What are the responsibilities and job description for the VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - CHILDREN & YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE position at Kitsap County?
Community Advisory Committee Member - Children & Youth Representative – Volunteer
Kitsap County Mental Health, Chemical Dependency & Therapeutic Courts Program
Are 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 Committee
The 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