Cadre Team Leader - Youth Academy Residential Specialist 3

Cadre Team Leader - Youth Academy Residential Specialist 3

Salary

$5,779.00 - $6,542.00 Monthly

Location

Kitsap County - Bremerton, WA

Job Type

Agency Internal - Permanent

Job Number

2026-08742

Department

Military Department

Division

Washington Youth Academy

Opening Date

10/16/2026

Closing Date

10/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

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

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN ON AN INTERNAL BASIS FOR CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES WITHIN THE WASHINGTON MILITARY DEPARTMENT.

If you are a servant leader seeking to make a difference in the lives of Washingtons youth while leading a team of dedicated Youth Academy personnel, we invite you to apply for the position of Youth Academy Residential Specialist 3 - Cadre Team Leader, where you will work in a diverse, inclusive, team-oriented environment while helping at-risk youth get their lives back on track.

Under the general supervision of the Youth Academy Residential Specialist 4 (Cadre Supervisor), Cadre Team Leaders work independently to provide highly regimented structure, discipline, and training to the Cadet corps.

This recruitment will be used to fill two swing shift positions - normal swing shift hours are: 1:00pm to 9:00pm.

This position is also eligible for on-site, 24/7 facility premium pay of 5%, as well as shift differential pay for applicable shifts.

Duties

Some of what youll be doing:

• Lead the Cadre Team members (YARS2) in implementing the daily training plans and programs to the Cadet corps members (Cadets) on a 24/7 basis.
• Lead the Cadre Team members (YARS2) in executing program activities to the Cadet corps members related to the Core Components: Leadership/Followership; Physical Fitness; Health & Hygiene and Service to Community while supporting Core Component activities led by other departments.
• Lead the Cadre Team members (YARS2) in assessing and addressing behavior and program performance of Cadet corps members and providing specialized/solution-oriented guidance with the intent of early intervention or preventative approach while working with Cadet's strengths and weaknesses in an effort to maximize their potential.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

High school graduation or GED equivalent

AND

three 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 be substituted for one year of required experience.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

Experience

• Working with at-risk youth.
• A teacher/instructor/coach with an understanding of teaching techniques and learning processes.

Knowledge of:

• Military drill and ceremony.
• Military customs/courtesies.
• Basic first aid and emergency medical care.

Skills / Abilities:

• Promote positive youth development by establishing healthy professional relationships with Cadets, role-modeling desired professional behaviors, maintaining an exceptional uniform appearance and ensuring a safe training environment.
• Demonstrate mature judgement under stress and conditions of uncertainty to provide stable and consistent guidance and leadership to Cadre staff, Cadets and family members.

Supplemental Information

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

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment

Mental Demands:

Skills & Abilities to:

• With the understanding that the WYCA is a learning environment for the Cadets, handle highly stressful or adverse situations, make good decisions, work calmly and help calm others,
• Use of senses and reasoning to gather information and make independent determinations regarding safety and security of Cadets. This also involves the ability to think and respond appropriately when quick / decisive action is required in emergency / stressful situations.
• Gather information, develop accurate written incident reports. This includes the ability to interview, obtain and accurately document statements from Cadets or witnesses in such a manner to ensure facts are accurately captured.

Physical Demands:

Skills & Abilities to:

• Routinely work a 40-hour week to provide ongoing customer and program support.
• Obtain and maintain a basic first aid and CPR certification.
• Execute a full range of physical motions; walk or stand for long periods of time; work outside in all types of weather.
• Manual dexterity - Writing, light keyboarding, and use of a personal computer/software related to word processing.
• May require periods of great physical effort in completing essential functions and / or responding to situations/issues when Cadet safety/security is involved.

Physical Abilities Test:

• Able to participate in and pass a pre-employment physical fitness and agility standardized test and annual re-certification tests thereafter, in accordance with program requirements. The assessment consists of the following:
• Emergency Response Test
• Physical Fitness Demonstration Test
• 15-minute continuous run without stopping, walking, or speed walking.

Character:

Youth Academy Residential Specialists (YARS) are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of Cadets in the residential phase of the program and for role modeling the behavior expected from those Cadets. As such it is imperative that YARS have basic character traits of honesty, courtesy, tact, cooperation, professional appearance and bearing.

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 WMD 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 and able to participate in periodic background checks in accordance with department policy. Failure to successfully complete any required background check may be cause for termination.

Drug & Alcohol Testing & 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.
• Must be willing to work in and around military facilities and programs

Travel/Policies:

• May be required to occasionally attend routine events, meetings or training at other locations. On rare occasions, travel in and out of the state for up to one week at a time.
• Must comply with Department policies and procedures governing workplace conduct.

Shift Work:

Position is subject to shift work and incumbent must be willing to work beyond established core hours/days when necessary to accomplish program activities and requirements, including responding to emergency situations in a reasonable amount of time when they involve Cadet health, safety, or security.

Union Shop:

This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Telework Eligibility:

Due to the essential functions of this position requiring customer focused in-person contact with Cadets in residence as well as community stakeholders, this position is not eligible for telework.

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.

Driver's License:

Must possess a valid license to drive in the State of Washington.

Must meet requirements of the REAL ID Act to enter Washington State Military Department installation.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

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

1. A current application profile,

2. Responses to the supplemental questions,

3. 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: (253) 512-7389, 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 a current employee of the WA State Military Department?

• Yes
• No

02

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

• Yes
• No

03

Are you willing and able to work with teens that have exhibited all or most of the following behaviors: disruptive/defiant; attention seeking; anger/hostile; depressed/confrontational; combative; disrespectful (use of profanity, name calling, etc.)

• Yes
• No

04

Please read the physical abilities test handout which can be found at http://mil.wa.gov/uploads/pdf/youth-academy/cadre_physical_fitness_assesment-pre-employment.pdf. If selected, are you willing and able to take the physical abilities test when notified?

• Yes
• No

05

Why do you want to work for the WA Youth ChalleNGe Academy as a Cadre Team Leader?

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