This is the supervisory level of the Youth Academy Residential Specialist series. Incumbents report to the Washington Youth Academy Commandant and perform both supervisory and line staff duties, with minimum supervision in support of the residential phase of the Washington Youth Academy. These positions support all aspects of the program’s day-to-day 24/7 operations including the care, control, safety, education, physical fitness, life skills, and community service activities of the Academy participants during this phase of the Academy. Incumbents monitor and oversee the mentoring and progress of the on-the-job training requirements performed by subordinate Youth Academy Residential Specialists assigned to their shift.

Incumbents have delegated authority to interview and recommend selection of applicants for subordinate Youth Academy Residential Specialist positions, conduct training, assign and schedule work, act upon leave requests, conduct annual performance evaluations and recommend corrective and/or disciplinary actions. Incumbents review the work of lower level staff and use independent judgment to accomplish assignments, develop or revise work methods, procedures or strategies, resolve problems, interpret rules, policies and procedures, and make recommendations regarding unit budget.

Supervises and manages the residential staff members who are primarily responsible for providing the quasi-military structure, discipline, and training of the Academy participants on a 24/7 basis;

Participates in screening and interviewing applicants to the WYA and assists in selecting candidates who have the best chance of success in meeting their individual and program goals;

Supervises the preparation of Academy facilities, supplies, and equipment and ensures the Cadre Team is able to effectively and efficiently receive and in-process each new class;

Oversees residential staff members as they implement Pre-Challenge curriculum (weeks 1 and 2) in accordance with program goals to identify those Academy participants who are prepared mentally and physically and are truly committed to changing their lives;

Directs residential staff members in conducting student daily and weekly schedules to ensure all academic, physical training, and personal development activities and requirements are completed and program goals are met;

Oversees residential staff members implementing daily program activities to include conducting Academy participant inspections and unit formations, reviewing and directing minor disciplinary actions involving Academy participants, rating Academy participants’ performance, etc.;

Provides leadership and direction to residential staff members conducting Academy participant movement to and from all destinations while adhering to military drill and ceremony standards and ensuring the safety and welfare of Academy participants; calls cadence; participates in marching and periodic running and physical fitness training with Academy participants;

Mentors and monitors the progress of the on-the-job training requirements performed by lower level personnel assigned to their cadre team;

Collects individual Academy participants and program performance data for entry into the National Guard Bureau data bases and reporting system;

Advises Commandant of budget and resource problems/issues;

Performs other duties as required.

A valid driver’s license is required.

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements may be required.

Individuals working with at-risk youth in a residential setting must take and pass pre-employment and periodic drug tests as outlined by Agency policies and procedures.

Individuals working with at-risk youth in a residential setting must complete and pass pre-employment and periodic background checks as outlined by Agency policies and procedures.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

High school graduation or GED equivalent and four years of experience working with at-risk youth or related experience such as youth services, social services, military, education, or law enforcement.

Two years of college may substitute for one year of the required experience.

New class adopted March 13, 2008, effective March 14, 2008.
Salary adjustment adopted 6/30/2015, effective 7/1/2015.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.