WYCA Case Manager - Youth Academy Counseling & Coordination Specialist 1

State of Washington•Bremerton, WA

62d•Onsite

About The Position

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 has been republished, 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. Applicants who have previously applied do not need to reapply. We invite you to apply for the position of Youth Academy Counseling & Coordination Specialist 1 (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 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%. 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.

Requirements

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.
Must successfully complete a pre-employment personal history and criminal background check investigation, which includes fingerprinting.
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.
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, 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.
Must complete annual first aid and CPR instructor training/re-certification.
May be required to occasionally attend routine events, meetings or trainings at other locations. On rare occasions, travel in and out of state for up to one week at a time. Additionally, incumbent may be required to attend formal Youth Challenge staff training courses (up to one week each) and on the job training at another National Guard Bureau Youth Challenge Program (up to 2 weeks).
Must comply with Department policies and procedures governing workplace conduct.
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.
Must possess a license valid to drive in the State of Washington.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Prioritize and manage an assigned caseload of youth at WYCA and track the placement of program graduates during the post residential phase.
Provide ongoing support to Cadets to strengthen life skills during the post residential phase.
Deliver small and large group instruction on goal setting, action plan development, personal values exploration, and other life skills based on established curriculum.

Benefits

A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days.
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.

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