Vashon Youth and Family Services (VYFS) recently announced that it has hired Heather Youngs to be its new director of clinical operations.
The decision was made after a lengthy search was conducted for a candidate to fill the position left vacant by Jeffery Zheutlin after his resignation last fall.
“We advertised widely,” VYFS executive director Kathleen Johnson said. “But we kept coming back to Heather as the best candidate.”
Because Youngs had served as the agency’s manager of outpatient addiction and recovery services as well as the quality management officer for its behavioral health program, Johnson said those involved felt Youngs was uniquely qualified in understanding the organization’s strengths.
Youngs was reluctant to accept the position at first, primarily for personal reasons, as her wife was about to give birth to the couple’s third child, and she wasn’t sure if it was the right time.
“I knew it would mean some changes at home,” she said. “But ultimately decided we could make it work.”
Johnson noted that the title of the position has also been changed, from clinical director to director of clinical operations.
“There is a significant administrative burden in the clinical leadership role,” she said. “We wanted to make a statement about how important that piece is, and that Heather has the ability to manage both aspects.”
Youngs had previously worked as a clinical supervisor for APS Healthcare and Helping Hands Hawaii and for the Community Psychiatric Clinic in Seattle before joining VYFS. She holds degrees in behavioral science and counseling and is a licensed mental health counselor and chemical dependency professional, as well as an authorized clinical supervisor. Her new appointment was effective July 8.
The agency has also retained the services of clinical psychologist Valerie Harrington as a consultant to review its child and family programs.
Harrington will be tasked with providing some clinical supervision in the mental health department, as well as lead program development and planning activities for the Family Education and Support Services (FESS) division of VYFS.
“Valerie is wonderful,” Youngs said. “She is working with our child and family team to provide additional training opportunities for clinicians, as well as consulting on our family education and support services for the PlaySpace.”
Of the changes, Johnson described the agency’s strong focus on island needs.
“As the state code for licensed agencies is changing, we need to start integrating mental and behavioral health with physical health and dependency issues,” she explained. “We have the right people to move forward, and we’re fortunate to have them on board.”
After a month in her new role, Youngs’ outlook is positive.
“There is a lot of momentum, and people are excited to get additional support and training in the areas that interest them,” she said. “We are really committed to making VYFS the best possible resource that could compare to anything available anywhere else.”
