Posting number: 2026-06760
Department: Military Department
Division: Washington Youth Academy
Job classification: YOUTH ACADEMY COUNSELING AND COORDINATION SPECIALIST 2
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Social Services, Miscellaneous, Human Services, Marketing, Student Services, Community and Social Services, Education, Training & Library
Work that matters and lasts a lifetime!
At the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy, we empower participants to embrace responsibility, achievement, and positive behavior. Our mission is to provide a highly disciplined, safe and professional learning environment that empowers at-risk youth to improve their educational levels and employment potential and become responsible and productive Washingtonians.
If our mission resonates with you, we invite you to apply for the position of Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy (WYCA) Recruiting & Admissions Specialist, where you will work in a diverse, inclusive, team-oriented environment while helping at-risk youth get their lives back on track.
This position reports directly to the WYCA Recruiting, Admissions & Placement Coordinator and is responsible for assisting with developing and maintaining an effective recruiting and admissions program to ensure that the WYCA is a recognized and respected educational option for at-risk youth in the State of Washington.
Click on the video below to see some of our amazing Cadets!
This job posting has been reopened and will remain open until filled. Applicants who have previously applied, do not need to reapply. Screening of application materials will begin immediately and will be on-going. It is in the applicant's 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.
Proficiency in Spanish is desired but not required.
This position is also eligible for on-site, 24/7 facility premium pay of 5%.
The WYCA was established under the authority and guidelines of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program. This is a voluntary program which includes a 22-week residential phase followed by a 24-month post-residential phase. The National Guard ChalleNGe Program is one of the most successful alternative education programs designed for high school dropouts or youth that are not progressing in a traditional high school setting and has graduated over 215,000+ Cadets to date.
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?
Assist with developing and maintaining an effective recruiting and advertising program to ensure that the WYCA is a recognized and respected educational option for at-risk youth in the State of Washington. This includes high-volume recruiting duties and weekly travel (utilizing a state vehicle) during peak periods of the year (approximately 8 months out of the year). Travel will consist of trips to and from the WYCA campus to rural and urban areas throughout WA state (to include the following areas: King, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap counties, as well as North of I-90 to Spokane) to conduct recruiting events using promotional videos and written marketing materials. Role includes periodic multi-day and overnight travel.
Job duties also include developing and delivering presentations/training about the WYCA program to youth, stakeholders and diverse audiences.
Ensure all required youth application documents are accurate, complete, and meet all program requirements prior to the in-processing start date. This includes managing high-volume admissions operations during peak periods of the year (approximately 4 months out of the year). Requires managing large-scale application processing, data tracking, and pro-active engagement applicants and families.
A Bachelor's or higher-level degree
Experience in casework; counseling; social services; teaching; marketing; public relations; human resource management; planning; directing and/or facilitating youth group activities; or experience in a related field will substitute for education on a year for year basis.
Additional qualifying experience can substitute for education on a year for year basis.
Effective and professional techniques for interviewing and information gathering.
Recruit youth in person, over the phone, and by attending various events statewide.
Twelve months of recruiting, sales or marketing experience
Professional level experience serving, educating, and/or delivering services that were primarily for the benefit of youth.
Ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Ability to take action to learn and grow.
Compensation: Wage/salary will depend on qualifications or rules of promotion.
Normal working hours are a 4/10 schedule. Either Monday – Thursday or Tuesday - Friday.
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.
Incumbent must be willing to work beyond the established core hours/days when necessary to accomplish the day-to-day duties and responsibilities.
Initial month of employment work schedule will vary for training purposes and to meet program operational needs.
Duty will include periodic weekends and nights depending on program activities and requirements, including responding to emergency situations in a reasonable amount of time when they involve Cadet health, safety, or security. Hours may vary on occasion to accommodate special events.
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 Washington Military Department 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 to participate in periodic background checks in accordance with department policy. Failure to successfully complete any required background checks may be cause for termination.
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").
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, vaping, alcohol, drug, and weapon 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 and/or vaping products is not permitted anywhere within the confines of the Youth Academy (to include alternate duty stations) or in the view of the students when performing off campus duties and responsibilities.
Individuals working with at-risk youth in a residential setting are subject to safety and security surveillance.
Willing to work in and around military facilities and programs.
National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program-Cooperative Agreement (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.
Primary duties require cyclical (40%) travel, with approximately 28 key weeks during which travel assignments will be expected for day trips and occasional overnight trips.
Must comply with Department policies and procedures governing workplace conduct.
Must possess a valid license to drive in the State of Washington
Camp Murray uses the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) for entry to the installation. Must meet access requirements / background check which can be found in the Camp Murray Access Requirements Policy (Unified Policy No. 18-01). This includes possession of an Enhanced Driver’s License, or other REAL ID Compliant Identification.
Due to the essential functions of this position requiring customer focused, in person contact with community stakeholders as well as Cadets in residence, this position is not eligible for regular telework.
Individuals interested in applying for this position should select the "Apply" button and submit the following:
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 or (360) 473-2622.
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.
With its great natural beauty, Clark County, Washington, always has attracted people and settlements. Framed by the scenic Cascade Range to the east and the majestic Columbia River to the south and west, the area is a picturesque place to work, play and live.
Named for Captain William Clark of Lewis and Clark Expedition frame, our county is one of the fastest growing regions in Washington state and the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. Today, more than 440,000 people call Clark County home.
Clark County government is one of the county's largest employers, providing a wide range of challenging positions for about 1,570 people. You can learn about current job openings, the application process, job descriptions, pay schedule and employee benefits on the Clark County Human Resources website at https://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources.
The mission of Clark County government is to enhance the quality of life in our diverse community by providing services with integrity, openness and accountability.
