This is the fully qualified Youth Academy Residential Specialist level. Incumbents at this level perform line staff duties independently, with minimum supervision. As a member of the Washington Youth Academy (WYA) cadre team, these positions have direct interaction with the Academy participants on a 24/7 basis during the 22-week residential phase. Direct interaction includes conducting barracks inspections, physical fitness training, and unit formations while ensuring the safety and welfare of Academy participants. Incumbents at this level assist lead staff in mentoring and monitoring the progress of the on-the-job training requirements performed by lower level personnel assigned to their shift.

Provides 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;

Assists in preparing the Academy facilities, supplies, and equipment to effectively and efficiently receive and in-process each new class;

As a member of team implementing the Pre-Challenge curriculum (weeks 1 and 2) in accordance with program goals, identifies those Academy participants who are prepared mentally and physically and are truly committed to changing their lives;

Assists in ensuring that all daily and weekly academic, physical training, and personal development activities and requirements are completed and program goals are met;

Calls cadence and marches Academy participants to and from all destinations, adhering to military drill and ceremony standards; physically participates in marching and periodic running with Academy participants;

Implements daily program of activities to include conducting Academy participants inspections and unit formations, reviewing and directing minor disciplinary actions involving Academy participants, rating Academy participants’ performance, etc;

Assists in the collection of individual participant and program performance data for entry into the National Guard Bureau data bases and reporting system;

Advises Cadre Team Supervisor and/or Commandant of budget and resource requirements;

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 two 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.