CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT (Multilevel) - LAKEHURST

Air Mobility Command • Lakehurst, NJ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) position is located at the Child Development Center in Lakehurst, New Jersey. The Child and Youth Program Assistant works in one or more child and youth programs and is accountable for participants’ whereabouts and safety. The role provides care, supervision, oversight, and accountability; helps prepare age-appropriate activities; supervises participants indoors and outdoors, on field trips, outings, and at special events; and arranges and serves snacks and meals. Work is performed in accordance with applicable policies and regulations. The incumbent may be required to transport children in government vehicles.

Responsibilities vary by level. At the Target level, the assistant coordinates and conducts activities for children and youth from 6 weeks to 18 years, supports positive interactions and inclusive programming for participants with special requirements, leads planned and spontaneous activities, briefs staff, management, and parents, and inventories supplies and equipment. At the Intermediate level, the assistant helps plan and conduct activities, implements daily schedules and age-appropriate plans, briefs staff, management, and parents, and inventories supplies and equipment. At the Entry level, the assistant performs routine tasks with step-by-step instructions, helps deliver prepared activities, creates a welcoming environment, identifies needed supplies and equipment, and attends to children’s physical needs as applicable.

The position requires applicants to be at least 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, communicate effectively in English, and meet the applicable experience, training, credential, or education requirements for the level. It also requires satisfactory pre-employment checks and a Child Care Tier 1 background investigation, a favorable pre-employment physical, current immunizations including annual influenza vaccination, freedom from communicable diseases, and completion of assigned training, including Food Handlers certification, within the specified time. The position offers a child-care fee discount for eligible direct-care staff.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
• All levels: Must meet applicable experience requirements; no previous experience is required for the Entry level.
• Target level: Twelve months of experience working in a childcare or youth program and demonstrated knowledge of child/youth development theories and principles.
• Target level: Must have completed DoW-approved competency-based training, hold an appropriate Child Development Associate (CDA), Military School-Age, or other nationally recognized credential, or have at least 12 semester hours of coursework directly related to the age group served.
• Intermediate level: Six months of experience equivalent to the CY-01 Entry level working in a group program for children or youth.
• Intermediate level: Must have completed Entry Level DoW standardized training, equivalent industry training, or at least six semester hours of relevant college credit in early childhood, elementary or secondary education, child and youth development, or special education.
• Intermediate- and Target-level applicants must provide supporting documentation.
• Must satisfactorily complete pre-employment checks in accordance with Air Force and DoD policy, including a Child Care Tier 1 background investigation.
• Must complete a favorable pre-employment physical due to the position’s physical lifting requirement.
• Must obtain, maintain, and provide evidence of current immunizations, including annual influenza vaccinations, and be free of communicable diseases.
• Must complete assigned training, including Food Handlers certification, within the specified time after hire or assignment.
• Foreign education must be documented as equivalent to a conventional U.S. education program.
• Applicants must provide documents needed to verify eligibility and qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Provide care, supervision, oversight, and accountability for children and youth, ensuring their safety and whereabouts.
• Help prepare age-appropriate activities and supervise children and youth during indoor and outdoor activities, field trips, outings, and special events.
• Arrange and serve snacks and meals.
• Perform work in accordance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Transport children in government vehicles when required.
• At the Target level, coordinate and conduct activities for children and youth ages 6 weeks to 18 years.
• Create an environment that welcomes participant interest and promotes positive interactions.
• Implement program options for children and youth with special requirements.
• Demonstrate, instruct, lead, and facilitate planned and spontaneous program activities.
• Brief staff, management, and parents on activities.
• Conduct inventories of equipment and supplies.
• At the Intermediate level, assist in planning, coordinating, and conducting participant activities and implement daily schedules and age- and stage-appropriate activity plans.
• At the Entry level, assist with planned activities using prepared curriculum and materials, generate lists of needed supplies and equipment, and attend to children’s physical needs as applicable.

Benefits

• 100% child-care fee discount for the first child enrolled in a full-time or regular part-time DAF Child Development Program for eligible direct-care staff.
• 25% child-care fee discount for additional children of direct-care staff.

What This Job Offers

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