Child and Youth Program Assistant

Commander, Navy Installations Command • Gulfport, MS

16h • Onsite

About The Position

Child and Youth Program Assistants work directly with children and youth to keep them engaged, cared for, and safe while participating in the Child and Youth Program (CYP). They support social skills, healthy choices, self-help and school readiness skills, and exploration of the environment. The position includes flexible continuous employment and may be filled at entry, intermediate, or target level, with duties and qualifications varying by level.

Assistants plan and carry out activities and events that address children’s and youths’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs. They help prepare and maintain activity areas, use developmentally appropriate guidance practices, supervise participants, communicate with parents and coworkers, observe and document development, and support program evaluation and compliance with applicable Department of Defense requirements. They are responsible for participant safety and accountability, including reporting suspected illness, abuse, or neglect as required.

Employment is contingent on required training, background checks, drug testing, a physical examination, and immunization requirements. Applicants must be at least 18 and reside within 50 miles of the selected hiring installation when applying. The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent; experience and additional training or credentials depend on the level. Flex employees may have access to specified recreation and exchange privileges, may be eligible for medical benefits after one year subject to hours worked, and may be considered for conversion to a full-time position with benefits after one year subject to hours, performance, and position availability. A daycare discount is also offered.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent; education documentation must be provided.
• 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 Child and Youth Programs.
• Must pass applicable background and records checks, including checks required for child care positions.
• Must undergo pre-employment and random drug testing and consent to testing; a positive result or failure to submit is grounds for removal or withdrawal of the tentative offer.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunizations.
• Must reside within 50 miles of the selected hiring installation at the time of application.
• Entry level: ability to promote effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers and work cooperatively as a team member.
• Intermediate level: entry-level abilities, knowledge of basic child and youth development principles, ability to apply developmentally appropriate practices, interpret a curriculum or activity plan, plan and organize, and work cooperatively with a team; 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, skill in applying child and youth development principles and services, fostering effective working relationships, and working as a team; verbal communication skills to provide basic program information and explain CYP processes and procedures; one year of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting; and completion of required DoD standardized training, a valid CDA or MSA credential, or a qualifying related two-year degree.
• Intermediate-level education: completion of Navy Entry Level training requirement, or an accepted Army, Air Force, or Marine equivalent.
• Target-level education: one of the following—completion of DoD standardized training courses; a valid Child Development Associate credential or Military School-Age credential; or a minimum two-year degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Youth Recreation, Physical Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Youth Development, or another field related to Pre-K or Primary Education.
• Must satisfactorily complete required child-care background checks, including fingerprint checks, Tier 1 with Child Care, State Criminal History Repository, and Installation Records Check components.
• A one-year probationary period may be required.
• Must participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience working with children and/or youth is preferred for entry-level applicants.

Responsibilities

• Develop schedules and activity plans, including reviewing and providing input on plans prepared by entry- and intermediate-level assistants.
• Ensure plans and activities reflect individual children’s and youths’ observed needs and any special instructions from parents.
• Implement activities and special events that meet participants’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs, including options for participants with special requirements.
• Care for children and youth with special needs as directed by a 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 and account for children’s and youths’ whereabouts and safety during activities, field trips, outings, and special events.
• Ensure participants depart with an authorized person in accordance with written parental instructions, as applicable.
• Observe participants for signs of illness, abuse, or neglect and report concerns as directed; fulfill mandatory reporting duties under local policy.
• Communicate professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel; provide parents daily verbal or written feedback and participate in conferences.
• Observe participants and document developmental progression or concerns, and use the information in planning.
• Participate in program evaluations using designated instruments, including rating scales, risk assessment tools when required, self-inspection materials, and accreditation tools.
• Assist in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation or an equivalent.
• Ensure compliance with laws, policies, and regulations applicable to DoD Child and Youth programs; notify the supervisor of health, fire, and safety concerns.
• Collect, maintain, and report program participation data.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Access to Morale, Welfare & Recreation programs, including golf courses, marinas, gyms and fitness centers, bowling centers, and restaurants.
• Discounted tickets and travel options and shopping privileges at the Navy Exchange.
• May be eligible for medical benefits after one year as a Flex employee, subject to averaging 30 hours per week.
• May be eligible for conversion to a full-time position with benefits after one year as a Flex employee, subject to averaging 35 hours per week, satisfactory performance, and position availability.
• Daycare discount.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED