Lead Counselor

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Company: State of Washington

Location: Bremerton, WA 98312

Description:

Salary : $76,608.00 - $86,712.00 Annually
Location : Kitsap County - Bremerton, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2025-02062
Department: Military Department
Division: Washington Youth Academy
Opening Date: 04/17/2025
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
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!

The Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy (WYCA) has a permanent job opportunity for a Lead Counselor (Youth Academy Counseling and Coordination Specialist 4). The Lead Counselor supervises and manages the Cadet Counselor program, provides supervision for the Counseling staff and department, and works under the direction of the Deputy Director. The Counselors provide professional, non-clinical/non-therapeutic guidance and counseling services directly to the 16-18 year-old youth participating in the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy (WYCA).

This recruitment will remain open until filled. 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.

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.
  • One of the most comprehensive benefits package in the nation that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit https://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.
  • A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion that fosters an inclusive environment.
  • 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

Who we are: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 mentoring 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 citizen of the State of Washington. The National Guard Challenge Program is one of the most successful alternative education programs designed for high school dropout 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 Youth ChalleNGe Program and the Washington Military Department visit
COMPENSATION: Wage/salary will depend on qualifications or rules of promotion.
Duties

Some of what you'll be doing:

Continue to develop WYCA Counseling Department curriculum and provide instruction to Cadet corps.

Support the ongoing mental health and group dynamics of the Cadets participating in the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy.

Supervise three Counselors who perform various program support activities.

Oversee and conduct project planning for all relevant events that support Counseling Department purview.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

A Master's or higher-level degree with a major in counseling, education, counseling psychology, social work, leadership, psychology or other related field.

AND
Four years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing or delivering educational, social, career/vocational, counseling or health related programs with youth/young adults.

Desirable Qualifications:

Certifications:
  • Current Educational Staff Associate (E.S.A.) certification (from Washington State or another state with reciprocity with Washington State) or other related professional certifications or continuing education credits in intervention, counseling, mental/behavioral health, or other related field.
  • Mental Health First Aid (Youth or Teen) instructor
  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Experience:
  • Leading or supervising two or more staff members
  • Working with at-risk or disengaged youth, families/guardians, educational/social services and community members.
  • Evidence of supervising and developing successful counseling, and/or vocational guidance programs.
  • Evidence of successful teaching/behavioral intervention experience.
  • Experience serving as a victim advocate.
  • Experience with grief counseling.
  • Experience serving as a social worker.
  • Experience with multi-language learner programs.
Knowledge of:
  • Academic, career/vocational guidance, social/emotional recovery programs.
  • Trauma Informed Approach/Care.
  • Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) school policies and procedures.
  • Emotional, social, economic, developmental and physical needs of high school age students.
  • WA State High School & Beyond program.
  • Drug prevention/intervention programs.
  • Individual and group treatment process.
  • Diverse learning and cultural populations.
  • Depression and suicide assessment/Crisis interventions.
Skills and Abilities to:
  • Conduct group and individual juvenile behavioral modification sessions such as: anger management, decision-making, problem-solving, personal budgeting, drug and alcohol education and stress management.
  • Develop appropriate curriculum, with input from Counseling Department team and WYA staff, for group classroom behavioral intervention sessions.
  • Work effectively with juveniles who may have educational, social, economic, emotional, or behavioral problems.
  • Identify and manage manipulative/histrionic behaviors demonstrated by juveniles.

Supplemental Information

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

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 Washington Military Department Background and Disclosure Statement and a Waiver and Authority to Release Information Form. Candidates will not have access to any investigative materials or 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.
DRUG AND 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 and 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 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 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 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.
  • Willing to work in and around military facilities and programs.
WORKING HOURS
The standard work schedule is Tuesday through Friday with Saturday, Sunday and Monday off for a 4/10 schedule. The actual work hours will be established between the employee and immediate supervisor and will start no earlier than 6:00 AM and end no later than 6:00 PM. Work hours may require adjustment of hours to compensate for travel or short deadlines related to non-standard projects/assignments.
Work hours may vary during initial month of employment to support program operations and training requirements.
Hours may vary on occasion to accommodate special events. This position is expected to work beyond the established core hours when necessary to accomplish the day-to-day duties and responsibilities.

Must be willing to work periodic weekends and nights depending on program activities and requirements, including responding to emergency situations in a reasonable amount of time when they involve student health, safety or security.

NGYCP-CA HANDS-OFF LEADERSHIP & APPROPRIATE RELATIONSHIPS 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 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.
TRAVEL/TRAINING/POLICIES
  • Must complete annual first aid and CPR training/re-certification.
  • May be required to occasionally attend routine events, meetings or training at other locations. On rare occasions, travel in and out of the state for up to one week at a time.
  • Must comply with Department policies and procedures governing workplace conduct.
DRIVER'S LICENSE
Must possess a valid license to drive in the State of Washington
Must meet requirements of the REAL ID Act to enter Washington State Military Department installation.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Individuals interested in applying for this position should select the "Apply" button and submit the following.
  • A Current Application Profile
  • Response to the Supplemental Questionnaire (Note that your responses to the supplemental questions are used to screen for interview selection and should be supported by the information you entered in your employment history section portion of the application).
  • 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

    Please add 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: Call: (360) 473-2622, or 711.
    More than Just a Paycheck!
    Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

    We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

    Read about our benefits:
    The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

    Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

    Insurance Benefits
    Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

    Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

    To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

    Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

    Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

    The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

    Retirement and Deferred Compensation
    State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

    Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

    Social Security
    All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

    Public Service Loan Forgiveness
    If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

    Holidays
    Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

    Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

    Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

    Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

    Sick Leave
    Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

    Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

    Vacation (Annual Leave)
    Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

    Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

    Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

    As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

    Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

    Military Leave
    Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

    Bereavement Leave
    Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

    Additional Leave
    Leave Sharing

    Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
    Leave Without Pay

    Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

    Updated 12-31-2022
    01

    Are you willing and able to meet all of the conditions of employment listed on the job announcement, to include an extensive background check which will include fingerprinting?
    • Yes
    • No

    02

    Do you have a Master's or higher-level degree with a major in counseling, education, counseling psychology, social work, leadership, psychology or other related field?
    • Yes
    • No

    03

    How many months of professional experience do you have planning, administering, developing or delivering educational, social, career/vocational or health related programs with youth/young adults?
    • No Experience
    • Less than 12 months
    • 12 to 24 months
    • 25 to 36 months
    • 37 to 47 months
    • 48 months or more

    04

    Do you have an Education Staff Association (ESA) certification?
    • Yes - I hold an ESA certification from Washington state
    • Yes - I hold an ESA certification from another state with reciprocity with Washington state.
    • Yes - I hold an ESA certification with another state that does not have reciprocity with Washington state.
    • No - I have applied and my ESA certification is currently pending in Washington state.
    • No - I have not applied for or received my ESA certification.

    05

    Please list any other professional certifications you have.
    06

    Please mark the answer(s) below that best describe your knowledge and experience. Check all that apply.
    • Experience with grief counseling.
    • Knowledge of WA State High School & Beyond Program.
    • Experience serving as a social worker.
    • Knowledge of Trauma Informed Approach/Care.
    • Knowledge of or Experience in Mental Health First Aid (Youth or Teen)

    07

    Please describe your experience providing individual counseling and/or facilitating group counseling.
    08

    Please describe your experience working with at-risk or disengaged youth, families/guardians, educational/social service agencies and community members.
    09

    How many months of full-time supervisory experience do you have?
    • Less than 12 months
    • 12 to 24 months
    • 25 to 36 months
    • 37 to 47 months
    • 48 or more months

    10

    How many subordinates have you been responsible for supervising?
    • None
    • 1 to 5
    • 6 to 10
    • 11 or more

    11

    Why do you want to work for the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy?
    Required Question

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