"the job is going to a new employee at the nonprofit who previously held a similar position in the state of Washington."

So there are no 'trained' social workers who are currently residents of this State?  It is always just amazing how 'new' government programs always entail the hiring of someone from out of State!  Consulting lawyers, negotiators, Superintendents, Principals, architects, contractors etc.  The list goes on.  Certainly there are speciality fields which have never been seen in Alaska which require this outreach but when there is already a program, with trained personnel, who currently are doing the job?   Am I the only one who sees a problem here?

Yes this person is a 'new' employee, which means they are already here.  Did they move here because of a promise of this job or is there a family relationship?  

Remember, part of that Federal grant money comes out of your taxes.  Matching grants usually do too.