Child and Youth Program Assistant

Commander, Navy Installations Command•Panama City, FL

About The Position

Child and Youth Program Assistants work directly with children and youth, keeping them actively engaged, well cared for, and safe while participating in the Child and Youth Program (CYP). They help participants develop social skills, make healthy choices, build self-help and school-readiness skills, and explore their environment. The role is described at entry, intermediate, and target levels, with duties spanning curriculum, activity environments, relationships, supervision, communication, assessment, compliance, and program administration. The assistant develops and implements schedules, activity plans, and events that address participants’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs, including individualized and special requirements. The role also involves preparing and maintaining activity spaces and supplies; fostering positive relationships; supervising children and youth during activities, outings, and departures; communicating with parents and coworkers; observing and documenting development; and helping ensure program compliance, certification, and accreditation. This is a regular full-time position. Applicants must be at least 18, provide proof of education, complete required training and certifications, and pass applicable background checks, a physical, and pre-employment and random drug testing. Applicants must reside within 50 miles of 32407 at the time of applying. Depending on the level, qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience, and specified training, credentials, or education.

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 Department of the Navy training within the specified timeframe 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 child-care background checks, fingerprint checks, a Tier 1 with Child Care check, a State Criminal History Repository check, and an Installation Records Check.
Must undergo a pre-employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunization against communicable diseases.
Must undergo pre-employment and random drug testing; a positive result or failure to submit for testing is grounds for removal. Marijuana use is illegal under federal law and a positive test can result in withdrawal of the tentative offer and a six-month period of ineligibility for DoD positions.
Must reside within 50 miles of 32407 at the time of applying.
Must provide a high school diploma, GED, or college transcript showing degree awarded/conferred; education must be documented as required at application.
Entry level: high school diploma or equivalent; ability to promote effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers and work cooperatively on a team.
Intermediate level: entry-level abilities plus knowledge of basic child and youth development principles; ability to implement developmentally appropriate practices, interpret a curriculum or activity plan, plan and organize, and work cooperatively; 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 skill implementing child and youth development principles and services, fostering effective relationships, working on a team, and communicating basic program information and CYP procedures; one year of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting.
Target-level applicants must also have completed DoD standardized training courses, hold a valid Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School-Age (MSA) credential, or have at least a two-year degree in a listed or related field such as Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Youth Recreation, Physical Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, or Youth Development.
A selectee 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.
Candidates must be committed to improving federal government efficiency, passionate about the ideals of the American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Develop schedules and activity plans, and review or provide input on plans developed by entry- and intermediate-level assistants as applicable.
Ensure program plans and activities incorporate 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 or 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 program activities; model developmentally appropriate practices and activity-area management.
Promote and model safety, fitness, health, and nutrition practices; help arrange or serve appropriate snacks or meals where applicable.
Prepare, arrange, and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials; set up displays and bulletin boards.
Inventory equipment and recommend replenishing 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 participants’ whereabouts and safety during activities, field trips, outings, and special events.
Ensure children and youth depart with authorized persons according to written parental instructions.
Observe participants for signs of illness, abuse, or neglect and report as directed; serve as a mandatory reporter in suspected child abuse or neglect cases as prescribed by local policy.
Communicate 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 the information in planning.
Participate in program evaluations 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; ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations; notify the supervisor of health, fire, and safety concerns.
Collect, maintain, and report program participation data; perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

13 days of annual leave per calendar year
13 days of sick leave per calendar year
11 paid holidays per year
Medical insurance, including vision, and dental insurance, with immediate enrollment and no waiting period
NAF Retirement Plan
401(k) Savings Investment Plan with employer match up to 3%
Basic life insurance, with optional life and spouse/dependent coverage
Medical savings account (FSA)
Long-term disability coverage
Access to Morale, Welfare & Recreation programs, including golf courses, marinas, gyms and fitness centers, bowling centers, restaurants, discounted tickets and travel options, and Navy Exchange shopping privileges
Discounted daycare