Child and Youth Program Assistant - May be eligible for 1000.00 at 6 months and 1 year

Commander, Navy Installations Command•Virginia Beach, VA

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. Duties vary across curriculum, activity environments, relationships, supervision, communication, assessment, compliance, and other program responsibilities. The position includes planning and carrying out developmentally appropriate activities, preparing indoor and outdoor spaces, and providing direct care and supervision in accordance with Department of Defense, Navy, and local installation requirements. Assistants communicate with parents and coworkers, observe and document children’s development, contribute to program evaluation, and help maintain program certification and accreditation. The role may be filled at entry, intermediate, or target level, with qualifications varying by level. A possible $1,000 payment is mentioned at six months and one year; eligibility conditions are not specified.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Must communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing, follow verbal and written instructions, complete required DoN training within the specified timeframe, and work cooperatively with children, youth, and coworkers as a team member.
Entry level: High school diploma or equivalent; prior experience working with children or youth is preferred.
Intermediate level: Entry-level qualifications plus knowledge of basic child and youth development principles, ability to implement developmentally appropriate practices and interpret curriculum or activity plans, and six months of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting.
Intermediate level: Completion of Navy Entry Level training requirements; Army, Air Force, and Marine equivalents are accepted.
Target level: Entry- and intermediate-level knowledge and abilities, including skill in applying child and youth development practices and services and providing basic program information and explaining CYP processes and procedures.
Target level: One year of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting, plus one of the following: 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, child development, youth recreation, or physical education field.
Provide a copy of a high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts showing the degree awarded when applying. Additional credential or training documentation may be required as described in the posting.
Complete required training certificates and maintain credentials or certifications required by applicable Federal, State, or national accreditation institutions used by DoD CYP.
Pass applicable records and background checks, including required child-care checks, fingerprint checks, Tier 1 with Child Care, State Criminal History Repository checks, and Installation Records Checks.
Undergo pre-employment and random drug testing; failure to test or a positive result is grounds for removal or withdrawal of the tentative offer.
Pass a pre-employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunizations against communicable diseases.
Employment is contingent on proof of education if it was not provided with the application.
Some positions may require completion of a one-year probationary period.
Participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment.
Meet applicable suitability criteria; the posting lists automatic disqualifiers involving specified sexual offenses, offenses with a child victim, felony drug offenses, and certain findings of negligence involving a child or dependent person.
Marijuana use is illegal under Federal law; a positive drug test for marijuana or another tested drug results in withdrawal of the tentative offer and ineligibility to apply for a DoD position for six months from the test date.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Develop schedules and activity plans, and review or provide input on plans developed by entry- and intermediate-level Educational Aids, as applicable.
Ensure plans and activities reflect the observed needs of individual children and youth.
Implement activities and special events addressing children’s and youths’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs.
Incorporate parent-provided instructions, including dietary or physical needs, and prepare program options for participants 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 replenishment of damaged, missing, or depleted supplies; secure supplies, equipment, and facilities.
Create 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 compliance with applicable DoD, NAF, and local 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 according to written parental instructions, as applicable.
Observe participants for signs of illness, abuse, or neglect and report concerns as directed; act 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 observations in planning.
Participate in program evaluation using designated rating scales, risk-assessment tools, self-inspection materials, and accreditation tools.
Help achieve and maintain DoD certification and national accreditation or an equivalent.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations and notify the supervisor of health, fire, or safety concerns.
Collect, maintain, and report program participation data.
Perform other related duties as assigned.