Job Description

Posting number: 2026-07685

Department: Military Department

Division: Washington Youth Academy

Job classification: YOUTH ACADEMY COUNSELING AND COORDINATION SPECIALIST 1

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Public Safety, Social Services, Education, Miscellaneous, Human Services, Student Services, Community and Social Services, Education, Training & Library, Database Administration

Summary

"WE CANNOT ALWAYS BUILD THE FUTURE FOR OUR YOUTH, BUT WE CAN BUILD OUR YOUTH FOR THE FUTURE."

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

The Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Washington's at-risk youth. We strive to unlock potential, foster success and empower young minds to create a better world.

Come join us in our mission to help at-risk youth create a future with possibilities!

This job posting will remain open until filled and may be used to fill multiple positions. Screening of application materials will begin immediately and will be on-going. It is in the applicants' best interest to submit their application materials as early as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. This job posting may be closed at any time without notice.

We invite you to apply for the position of Youth Academy Counseling & Coordination Specialist 1 (WYCA Post Residential Case Manager) where you will work in a diverse, inclusive, team-oriented environment while helping at-risk youth get their lives back on track.

This position works under the supervision of the Program Manager (Case Management Supervisor) and is responsible for teaching and coaching goal setting and action planning with Cadets, promoting positive placement for Cadet graduates and tracking the post-residential activities and placement of the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy (WYCA) graduates.

Proficiency in Spanish is desired but not required.

This position is also eligible for on-site, 24/7 facility premium pay of 5%.

Who we are:

The WYCA was established under the authority and guidelines of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. It is a voluntary program which includes a 22-week residential academy followed by a 24-month post-residential phase. The purpose of the program is to provide a highly disciplined, safe and professional learning environment that empowers at-risk youth to improve their educational levels and become responsible and productive Washingtonians.

To learn more about the Washington Military Department and the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy visit www.mil.wa.gov/youth-academy.

What makes WYCA a great place to work?

• Work that matters-building character, enriching lives, one Cadet at a time!
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees.
• A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility.
• Tuition Discount! Washington State Employees are eligible for a 10% tuition discount with Western Governors University (WGU) for Bachelor's & Master's Degree programs in Business; Information Technology; Healthcare and Education.
• Support for employee growth and development.

Examples of duties

Some of what you'll be doing:

• Prioritize and manage an assigned caseload of youth at the WYCA and track the placement of program graduates during the post residential phase.
• To include:
• Contacts: Maintain monthly contact with each Cadet on assigned caseload during the 24-month Post-Residential Phase.
• Data Management: Collect, store and record monthly source documentation of each Cadet’s placement activity; ensuring source documentation is complete, thorough and organized each month and all assigned Cadet contact, Cadet placement, and other required information is entered into the WYCA database in compliance with pre-determined timelines.
• Deliver small and large group instruction on goal setting, action plan development, personal values exploration, and other life skills based on established curriculum.
• Provide ongoing support to Cadets to strengthen life skills during the post residential phase.

Qualifications

Required:

An Associate’s or higher-level degree;

OR

Experience in casework, counseling, social services, teaching, marketing, public relations, human resource management, planning, directing and/or facilitating youth work activities; or experience in a related field will substitute for education on a year for year basis.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

Experience

• Six months of case management experience.
• Six months of youth-work experience (where primary function of the job was working directly with youth/teens).

Skills / Abilities

• Good judgment in the communications and actions, cognizant always of how words or deeds can affect youth development, parental and community relations, and program integrity and reputation.
• Develop and deliver presentations/training about the WYCA to applicants, community partners, and diverse audiences.
• Coordinate with others inside or outside the organization to share information, make decisions, arrange for services or other assistance, and/or implement solutions to issues or complaints, assist others and/or resolve problems or conflicts.
• Listen attentively, identify issues, practice a high level of organizational skills, strong time management, attention to detail in accurate and monthly data entry and reporting requirements.
• Extract and compile data to prepare narrative, statistical or other reports for review, analysis, documentation, etc.

Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrate a commitment to learning and growth and contribute to continuous improvement of agency processes.

Service-Oriented: Demonstrate a willingness to take action to understand and meet the needs of others.

Supplemental information

Compensation: Wage/salary will depend on qualifications and rules of promotion.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

WORK SCHEDULE:

Incumbent will work a Monday - Thursday 4/10 work schedule. The actual work hours will be established between the employee and the immediate supervisor and will start no earlier than 6:00 AM and end no later than 6:00 PM.

BACKGROUND CHECK:

• Must successfully complete a pre-employment personal history and criminal background check investigation, which includes fingerprinting. The background check is required for all employees of the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy due to the nature of these positions (working with vulnerable youth) and the safety requirements of the job. Applicants are required to complete and sign a WMD Applicant Background and Disclosure Statement and a Waiver and Authority to Release Information Form. Candidates will not have access to any investigative materials and files.
• Must be willing and able to participate in periodic background checks in accordance with department policy. Failure to successfully complete any required background check may be cause for termination.

DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING AND USE:

• Willing not to use or be in possession of illegal narcotics or controlled substances while on, or off duty.
• Willing and able to be free from excessive alcohol consumption.
• Willing and able to pass drug testing requirements, including pre-employment (to include testing when employees change job classifications due to promotion or transfer or there is reasonable suspicion).

WYCA CAMPUS:

• Ability, willingness, desire, and commitment to work with all at-risk youth in a 24/7 highly structured residential setting requiring extensive interaction and contact with at-risk youth and parents who may be disgruntled, angry, disrespectful (use of profanity, name calling, etc.), depressed and at times confrontational.
• The WYCA campus is a tobacco, alcohol, drug and weapons free facility. Weapons and alcohol are not permitted anywhere on campus when employees are on or off shift. This includes any alternate duty station site or in employee vehicles. Use of tobacco products or vaping products is not permitted anywhere within the confines of the Youth Academy (to include alternate duty stations) or in the view of Cadets when performing off campus duties and responsibilities.
• Individuals working with at-risk youth in a residential setting are subject to safety and security surveillance.
• Must be willing to work in and around military facilities and programs.

TRAVEL/TRAINING/POLICIES:

• May be required to occasionally attend routine events, meetings or trainings at other locations. On occasion, periodic travel in and out of state for up to one week at a time.
• Must comply with Department policies and procedures governing workplace conduct.

NGYCP-CA HANDS-OFF LEADERSHIP GUIDANCE

Must be willing and committed to following the NGYCP-CA Hands-Off Leadership and Appropriate Relationships Guidance, recognizing that as a staff member of the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy, our positions have implied authority over Cadets, regardless of their residential or completion status. This policy prohibits staff members from touching Cadets in an aggressive or harassing manner or in any way inappropriate to a professional mentoring relationship. Hands-Off Leadership prohibits staff members from using unprofessional language, including profanity, vulgarity or off-color jokes when interacting with, correcting or motivating Cadets.

Must be willing to follow directives and law pertaining to Hands-Off Leadership, Fraternization, Mandatory Reporting, and Appropriate Relationships. The uncompromising expectation for behavior in word and deed on the part of staff is nothing less than complete transparency and total professionalism.

DRIVER'S LICENSE:

Must possess a license valid to drive in the State of Washington.

TELEWORK ELIGIBILITY:

Due to the essential functions of this position requiring customer focused in-person contact with Cadets in residence as well as community stakeholders, this position is not telework eligible.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Individuals interested in applying for this position should select the "Apply" button and submit the following:

1. A current application profile,
2. Responses to the supplemental questions,
3. A list of three professional references.

Please include two current/past supervisors, one peer or one subordinate, if applicable. For each reference, please include the following: Name, Professional Title, Working Relationship, Daytime Phone Number and Email Address.

If you have any questions about the application process or this recruitment, please contact Patricia Acoba at Patricia.Acoba@mil.wa.gov.

Please add info@governmentjobs.com to your email contacts to ensure emails sent to advise you of the status of your application do not get sent to your junk mailbox.

The Washington Military Department is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruitment Section of State Human Resources at: Email: patricia.acoba@mil.wa.gov, Call: (360) 473-2622 , or 711.