Volunteer - Community Advisory Board

Community Advisory Committee Member - (At-Large – Volunteer)

Kitsap County Mental Health, Chemical Dependency & Therapeutic Courts Program

Are you passionate about strengthening mental health, substance use, and justice-related services in your community? Kitsap County is looking for an At-Large representative to join our Community Advisory Committee, a group of dedicated community members helping guide how local funding supports critical behavioral health services. This is your chance to bring your voice, perspective, and lived or professional experience to decisions that directly impact our community.

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 plays a vital role in:

• Reviewing funding proposals
• Recommending how Treatment Sales Tax funds are allocated
• Evaluating program outcomes and community impact
• Ensuring transparency and accountability in public investments

• Review and score funding applications for local programs
• Help recommend funding decisions to the Board of Commissioners
• Assess whether funded programs are meeting community needs
• Contribute to strategic planning and system improvement efforts
• Collaborate with fellow members to ensure fair, thoughtful decision-making

• Reside in one of the Kitsap County Commissioner Districts
• Bring lived experience, professional background, or strong community interest in:
• Mental health
• Substance use services
• Therapeutic courts or justice systems
• Represent the diverse voices and experiences of the community
• Are committed to ethical decision-making and collaboration

No prior board experience is required, just a willingness to engage, learn, and contribute.

• 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 (completed independently). Participate in two in-person evening Executive Sessions (4 hours each) to finalize funding recommendations
• 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.)

• Help decide how funding supports vital services in your community
• Influence system-level change in behavioral health and justice services
• Bring forward the voice of your district and community
• Work alongside a thoughtful, engaged group of community members

• Members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners
• Serve three-year terms (with potential for reappointment)
• Must be able to participate in meetings and complete independent review work
• Applicants must have access to internet/technology for virtual participation
• Conflict of interest guidelines apply during funding decisions

• 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

Hannah Shockley, Kitsap County Department of Human Services

Phone:  email: hshockle

Kitsap County Commissioner District Map: