WYCA Licensed Practical Nurse; LPN

Overview

We are seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to work as part of the Washington Youth Challenge Academy (WYCA). The role supports at‑risk youth in a 24/7 residential program, providing health care and wellness services across school, camp, and clinic settings.

• Assist the registered nurse with coordination of the WYCA Health Center programs and services for the 24/7 residential program, including health center operations, sick call, coordinating Cadet medical care, security, medication administration, overall wellness, and health & hygiene education.
• Act as a secondary resource for Cadet’s physical health and wellness management strategies.
• Provide one‑on‑one care to students aged 15‑19.
• Maintain medical records in accordance with federal, state, and WA Youth Challenge Academy requirements.
• Respond to emergency situations, providing assessment and appropriate care.
• Perform medication administration, documentation, and monitoring according to state law and agency policies.
• Educate Cadets on personal health, nutrition, injury prevention, and wellness.
• Collaborate with program staff to promote healthy behavior and adherence to health protocols.

• Valid Washington State license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). If a recent graduate awaiting licensing examination, must hold an issued temporary permit. Failure to obtain license results in termination.
• Associate’s Degree in Nursing.
• One year of experience serving as an LPN in a hospital, clinical, school, or health center setting. Experience with adolescent populations or school nursing is preferred.
• Knowledge of crisis interventions, psychiatric diagnosis, and treatment techniques.
• Knowledge of growth and development in adolescents.
• Compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, and state regulations for school health services.
• Strong communication, ethical conduct, and ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related field.
• Experience working with at‑risk or disengaged youth, families, or community agencies.
• Experience assessing emergency situations and health needs of at‑risk teenagers.

• Critical thinking, assessment, and clinical decision‑making skills.
• Ability to administer medication safely and accurately.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with diverse youth and staff.
• Ability to maintain accurate medical documentation and reports.
• Capacity to handle stressful situations and behavioral challenges.
• Understanding of automated medical systems and health technology tools.

• Physical demands: lift, bend, stoop, reach, and use of medical equipment.
• Work schedule:
  
  Thursday through Monday 1:00 pm‑9:00 pm;
  Tuesday & Wednesday off. Additional hours, including nights and weekends, may be required.
• 24/7 on‑site presence required; no telework eligibility.
• Background check with fingerprinting. Must pass ongoing checks.
• Drug and alcohol testing required.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license required.
• Uniform/identification requirements per program policy.

Wage/salary will depend on qualifications or rules of promotion. Salary shown does not include eligibility for on‑site 24/7 facility 5% premium pay or a shift differential for evening shift work.

The position includes a competitive benefits package including health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, vacation days, tuition discount, public service loan forgiveness, and more. For detailed information, visit the Public Employees Benefits Board website.

The Washington Military Department is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Persons with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruitment Section of State Human Resources at: patricia.acoba.gov, Call: , or 711.