pay, AFLAC, and Pet Insurance programs and a remarkable work environment.
