Best Starts for Kids (BSK) is King County's initiative to improve the health and well-being of residents by investing in prevention and early intervention for children, youth, families, and communities (www.kingcounty.gov/beststarts). One of BSK's investment areas addresses stopping the school to prison pipeline. The proposed strategies for this investment area, as outlined in the BSK Implementation Plan approved by the King County Council in September 2016, include: prevention, intervention, reentry; youth and young adult employment; mentoring; Theft 3 and Mall Safety Pilot Project; and Project SCOPE.
Too many of our young people have missed out on childhoods where protective factors were prevalent and the potential for lives of health and wellbeing were assured. Many low-income youth who are involved, or at high risk of involvement, with the criminal justice system, gangs, homelessness, substance abuse and other dangers have routinely been exposed to multiple risk factors and very few of the protective factors that other youth experience. These include caring supportive adults, safe neighborhoods, strong sense of self and culture, and living situations free of violence, illness and abuse. This position requires a strong leader with the proven ability to bring partners together to improve the outcomes for youth/young adults ages 12-24 years involved in the juvenile justice system and/or at-risk of involvement in the juvenile justice system with an equity and social justice lens. This position will work closely with key community stakeholders, the Pipeline Consultant, King County Employment and Education Resources staff and the Best Starts for Kids implementation team led by the King County Strategic Advisor for Children and Youth.
Who May Apply: This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The Department of Community and Human Services values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with lived experiences.
Work Schedule This position is exempt and not eligible for overtime. Typical hours are Monday - Friday 8am-5pm.
Recruiter: Susan.Churchill@kingcounty.gov