WYCA Counselor

WYCA Counselor

Salary

$71,136.00 - $82,440.00 Annually

Location

Kitsap County - Bremerton, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-07034

Department

Military Department

Division

Washington Youth Academy

Opening Date

08/27/2026

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Washingtons 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!

We invite you to apply for the position of Youth Academy Counseling & Coordination Specialist 3 (Counselor) 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 Academys Lead Counselor and provides professional, non-clinical/non-therapeutic guidance and counseling services directly to the 16-18 year old "At-Risk" youth (Cadet students) enrolled in the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy (WYCA).

About the Challenge Program

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 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. 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

In addition to job fulfillment, the Washington Military Department offers an excellent benefits package which includes exceptional health care coverage, a retirement savings plan and job training opportunities.

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

This recruitment will remain opened 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.

Duties

Some of what youll be doing:

• Administer a behavioral, academic, and life skills intervention program for at-risk youth (Cadet students) enrolled at the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy (WYCA).
• Instruct classes of platoon size, or a more traditional 25-30 Cadets (students), pertaining to the Counseling Department's responsibilities of; career/vocational planning, academic success, personal/social adjustment, job skills, life coping skills, drug/alcohol abuse prevention, etc. and conduct learning assessments of these subjects to ensure comprehension.
• Collect, maintain, report, and archive demographic, statistical, and historical data pertaining to the scope of the Counseling department purview.
• Coordinate Counseling Department sponsored events for Cadets (students).

Qualifications

REQUIRED

A Masters degree with a major in career/vocational counseling, educational counseling, mental health counseling, psychology or comparable degree.

PREFERRED / DESIRED

Certifications:

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC); Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC),
• Career and Technical Education Certification Counselor or equivalent,
• Vocational Education Certification, and/or
• Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certification

Experience:

• Two to four years of professional experience in Substance Abuse Counseling, Mental Health/Behavioral Counseling, Resolution, Anger Management, and/or Trauma Counseling.
• Two to four years working with high school aged student population
• Two years of experience facilitating instruction to large (25+) or small (3-7) groups
• Working with at-risk or disengaged youth
• Group Guidance/Counseling and facilitation
• Individual Guidance/Counseling
• Training or experience counseling others for self-harm, suicide ideation, alcohol & drug abuse, grief, loss or depression

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Career/Vocational, Academic, Social/Behavioral Guidance Programs
• Employment opportunities and processes, apprenticeship or other training programs for youth, including Work Based Learning, Job Shadowing, etc.
• Assessments for career/vocational, academic, social/behavioral
• Life Skills Prevention/Interventions (i.e., depression, suicide, home sickness, drug/alcohol, etc.)
• Develop instructional curriculum for classroom and group settings for Career/Vocational, Academic, Social/Behavioral guidance programs
• Conduct instructional, individual and group prevention/intervention programs (i.e. career/vocational, decision-making/problem solving, personal finance/budgeting, stress management, anger management, drug/alcohol, etc.)
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to meet the needs of others.

Supplemental Information

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

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Work Hours:

• The standard work schedule for this position is a five-day, eight-hour work shift. The actual workdays/hours will be established between the employee and immediate supervisor upon hire.

• Work hours may require adjustment of hours to compensate for travel or short deadlines related to non-standard projects/assignments.

Work hours will vary during initial month of employment to support program operations and training requirements.

• 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.

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 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.

Drivers License: Must possess a valid, unencumbered license to drive in the State of Washington.

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, willingness, desire and commitment to work with all at-risk youth in a 24/7 highly structured residential setting required extensive interaction and contact with at-risk youth and parents who may be disgruntled, angry, disrespectful (use of profanity, name calling, etc.)

• 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.

• Must be willing to work in and around military facilities and programs.

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.

Policies: Must comply with Department policies and procedures governing workplace conduct.

Telework Eligibility: This position may be eligible for ad/hoc telework.

APPLICATION PROCESS

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

• A current application profile.
• Responses to the supplemental questions. Directions must be followed in order to receive credit for the supplemental questions. Any questions which are not answered according to the directions will not be scored. (Note that your responses to the supplemental questions may be 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 past/current supervisors, one peer and/or subordinate, if applicable. For each reference, please include the following: Name, Professional Title, Working Relationship, Daytime Phone Number and Email address.

A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.

Incomplete applications may disqualify you from eligibility for the position. You must ensure all application areas, including supplemental questions, are completed in full.

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@governmentjob.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.

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

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.

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. Thats 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

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

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Are you willing and able to meet the conditions of employment listed on the job announcement - to include an extensive background check and fingerprinting?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a masters degree with a major in career/vocational counseling, educational counseling, mental health counseling, psychology or comparable degree?

• Yes
• No

03

How many months of professional experience do you have in Substance Abuse Counseling?

• No experience
• Less than one-year experience
• 1 to 3 years experience
• 4 to 7 years experience
• 8 or more years experience

04

How many months of professional experience do you have in Mental Health/Behavioral Counseling, Resolution, Anger Management, and/or Trauma Counseling?

• No experience
• Less than one-year experience
• 1 to 3 years experience
• 4 to 7 years experience
• 8 or more years experience

05

Do you currently hold any of the following professional certifications? Please check all that apply.

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• I currently hold none of the above listed professional certifications

06

Do you have a career/vocational counseling certificate?

• Yes - I hold a career/vocational counseling certificate from Washington State
• Yes - I hold a career/vocational certificate from another state with a reciprocity agreement with Washington State
• Yes - I hold a career/vocational counseling certificate from another state without a reciprocity agreement with Washington State
• No - I have applied and my ESA certification is currently pending with Washington State
• No - I have not applied for or received my ESA certification

07

Do you have experience professionally counseling others for self-harm, suicide ideation, alcohol & drug abuse, grief, loss or depression?

• Yes
• No

08

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

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov