Child and Youth Program Assistant

Commander, Navy Installations Command•Corpus Christi, TX

About The Position

Child and Youth Program Assistants work directly with children and youth to keep them actively engaged, well cared for, and safe while participating in the Child and Youth Program (CYP). They support children’s social skills, healthy choices, self-help and school-readiness skills, and exploration of their environment. The role includes planning and facilitating activities, maintaining safe indoor and outdoor activity areas, supervising participants, communicating with parents and coworkers, documenting development, and supporting program evaluation and compliance. The posting covers entry, intermediate, and target levels, with duties and qualifications varying by level.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing, and follow verbal and written instructions.
Must complete required training within specified timeframes and maintain certifications or credentials required by federal, state, or national accreditation institutions used by DoD CYP.
Must pass applicable records and background checks, including required child-care background checks and fingerprint checks.
Must undergo and consent to pre-employment and random drug testing; a positive test or failure to submit for testing is grounds for removal from the position.
Must pass a pre-employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunizations against communicable diseases.
Must reside within 50 miles of ZIP code 78419 at the time of applying.
Must provide proof of education if it was not included with the application; required documentation includes a high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts showing a degree awarded.
Entry level: High school diploma or equivalent; ability to foster effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers and work cooperatively as a team member.
Intermediate level: Entry-level abilities plus knowledge of basic child and youth development principles; ability to implement developmentally appropriate practices, interpret curriculum or activity plans, follow written instructions, and plan and organize; six months of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting; completion of Navy entry-level training or an accepted Army, Air Force, or Marine equivalent.
Target level: Entry- and intermediate-level knowledge and abilities plus child and youth development knowledge; skill in implementing developmentally appropriate services, fostering working relationships, working as a team member, and explaining basic program information and procedures; one year of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting.
Target level education/training: High school diploma or equivalent and one of the following: completion of DoD standardized training courses; a valid Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School-Age (MSA) credential; or at least a two-year degree in a listed or related education field.
Incumbents must complete child-care suitability checks, including a Tier 1 with Child Care check, a State Criminal History Repository check, and an Installation Records Check.
Individuals subject to automatic disqualification criteria under DoDI 1402.05 are not eligible, including those with specified sexual-offense, child-victim criminal-offense, or felony drug-offense convictions, or a qualifying finding of negligence concerning a child’s or dependent person’s death or serious injury.
Selectees may be required to complete a one-year probationary period and must participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment.
Must be eligible to work in the United States; the employer uses E-Verify.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with children and/or youth is preferred for entry-level applicants.
Intermediate and target levels require relevant child- or youth-setting experience and the specified level-specific training, credential, or education.

Responsibilities

Develop schedules and activity plans, incorporating the observed needs of individual children and youth.
Implement activities and special events that meet participants’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs.
Incorporate parents’ special instructions, including dietary and physical needs, and prepare program options for children and youth with special requirements.
Care for children and youth with special needs as directed by the supervisor.
Demonstrate, instruct, lead, and facilitate planned and spontaneous activities; model developmentally appropriate practices and activity-area management.
Promote and model safety, fitness, health, and nutrition practices; help arrange or serve appropriate snacks and meals where applicable.
Prepare, arrange, and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials; set up displays and bulletin boards.
Inventory equipment and recommend replenishment of damaged, missing, or depleted supplies; secure supplies, equipment, and facilities.
Establish an environment that sustains participant interest and promotes positive interactions; use approved child-guidance and youth-development techniques.
Provide care, supervision, oversight, and accountability in accordance with applicable DoD, NAF Component, and local installation policies and standards.
Maintain control of participants and account for their whereabouts and safety during daily activities, field trips, outings, and special events.
Ensure children and youth depart with an authorized person in accordance with written parental instructions.
Observe participants for signs of illness, abuse, or neglect and report as directed; serve as a mandatory reporter of suspected child abuse or neglect under local policy.
Interact professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel; provide parents daily verbal or written feedback and participate in conferences.
Observe children and youth, document developmental progress or concerns, and use this information in planning.
Participate in program evaluation using designated rating scales, risk-assessment tools, self-inspection materials, and accreditation tools.
Assist in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent; comply with applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
Notify the supervisor of health, fire, and safety compliance concerns.
Collect, maintain, and report program participation data; perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Annual leave: 13 days per calendar year, earned each pay period; usage is allowed beginning the first pay period after 90 days onboard.
Sick leave: 13 days per calendar year, earned each pay period.
11 paid holidays per year.
Medical insurance, including vision, and dental insurance.
NAF Retirement Plan.
401K Savings Investment Plan with employer match up to 3%.
Long-term disability plan.
Basic life insurance, with optional life and spouse/dependent coverage.
Medical savings account (FSA).
Access to Morale, Welfare & Recreation programs and facilities, discounted tickets and travel options, and Navy Exchange shopping privileges.
Daycare discount.