Youth and Adolescent Specialist

Job Summary :

The Youth and Adolescents Systems Specialist will support the AZ Health Zone SNAP-Ed program by leading the integration of trauma-informed approaches and community engagement into the school and youth serving focus area. This role will plan and implement youth and adolescent goals and objectives that advance policy, systems, and environmental change initiatives in collaboration with Arizona schools and youth partners and sites.

The Specialist will lead the development of implementation resources, guidance documents, and other materials in partnership with both local and statewide stakeholders, ensuring all resources are developed through a trauma-aware lens and reflect Arizona’s unique context.

Key responsibilities include writing and managing contracts related to youth and adolescent systems training and support, and working closely with contracted local implementing agencies to review and approve action plans and budgets. The Specialist will also provide technical assistance, conduct site visits across Arizona, deliver training, and facilitate and convene committees and workgroups to tailor program delivery to both rural and urban communities.

This position requires staying current on relevant school health and SNAP-Ed policies and regulations, interpreting their impact, and translating this knowledge into clear guidance and resources for program staff and partners.

The Youth and Adolescents Systems Specialist will also build capacity among stakeholders around wellness policy improvements, physical activity access, child nutrition programs, nutrition and food access such as Farm to School, the Smarter Lunchrooms Movement, and backpack programs. The specialist will also lead capacity building to engage youth in Youth Participatory Advisory Councils or Youth Advisory Councils. The role includes active engagement with state and local partners such as the Arizona Department of Education, the National and Arizona Farm to School Networks, and other statewide and national groups to share insights and promote best practices in youth and adolescent systems change.

This position is hybrid and works remotely but will also require attendance at in person meetings and professional development. Work is required to perform work at / attend meetings at alternate locations and / or travel when necessary.

This position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements).

This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (# days per week in the office / hoteling).

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Job Duties :

Responsible for the planning, development, and coordination / implementation of comprehensive policy, systems, and environmental change strategies with a trauma informed lens related to youth and adolescent systems goals and objectives.

Establishes and directs the AZ Health Zone youth and adolescent goals and objectives. Builds capacity through developing and administering trainings, workshops, committees, and conference sessions related to youth and adolescent engagement, and trauma informed approaches.

Manages contracts and action plans and leads 3-4 local agencies in Arizona by having consistent communication, building relationships, providing technical assistance, and thoroughly reviewing qualitative / quantitative reports.

Interprets rules and regulations, national and state policy. Updates state policies as needed. Provides technical assistance and leadership to Local Implementing Agencies, Local Education Agencies, community partners and stakeholders around school health.

Interprets data to inform decision making. Provides Local Implementing Agencies support and technical assistance to accurately report activities and expand / enhance their programming.

Serves on or leads state committees that impact school wellness program implementation and coordinates statewide projects that will impact policy and practice changes throughout the state.

Other duties as assigned as related to the position (typically 5% - 10%).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) :

Knowledge of :

• Evidence-based strategies and best practices for improving youth and adolescent systems in schools and other youth based programming.
• Trauma Informed Principles and Community Engagement Practices in regards to Youth and Adolescent Health.
• Broad knowledge of community programs supporting youth and adolescent health.
• Emerging trends in youth and adolescent health.
• Broad knowledge of importance of nutrition and physical activity in youth health and wellbeing.
• Curriculum and activities that support nutrition and movement to meet trauma informed and the Language of Health Style Guide.
• Program planning and management.
• Creating goals, SMAART objectives, and strategies to develop a population based state plan.
• Federal and state rules and regulations to ensure program compliance.
• Performance Management (PM), and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Lean methodologies.

Skill in :

Ability to :

Selective Preference(s) :

Bachelor's degree in public health, education or related field with 3 years of professional experience related to health programs to include program planning and management. Master's degree in a related field may substitute for 1 year of the professional experience.

Pre-Employment Requirements :

Driver's License. Employees who drive on state business require possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any driver training (See Arizona Administrative Code ).

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply :

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits :

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including :

Affordable medical and dental insurance plans

Paid vacation and sick time

Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster / adopted child (pilot program).

10 paid holidays per year

Wellness program and plans

Life insurance

Short / long-term disability insurance

Defined retirement plan

Award winning Infant at Work program

Credit union membership

Transit subsidy

ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work / life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program . For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our

Retirement :