Child and Youth Program Assistant

Commander, Navy Installations Command • Panama City, FL

1d

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 participants’ social development, healthy choices, self-help and school-readiness skills, and exploration of their surroundings. This is a multi-level, flexible position with entry, intermediate, and target levels.

The assistant develops or contributes to schedules and activity plans, adapts activities to participants’ observed needs, and leads planned and spontaneous activities that support physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. The role includes preparing and maintaining indoor and outdoor activity areas; building positive relationships; supervising children and youth during program activities and outings; communicating with parents and employees; observing and documenting development; and helping maintain compliance with applicable Department of Defense and program requirements.

This is a Flex Continuous position. Employees may become eligible for a flex position with medical benefits after one year, subject to an average of 30 hours per week, or for conversion to a full-time position with benefits after one year, subject to an average of 35 hours per week, satisfactory performance, and position availability. Applicants must reside within 50 miles of 32407 at the time of application. The role requires background checks, drug testing, a pre-employment physical, evidence of immunization, and completion of required training and credentials.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent; applicants must provide a copy of a high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts showing a degree awarded or conferred.
• Must communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing, follow verbal and written instructions, and complete required Department of the Navy training within the specified timeframe.
• Must be able to promote effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers and work cooperatively as a team member.
• Must complete required training certificates and maintain certifications or credentials required by federal, state, or national accreditation institutions used by DoD Child and Youth Programs.
• Must pass applicable records and background checks, including required child-care checks and fingerprint checks.
• Must undergo pre-employment and random drug testing and consent to testing; a positive result or failure to submit is grounds for removal. Marijuana use is illegal under federal law, and a positive test may result in withdrawal of a tentative offer and six-month ineligibility to apply for a DoD 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 32407 at the time of applying.
• Intermediate level: 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), and knowledge of basic child and youth development principles and ability to implement developmentally appropriate care and education practices and interpret activity plans.
• Target level: One year of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting, and completion of DoD standardized training courses, a valid CDA or MSA credential, or at least a two-year degree in a listed or related education or child/youth field.
• Employment is contingent on proof of education if it was not supplied with the application.
• Must complete background checks for child-care positions, including Tier 1 with Child Care, State Criminal History Repository, and Installation Records Check screening.
• Some positions may require a one-year probationary period.
• Must participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment.
• The employer uses E-Verify to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience working with children and/or youth is preferred for the entry level.
• 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 may qualify for the target level.
• A valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Military School-Age (MSA) credential may qualify for the target level.
• Completion of DoD standardized training courses may qualify for the target level.

Responsibilities

• Develop schedules and activity plans, and review or provide input on plans developed by entry- and intermediate-level assistants.
• Ensure program plans and activities address the observed needs of individual children and youth.
• Implement activities and special events that meet participants’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs.
• Incorporate parent-provided instructions, including dietary and physical needs, into participants’ program experiences.
• Prepare and implement program options for children and youth with special requirements, and provide care for those with special needs as directed by a supervisor.
• Demonstrate, instruct, lead, and facilitate planned and spontaneous program activities.
• Model developmentally appropriate practices and classroom or activity-area management techniques.
• Promote and model safety, fitness, health, and nutrition practices; help arrange and serve 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 replenishment of damaged, missing, or depleted supplies; secure supplies, equipment, and facilities.
• Create an environment that sustains participant interest and promotes positive interactions with children, youth, and adults.
• Interact with children and youth using 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 indoor and outdoor 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, report concerns as directed, and fulfill mandatory-reporting responsibilities for suspected child abuse or neglect.
• 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 that information in planning.
• Participate in program evaluations using designated rating scales, risk-assessment tools, self-inspection materials, and national accreditation tools.
• Help achieve and maintain DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
• Notify a supervisor of health, fire, and safety compliance 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, travel options, and Navy Exchange shopping privileges.
• May be eligible for medical benefits after one year as a Flex employee, subject to an average of 30 hours worked per week.
• May be eligible for conversion to a full-time position with benefits after one year as a Flex employee, subject to an average of 35 hours worked per week, satisfactory performance, and position availability.
• CYP employee discount: 100% discount for the first enrolled child and 25% for each additional enrolled child, subject to the stated eligibility conditions.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED