DCYF is a cabinet-level agency focused on the well-being of children. 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."

DCYF is the lead agency for state-funded services that support children and families to build resilience and health, and to improve educational outcomes. We accomplish this by partnering with state and local agencies, tribes and other organizations in communities across the state of Washington. Our focus is to support children and families at their most vulnerable points, giving them the tools they need to succeed.

Brain science tells us that laying a strong foundation, early in life, critically impacts healthy development. The science also tells us that addressing trauma, especially at critical transition points in the lives of youth, helps ensure successful transition into adulthood. To truly give all children the great start in school and life they deserve, DCYF was created to be a comprehensive agency exclusively dedicated to the social, emotional and physical well-being of children, youth and families — an agency that prioritizes early learning, prevention and early intervention at critical points along the age continuum from birth through adolescence.

The YYAHRT Program Specialist will participate in and complete the following tasks with training, support and supervision of the Youth and Young Adult Housing Response Team Manager:

- Review YYAHRT Referrals and assess for program eligibility
- Engage referrer, youth/young adult and (if applicable) their parents/Guardians and other relevant supports
- Complete YYAHRT Intake interview to begin establishing rapport, gain information about the young person's situation including goals, strengths and barriers
- Participate in youth-centered multi-disciplinary team meetings with youth and young adults, their formal and natural supports and YYAHRT members including representatives from DCYF, OHY, DSHS-DDA and the Healthcare Authority.
- Collaborate with those already working to support youth and young adults referred to the YYAHRT.
- Complete tasks assigned in youth-centered meetings and by YYAHRT Manager including, but not limited to making referrals to:
--Behavioral health services
--Civil legal aid
--Peer support
--Family reconciliation or engagement services
--Employment support
--Education support
--Case management
--Housing and financial support
--Other navigation support to secure safe and stable housing
- Attend pertinent trainings and conferences as available

The YYAHRT Program Specialist will participate and complete the following tasks with training, support and supervision of the Youth and Young Adult Housing Response Team Manager:

- Assist with the updating and maintenance of the YYAHRT's Standard Operating Procedures.
- Assist with identifying and compiling a list of service gaps between publicly funded systems of care
- Participate in the formulation of recommendations to be presented to DCYF leadership and the Washington State Legislature to create systems and programs to fill system gaps and meet the needs of Youth and Young Adults in Washington State.
- Attend/observe meetings to improve DCYF processes when possible; topics may include establishing MOUs with partner organizations, establishing contracts with community-based providers, creating Family Practice Profiles, etc.
- Attend pertinent trainings and conferences as available

In 2018, the Washington State Legislature passed SB 6560, resolving that no young person exiting a system of care would be released into homelessness. As a continuation of that work, HB 1905 was passed in 2022, requiring state agencies to work together as part of the Youth and Young Adult Housing Response Team (YYAHRT) to coordinate resources to youth and young adults in an effort to secure appropriate housing and other supports as they exit a publicly funded system of care.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), in equal partnership with the Office of Homeless Youth (OHY), Health Care Authority of Washington State (HCA), and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) of The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), is tasked with operating a cross-agency group who collects, tracks, and reports data related to gaps and barriers to stable housing for young people exiting publicly funded systems of care which include the behavioral health, juvenile justice, office of homeless youth programs, and child welfare systems.

Services and supports must incorporate youth or young adult voice and choice and be responsive to the individual needs of each young person.

The YYAHRT Program Specialist will work as an integral part of the Youth and Young Adult Housing Response Team in its work towards Washington State's goal of no young person exiting a publicly funded system of care into homelessness.

The YYAHRT Program Specialist will participate and complete the following tasks with training, support and supervision of the Youth and Young Adult Housing Response Team Manager:
- Observe bill analysis during legislative sessions
- Participate in the formulation of recommendations to be presented to DCYF leadership and the Washington State Legislature to create systems and programs to fill system gaps and meet the needs of Youth and Young Adults in Washington State.
- Contribute to the writing of the YYAHRT's annual report to the legislature (DUE NOVEMBER 1ST ANNUALLY).
- Attend pertinent trainings and conferences as available

Most trainings made available to DCYF employees will also be available to a student in this role.

- One year of professional, educational or lived experience in the homeless response system
OR
- One year of professional, educational or lived experience in the child welfare system
OR
- One year of professional, educational or lived experience in the juvenile justice system
OR
- One year of professional, educational or lived experience in the behavioral health system 

- Applicants who are current DCYF employees are encouraged to apply.
- Applications from people of all races, religions, national origins, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and ages, as well as veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged.

Multi-lingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Submit your interest to the Youth and Young Adult Housing Response Team Manager at Shannon.Quinn@dcyf.wa.gov
Include:

- Resume
- Cover letter outlining your interest in the position