Find & Apply For Search Engine Optimization Specialist Jobs in Mission Viejo, California

Overall Purpose:

We are seeking an SEO Manager to execute day-to-day SEO tactics and drive continuous improvement in organic and local search performance for our behavioral health clients. Reporting directly to the CEO, this person will be hands-on in managing Google Business Profiles, optimizing client websites, conducting localized keyword research, fixing technical SEO issues, and monitoring results to ensure steady growth in rankings. A critical component of this role involves partnering directly with clients to align SEO strategies with their primary business objectives—specifically driving increased phone calls and facility admissions. The SEO Manager will translate overarching strategies into actionable tasks—working closely with clients, content creators, and developers—and will play a key role in delivering on client KPIs. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented SEO specialist who can balance multiple healthcare projects, comfortably lead client conversations, and stay ahead of search algorithm changes in a dynamic agency environment.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Client Strategy & Direct Collaboration:

Work directly with behavioral health clients to understand their overarching goals and translate SEO performance into tangible business outcomes, such as increased inquiry calls and patient admissions. Lead client meetings to discuss progress, set expectations, and provide strategic recommendations.

Manage Google Business Profiles & Citations:

Take full ownership of client GBPs, including claiming, verifying, optimizing, and updating profiles. Ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) consistency across all local directories, healthcare aggregators, and citation sources.

Execute Daily SEO Tasks:

Optimize client websites for highly relevant local keyword targets (e.g., "behavioral health center in [City]," "addiction treatment near me"). Optimize on-page elements (titles, meta descriptions, headings, content) and improve internal linking to boost relevance and map pack rankings.

Perform Technical SEO Audits:

Identify and resolve issues that impact crawlability or rankings, such as broken links, site speed, or mobile usability. Coordinate with developers to implement technical fixes, with a specific focus on implementing local and healthcare-specific schema markup (e.g., MedicalClinic , LocalBusiness ).

Drive Off-Page SEO & Outreach:

Implement link-building and outreach campaigns tailored to local markets and the behavioral health niche. Identify backlink opportunities, manage directory placements, and monitor backlink profiles for quality and compliance.

Monitor and Analyze Performance:

Track SEO performance using tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, GBP Insights, and call-tracking software. Track keyword rankings, map pack visibility, organic traffic, and patient conversion metrics (calls, form fills, admissions). Prepare and present regular reports detailing progress.

Refine SEO Tactics:

Use data-driven insights to adjust strategies. If certain local markets or service pages are underperforming, tweak content, improve page UX, or adjust keywords to capitalize on opportunities and improve the patient journey from search to admission.

Navigate Algorithm Updates:

Stay up-to-date with search engine algorithm changes (especially Google core updates affecting YMYL—Your Money or Your Life—websites). Quickly adapt optimization strategies in response to new ranking factors to maintain E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) and protect client visibility. Collaborate with

Content & Web Teams:

Work with content writers to produce SEO-friendly content (city pages, treatment blogs, etc.) that balances ranking objectives with sensitive, compliant behavioral health messaging. Liaise with web developers to ensure site changes are SEO-compliant.

Educate and Align Teams:

Collaborate closely with upper management to ensure alignment with overarching business strategies. Educate junior team members, account managers, and clients on SEO best practices and how they directly contribute to patient acquisition.

EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

4+ years of hands-on SEO experience, preferably in an agency environment, with a heavy emphasis on local search projects. Experience working within the healthcare or behavioral health niche is highly preferred. Proven client-facing experience. Must be highly comfortable speaking directly with business owners or client stakeholders, translating complex SEO metrics into clear business value (calls, leads, admissions). Solid understanding of search engine algorithms and local map pack ranking factors. Expertise in optimizing Google Business Profiles, managing local citations, on-page SEO, and technical site architecture. Proficiency with SEO and analytics tools: Must be adept at using Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and GBP Insights. Experience with local-specific tools (e.g., BrightLocal, Whitespark) alongside traditional tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz is essential. Strong understanding of Google's E-E-A-T guidelines and how they apply to sensitive YMYL (healthcare) websites. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Comfortable digging into data to identify search trends or anomalies, and translating those into actionable optimizations. Excellent time management and organizational abilities—capable of balancing priorities across several client projects and delivering results on schedule. Keen attention to detail and a commitment to quality. Ensuring accuracy in reporting, preventing mistakes (like incorrect NAP info or broken links), and adhering to best practices that prevent search penalties. Passion for SEO and digital marketing—stays curious and continuously learns about new tools, techniques, and trends within the local and organic search landscape. Bachelor's degree in marketing, computer science, or a related field is a plus. Relevant certifications (e.g., Google Analytics Individual Qualification) are welcome.

Pay:

$80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Paid time off

Work Location:

In person