Washington State ESD
Youth and Young Adult Transition Liaison | Program Specialist 3 (PS3) - Olympia
Washington State ESD, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Overview
Our vision is to ensure that Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally and academically, nurtured by family and community. Job Title:
Youth and Young Adult Transition Liaison | Program Specialist 3 (PS3) Location:
Olympia, WA — Full-Time/Permanent/Flexible/Hybrid. This position is primarily remote with occasional in-person meetings and trainings, depending on service area needs. Closes:
Thursday, October 2, 2025 Salary:
$4,882 - $6,576 Monthly Are you interested in helping to improve the experience young people have exiting state funded systems of care, reducing youth homelessness, and building bridges across agencies and services? We are looking for three individuals to join our team who are passionate about improving systems so young people can transition from foster care and juvenile rehabilitation with the confidence they need to be successful. To accomplish this goal, relationship building and networking skills are a must. If you think you are a great fit for this position but are concerned you may not qualify, we encourage you to apply anyway. Note:
Learn more about DCYF. The Opportunity
The Youth and Young Adult Transition Liaison is responsible for developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with DCYF-involved youth (providing direct service), community service providers, DCYF field operations, Juvenile Rehabilitation, and other government agencies to promote opportunities for youth to have a developmentally appropriate pathway to access supports and services needed to thrive as they transition out of state funded systems of care. This position provides direct service to young people while also providing technical support to DCYF staff and acts as a subject matter expert in their service areas and across the state. The ideal candidate is an expert in adolescent development, positive youth development and human-centered engagement. Responsibilities Partner with youth and young adults to navigate, engage and connect with state systems of care. Provide direct services to system-involved, transition-aged youth and young adults. Serve as the subject matter expert for transition-aged youth support services and resources in identified service areas. Develop positive relationships with young adults and connect them to the resources and services necessary to support their growth and success. Partner with youth and young adults in the foster care and Juvenile Rehabilitation systems to understand the roles professionals play in their lives. Advocate for youth and act as a liaison between youth, DCYF workers, and community service providers to raise awareness of service needs. Provide consultation and education to DCYF workers to improve outcomes with a focus on resilience. Support and train field operations around coordinating, tracking, and facilitating transition meetings to meet geographic needs. Collaborate with caseworkers, supervisors, and program staff to troubleshoot cases, analyze process effectiveness, and recommend solutions. Identify and participate in coalitions and workgroups addressing youth homelessness exiting state funded systems. Collaborate with the Adolescent Transition Program Manager to develop and sustain a statewide system of tracking transition programs, services and outcomes. Coordinate with DCYF staff, other state agencies and community organizations to develop service arrays for youth transitioning out of state systems. Participate in public speaking engagements, work groups, panels, and training as directed by the Adolescent Transition Program Manager. Qualifications
Required Equivalent education and experience totaling six (6) years in providing direct service to youth and young adults in social service settings, including case management, youth empowerment, youth advocacy, planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with public/private agencies and/or government levels. OR Associate degree with four (4) years of relevant experience. OR Bachelor’s degree with two (2) years of relevant experience. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace principles. Note:
Degree must be from an accredited institution. Knowledge and experience in: Child welfare, juvenile justice, and the disproportionate impact on BIPOC, LGBTQ+ youth and youth with disabilities. Adolescent development and supports needed for successful transition to adulthood. Experience working with diverse and historically underserved communities. Experience representing programs that support equity, diversity and inclusion across education, employment, health, or behavioral health services. Preferred Strength-based, solution-focused services for youth. Ability to work cooperatively in high-stress environments; innovative, persistent; client-centered advocacy. Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and multi-source information integration skills. Effective written and oral communication; ability to build constructive relationships. Ability to manage competing priorities; bilingual abilities; lived experience with system involvement in Child Welfare or Juvenile Rehabilitation. How to Apply
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following documents: Cover Letter Resume (updated/current) Supplemental Information
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington’s children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to reflect a diverse and equitable workplace. If you are excited about this role but your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification, please apply anyway. DCYF is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, veteran or military status, or disability or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability. This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history will be conducted. Information from the background check will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran’s Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214 or NGB Form 22, or other verification of military service. For more information about Veteran’s Preference or to determine eligibility, please review guidance on the official site. For questions or accommodations during the application process, contact Veronica Jones (Talent Acquisition Specialist) at veronica.jones@dcyf.wa.gov. If you experience technical difficulties with the application, contact NEOGOV support at 855-524-5627 or support@neogov.com. People needing accommodation may also contact TDD at (360) 664-1960.
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Our vision is to ensure that Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally and academically, nurtured by family and community. Job Title:
Youth and Young Adult Transition Liaison | Program Specialist 3 (PS3) Location:
Olympia, WA — Full-Time/Permanent/Flexible/Hybrid. This position is primarily remote with occasional in-person meetings and trainings, depending on service area needs. Closes:
Thursday, October 2, 2025 Salary:
$4,882 - $6,576 Monthly Are you interested in helping to improve the experience young people have exiting state funded systems of care, reducing youth homelessness, and building bridges across agencies and services? We are looking for three individuals to join our team who are passionate about improving systems so young people can transition from foster care and juvenile rehabilitation with the confidence they need to be successful. To accomplish this goal, relationship building and networking skills are a must. If you think you are a great fit for this position but are concerned you may not qualify, we encourage you to apply anyway. Note:
Learn more about DCYF. The Opportunity
The Youth and Young Adult Transition Liaison is responsible for developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with DCYF-involved youth (providing direct service), community service providers, DCYF field operations, Juvenile Rehabilitation, and other government agencies to promote opportunities for youth to have a developmentally appropriate pathway to access supports and services needed to thrive as they transition out of state funded systems of care. This position provides direct service to young people while also providing technical support to DCYF staff and acts as a subject matter expert in their service areas and across the state. The ideal candidate is an expert in adolescent development, positive youth development and human-centered engagement. Responsibilities Partner with youth and young adults to navigate, engage and connect with state systems of care. Provide direct services to system-involved, transition-aged youth and young adults. Serve as the subject matter expert for transition-aged youth support services and resources in identified service areas. Develop positive relationships with young adults and connect them to the resources and services necessary to support their growth and success. Partner with youth and young adults in the foster care and Juvenile Rehabilitation systems to understand the roles professionals play in their lives. Advocate for youth and act as a liaison between youth, DCYF workers, and community service providers to raise awareness of service needs. Provide consultation and education to DCYF workers to improve outcomes with a focus on resilience. Support and train field operations around coordinating, tracking, and facilitating transition meetings to meet geographic needs. Collaborate with caseworkers, supervisors, and program staff to troubleshoot cases, analyze process effectiveness, and recommend solutions. Identify and participate in coalitions and workgroups addressing youth homelessness exiting state funded systems. Collaborate with the Adolescent Transition Program Manager to develop and sustain a statewide system of tracking transition programs, services and outcomes. Coordinate with DCYF staff, other state agencies and community organizations to develop service arrays for youth transitioning out of state systems. Participate in public speaking engagements, work groups, panels, and training as directed by the Adolescent Transition Program Manager. Qualifications
Required Equivalent education and experience totaling six (6) years in providing direct service to youth and young adults in social service settings, including case management, youth empowerment, youth advocacy, planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with public/private agencies and/or government levels. OR Associate degree with four (4) years of relevant experience. OR Bachelor’s degree with two (2) years of relevant experience. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace principles. Note:
Degree must be from an accredited institution. Knowledge and experience in: Child welfare, juvenile justice, and the disproportionate impact on BIPOC, LGBTQ+ youth and youth with disabilities. Adolescent development and supports needed for successful transition to adulthood. Experience working with diverse and historically underserved communities. Experience representing programs that support equity, diversity and inclusion across education, employment, health, or behavioral health services. Preferred Strength-based, solution-focused services for youth. Ability to work cooperatively in high-stress environments; innovative, persistent; client-centered advocacy. Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and multi-source information integration skills. Effective written and oral communication; ability to build constructive relationships. Ability to manage competing priorities; bilingual abilities; lived experience with system involvement in Child Welfare or Juvenile Rehabilitation. How to Apply
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following documents: Cover Letter Resume (updated/current) Supplemental Information
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington’s children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to reflect a diverse and equitable workplace. If you are excited about this role but your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification, please apply anyway. DCYF is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, veteran or military status, or disability or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability. This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history will be conducted. Information from the background check will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran’s Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214 or NGB Form 22, or other verification of military service. For more information about Veteran’s Preference or to determine eligibility, please review guidance on the official site. For questions or accommodations during the application process, contact Veronica Jones (Talent Acquisition Specialist) at veronica.jones@dcyf.wa.gov. If you experience technical difficulties with the application, contact NEOGOV support at 855-524-5627 or support@neogov.com. People needing accommodation may also contact TDD at (360) 664-1960.
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