County of San Diego
Recruitment suspends January 4, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Please click here to subscribe to be notified when the recruitment re‑opens.
Interested candidates are encouraged to immediately apply.
Interviews will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Qualifying applicants will be invited via email to schedule an interview. Candidates should be prepared to immediately complete background paperwork following the interview.
Base Pay: $122,512.00 Annually*
Future Salary Increases
June 2026 – 6.13% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 2.63% Market Adjustment)
June 2027 – 5.63% increase to base pay (3% Across‑the‑Board + 2.63% Market Adjustment)
HOURLY RATES AND PREMIUMS The following additional pay incentives and premiums are available:
May be eligible for relocation allowance up to $8,000.
POSITION PSYCHIATRIC NURSE
(San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital and Behavioral Health Centers)
Current vacancies are for San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital and Behavioral Health Centers. San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital is located at 3853 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA 92110, however the eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in other HHSA departments.
SHIFT STRUCTURE
Morning (7 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
Night (7 p.m. – 7 a.m.)
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTERS The County Operated Outpatient Behavioral Health Centers are recruiting compassionate and client‑focused Psychiatric Nurses to join our team. As a vital member of our multidisciplinary team, you will provide exceptional care for patients and make a positive impact in the San Diego community. Enjoy the benefits of working with us, including day hours (no nights, weekends, holidays, or on‑call responsibilities) in a hands‑off/non‑restraint environment. The position offers a unique opportunity to participate in a variety of duties, work collaboratively with community partners, and develop long‑term relationships with clients. Make a difference – apply today!
SAN DIEGO COUNTY PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL The San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital (SDCPH) is a publicly funded, free‑standing psychiatric hospital. It is a locked facility and a component of the San Diego County Behavioral Health Services continuum of care. The mission of the Hospital is to provide psychiatric evaluation and crisis intervention‑oriented acute treatment for adult residents of San Diego County. The goal of the Hospital is to help stabilize patients’ behavioral health crisis, and move ahead to a less restrictive level of care.
Effective September 9, 2022, this hard‑to‑recruit position qualifies for the Employee Referral Reward Program. If a current County of San Diego employee referred you to apply for this position, please indicate the employee’s name on your job application.
Psychiatric Nurses participate in providing exceptional behavioral health care through demonstrating compassion, empathy and perseverance for our patients and their entrusting families. Committed to providing psychiatric excellence, we seek experienced psychiatric nurses with a professional passion to complement our current team.
Our nurses are engaged, lifelong learners who believe in a culture of collaboration, communication and a team approach to quality patient care. This is a unique environment for learning and implementing a diverse set of nursing skills.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Possession of a valid and current Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing at time of appointment.
Must have applied for a Registered Nurse License from the California Board Registered Nursing at time of application.
Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR certification required prior to appointment.
Valid Professional Assault Crisis and Restraint Certification Training certification is highly desirable; new incumbents must complete this training during orientation and prior to working with patients.
A valid National Provider Identification Number (NPI) is required at time of appointment.
Valid California Class C driver’s license required at time of appointment, or the ability to arrange necessary transportation for field travel.
INTERVIEWS AND HIRING PROCESS
Job Offer and Background Process: Day of interview.
Pre‑employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
Anticipated Start Date: Based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT As part of the County of San Diego’s pre‑employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre‑employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job‑related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
EVALUATION PROCESS Qualified applicants will be placed on a three (3) month eligible list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained on their application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you give will be scored using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
NOTES
Experience in a psychiatric, detox, or emergency setting is highly desirable.
Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR certification required prior to appointment.
Valid Professional Assault Crisis and Restraint Certification Training certification is highly desirable; new incumbents must complete this training during orientation and prior to working with patients.
A valid National Provider Identification Number (NPI) is required at time of appointment.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case‑by‑case basis.
VETERANS As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran’s Preference Policy Military Skills Translator
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan and on our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all.
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term “public employees” includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Interested candidates are encouraged to immediately apply.
Interviews will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Qualifying applicants will be invited via email to schedule an interview. Candidates should be prepared to immediately complete background paperwork following the interview.
Base Pay: $122,512.00 Annually*
Future Salary Increases
June 2026 – 6.13% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 2.63% Market Adjustment)
June 2027 – 5.63% increase to base pay (3% Across‑the‑Board + 2.63% Market Adjustment)
HOURLY RATES AND PREMIUMS The following additional pay incentives and premiums are available:
May be eligible for relocation allowance up to $8,000.
POSITION PSYCHIATRIC NURSE
(San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital and Behavioral Health Centers)
Current vacancies are for San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital and Behavioral Health Centers. San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital is located at 3853 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA 92110, however the eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in other HHSA departments.
SHIFT STRUCTURE
Morning (7 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
Night (7 p.m. – 7 a.m.)
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTERS The County Operated Outpatient Behavioral Health Centers are recruiting compassionate and client‑focused Psychiatric Nurses to join our team. As a vital member of our multidisciplinary team, you will provide exceptional care for patients and make a positive impact in the San Diego community. Enjoy the benefits of working with us, including day hours (no nights, weekends, holidays, or on‑call responsibilities) in a hands‑off/non‑restraint environment. The position offers a unique opportunity to participate in a variety of duties, work collaboratively with community partners, and develop long‑term relationships with clients. Make a difference – apply today!
SAN DIEGO COUNTY PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL The San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital (SDCPH) is a publicly funded, free‑standing psychiatric hospital. It is a locked facility and a component of the San Diego County Behavioral Health Services continuum of care. The mission of the Hospital is to provide psychiatric evaluation and crisis intervention‑oriented acute treatment for adult residents of San Diego County. The goal of the Hospital is to help stabilize patients’ behavioral health crisis, and move ahead to a less restrictive level of care.
Effective September 9, 2022, this hard‑to‑recruit position qualifies for the Employee Referral Reward Program. If a current County of San Diego employee referred you to apply for this position, please indicate the employee’s name on your job application.
Psychiatric Nurses participate in providing exceptional behavioral health care through demonstrating compassion, empathy and perseverance for our patients and their entrusting families. Committed to providing psychiatric excellence, we seek experienced psychiatric nurses with a professional passion to complement our current team.
Our nurses are engaged, lifelong learners who believe in a culture of collaboration, communication and a team approach to quality patient care. This is a unique environment for learning and implementing a diverse set of nursing skills.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Possession of a valid and current Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing at time of appointment.
Must have applied for a Registered Nurse License from the California Board Registered Nursing at time of application.
Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR certification required prior to appointment.
Valid Professional Assault Crisis and Restraint Certification Training certification is highly desirable; new incumbents must complete this training during orientation and prior to working with patients.
A valid National Provider Identification Number (NPI) is required at time of appointment.
Valid California Class C driver’s license required at time of appointment, or the ability to arrange necessary transportation for field travel.
INTERVIEWS AND HIRING PROCESS
Job Offer and Background Process: Day of interview.
Pre‑employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
Anticipated Start Date: Based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT As part of the County of San Diego’s pre‑employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre‑employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job‑related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
EVALUATION PROCESS Qualified applicants will be placed on a three (3) month eligible list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained on their application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you give will be scored using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
NOTES
Experience in a psychiatric, detox, or emergency setting is highly desirable.
Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR certification required prior to appointment.
Valid Professional Assault Crisis and Restraint Certification Training certification is highly desirable; new incumbents must complete this training during orientation and prior to working with patients.
A valid National Provider Identification Number (NPI) is required at time of appointment.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case‑by‑case basis.
VETERANS As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran’s Preference Policy Military Skills Translator
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan and on our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all.
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term “public employees” includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
#J-18808-Ljbffr