WYCA Recruiting & Admissions Specialist
Salary
$62,880.00 - $74,748.00 Annually
Location
Kitsap County - Bremerton, WA
Job Type
Full Time - Permanent
Job Number
2026-06760
Department
Military Department
Division
Washington Youth Academy
Opening Date
09/28/2026
Salary Information
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
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 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.
Proficiency in Spanish is desired but not required.
This position is also eligible for on-site, 24/7 facility premium pay of 5%.
ABOUT THE YOUTH CHALLENGE PROGRAM
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 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?
Duties
Some of what youll be doing:
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.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A Bachelors or higher-level degree
OR
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.
Desired Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Experience:
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.
Supplemental Information
Compensation: Wage/salary will depend on qualifications or rules of promotion.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Working Hours
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.
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 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.
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 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.
Travel/Policies
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.
Drivers License
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.
Telework Eligibility:
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.
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,
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 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.
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 all of the conditions of employment listed on the job announcement, which will include an extensive background check/fingerprinting?
02
Are you willing and able to travel on a weekly basis (utilizing a state vehicle) during peak periods (approximately 8 months out of the year) to and from the WYCA campus to rural and urban areas throughout WA State to conduct recruiting events and deliver presentations/training about the WYCA to youth, stakeholders and diverse audiences? This will include the following areas: King, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap counties as well as North of I-90 to Spokane.
03
Some travel will include multiple day / overnight trips. For example, leave the WYCA campus at 6AM on a Monday, traveling to Spokane and returning to Bremerton at 6PM on Thursday. Are you willing and able to drive in these environments and work in these conditions?
04
How many months of fulltime equivalent experience do you have involving "Youth-Work", where working with at-risk teenagers was the primary focus of your job (examples: case manager, youth counselor, teach/trainer, in school supervisor, social worker, coach, probation officer, etc.)
05
How many months of experience do you have in marketing and/or recruiting?
06
Please indicate the number of presentations and/or training courses you have developed (i.e. created, either through your own research or that of others).
07
Have you participated in the recruitment, screening or interviewing of candidates for participation in programs or events with specific entry requirements?
08
Please indicate the number of presentations and/or training courses you have delivered to a group of 10 or more persons.
09
Do you speak Spanish?
10
Describe a situation where you had to adapt your usual way of doing things to better serve someone or a group of people with a background different that your own. What did you change, what was the outcome?
11
Why do you want to work for the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy?
12
How did you hear about this job opportunity?
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
| Location | Bremerton, WA |
| Salary | $62,880–$74,748 Per Year |
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