OVERVIEWCommunity Advisory Committee Member - Children & Youth Representative - VolunteerKitsap County Mental Health, Chemical Dependency & Therapeutic Courts ProgramAre you passionate about improving outcomes for children, youth, and families in our community?Kitsap County is seeking a Children & Youth representative to join our Community Advisory Committee, helping guide how funding supports critical behavioral health services for young people and families.
This is a meaningful opportunity to ensure youth voices and needs are reflected in local funding decisions.
About the CommitteeThe Mental Health, Chemical Dependency, and Therapeutic Court Community Advisory Committee is an 11-member group that advises the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners on behavioral health needs and funding priorities. The Committee helps guide investments in services related to:
- Mental health
- Substance use treatment
- Therapeutic courts
- With a strong focus on improving outcomes across the lifespan, including children and youth.
As a committee member, you will:- Review and score funding applications for community programs
- Help recommend funding decisions to the Board of Commissioners
- Advocate for the needs of children, youth, and families
- Evaluate program effectiveness and outcomes
- Contribute to system-level planning and improvement efforts
Who Can Apply? We are seeking individuals who:- Have experience, expertise, or strong involvement in children and youth services, such as:
- Youth development
- Behavioral health
- Family support services
- Understand the needs of children, youth, and families in Kitsap County
- Are committed to representing youth perspectives in funding and policy discussions
- Can collaborate effectively and engage in thoughtful decision-making
- This position is typically filled by someone connected to or knowledgeable about the children and youth service system.
Time Commitment - This is a volunteer role with a meaningful but manageable time commitment:- Monthly Meetings (Required): 1 meeting per month (2 hours). Typically held the third Thursday from 5:00-7:00 PM (virtual or hybrid)
- Annual Funding Review Process (Required - July & August):7-10 hours per week during this period. Review and score approximately 30-40 proposals. Participate in two in-person evening Executive Sessions (4 hours each)
- Optional Subcommittees: Up to 10-12 additional hours per year
- Estimated Total Commitment: ~60-65 hours annually
(Most of the workload is concentrated in July and August.)
Why Join?- Help shape services that directly impact children and families
- Ensure youth voices are represented in funding decisions
- Influence long-term community outcomes
- Collaborate with a dedicated group of community leaders
Additional Information- Members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners
- Serve three-year terms (with potential for reappointment)
- Must have access to technology/internet for participation
- Conflict of interest guidelines apply during funding decisions
Selected applicants will:- Attend a Committee meeting
- Meet with staff to review expectations
- Participate in an interview process
- Be considered for appointment by the Board of County Commissioners
For more information or to apply, please contact:Hannah Shockley, Kitsap County Department of Human Services
Phone: (360) 337-4827 email: hshockle@Kitsap.gov
Kitsap County Commissioner District Map: Kitsap_County_Commissioners_Full.pdf
No benefits are offered with this position exceptthose required by the state or federal law.