Positions in this classification provide professional level guidance counseling to at-risk youth participating in the Washington Youth Academy. Guidance counseling includes individual counseling, career and academic counseling, and group guidance addressing social subjects such as drug/alcohol awareness, cultural diversity and anger management. Counselors assist Academy participants to adhere to the program’s Life Plan upon entry into the 52-week post-residential phase of the Washington Youth Academy.

Assists in the development, planning, and administration of a behavioral, academic, and life skills counseling program that will help Academy participants succeed in the program and give them the knowledge and tools to become mature young adults, socially responsible citizens, and productive members of society;

Conducts individual and group counseling sessions that help Academy participants develop personal discipline, self esteem, life coping skills, drug and alcohol education, career/vocational planning, etc.;

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;

Works with individuals identified as having mental, emotional, or behavioral issues to help them develop and reinforce coping mechanisms and socially acceptable behaviors;

Makes recommendations concerning Academy participant training, duties, or separation from the program when in the best interest of the Washington Youth Academy;

Recommends and conducts training for other WYA staff members on methods of dealing with different Academy participant behaviors, anger management issues, problems with self esteem, etc.;

Gathers and analyzes program data on demographics, performance, trends, etc. that will assist in operational and strategic planning;

Assists in the analysis of Serious Incident Reports to determine cause, effect, and develops future preventive policies and procedures;

May lead or supervise lower-level staff;

Performs other duties as required.

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.

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.

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.

A Master’s degree with a major in counseling and an Educational Staff Associate certification School Counselor from the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

New class adopted March 13, 2008, established March 14, 2008.
Base range salary adjustment adopted 06/30/2022, effective 07/01/2022.
Revised definition, typical work, desirable qualification, effective 07/01/2022.

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