Child and Youth Program Assistant - Full Time

Commander, Navy Installations Command•Kings Bay, GA

11d

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 children’s social development, healthy choices, self-help and school-readiness skills, and exploration of their environment. The position includes planning and implementing activities, maintaining activity spaces, supervising participants, communicating with parents and employees, observing and documenting development, and supporting program compliance and accreditation. The posting describes entry, intermediate, and target levels, with qualifications that vary by level. The role requires meeting child-care background and suitability checks, completing required training and credentials, and complying with drug-testing, physical, immunization, and employment-verification requirements. This is a regular full-time position.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
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 pass applicable records and background checks, including fingerprint checks, a Tier 1 with Child Care check, a State Criminal History Repository check, and the Installation Records Check.
Must undergo pre-employment and random drug testing and consent to testing; a positive test or failure to submit is grounds for removal from consideration or the position.
Must pass a pre-employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunizations.
Must successfully pass E-Verify; discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.
Must provide required proof of education, including a high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts showing a degree awarded.
Must be able to sustain considerable walking, standing, bending, and stooping, and lift up to 40 pounds.
Males must be registered with or exempt from Selective Service.
Must participate in direct deposit; a Social Security card is required.
Entry level: High school diploma or equivalent; ability to follow instructions, complete required training, and work effectively with children, youth, and coworkers.
Intermediate level: Entry-level qualifications plus knowledge of basic child and youth development, ability to implement developmentally appropriate practices and interpret activity plans, and six months of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting. Must complete Navy Entry Level training or an accepted Army, Air Force, or Marine equivalent.
Target level: Entry- and intermediate-level knowledge and abilities, plus one year of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting 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, development, recreation, or physical education field.
Some selectees may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with children and/or youth is preferred at the entry level.
For the target level, a valid CDA or MSA credential, completion of DoD standardized training courses, or a qualifying two-year degree may meet the listed education/training option.

Responsibilities

Develop schedules and activity plans, taking into account the observed needs of individual children and youth.
Implement activities, special events, and program options that address participants’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs, including those with special requirements.
Incorporate parents’ instructions, including information about dietary or physical needs, and 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, and 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 replacement supplies; secure supplies, equipment, and facilities.
Establish an environment that sustains participant interest and promotes positive interactions, using approved child-guidance and youth-development techniques.
Provide care, supervision, oversight, and accountability in accordance with applicable Department of Defense, NAF, and installation policies and standards.
Maintain control of and account for participants’ whereabouts and safety during activities, field trips, outings, and special events; release children only to authorized persons 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 and neglect under local policy.
Communicate professionally with employees, parents, and 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 observations in planning.
Participate in program evaluation using designated rating scales, risk-assessment tools, self-inspection materials, and accreditation tools.
Assist with achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent; ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations; notify a supervisor of health, fire, or safety concerns.
Collect, maintain, and report program participation data.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Annual leave: 13 days per calendar year, accrued each pay period; must be employed for 90 days before using annual leave.
Sick leave: 13 days per calendar year, accrued each pay period.
11 paid holidays per year.
Medical insurance, with vision included, and dental insurance; immediate enrollment and coverage are available with no enrollment 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).
Access to Morale, Welfare & Recreation programs, including golf courses, marinas, gyms/fitness centers, bowling centers, and restaurants.
Discounted tickets and travel options and Navy Exchange shopping privileges.
Daycare discount: 100% discount for the first enrolled child and 25% for each additional enrolled child, subject to the stated eligibility and household rules.