Child and Youth Program Assistant

United States Space Force • Buckley AFB, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at Buckley Space Force Base at either the A-Basin or Crested Butte Child Development Center. The incumbent serves as a Child and Youth Program Assistant in one or more child and youth programs and is accountable for children’s and youths’ whereabouts and safety. The role provides care, supervision, oversight, and accountability for program participants; helps prepare age-appropriate activities; supervises indoor and outdoor activities, field trips, outings, and 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.

At the target level, the assistant coordinates and conducts activities for children and youth from 6 weeks to 18 years old, supports positive interactions and participant interest, accommodates participants with special requirements, leads planned and spontaneous activities, briefs staff, management, and parents, and inventories equipment and supplies.

At the intermediate level, the assistant helps plan, coordinate, and conduct activities; supports positive interactions and participant interest; implements age- and stage-appropriate schedules and activity plans; briefs staff, management, and parents; and inventories equipment and supplies.

At the entry level, the assistant performs routine tasks using step-by-step instructions, helps deliver planned activities with prepared curricula and materials, supports positive interactions and participant interest, identifies needed supplies and equipment, and attends to children’s physical needs as applicable.

The position is categorized as Flexible. Employees are guaranteed hours per week, but the number of hours is not specified. It is not eligible for medical and dental coverage, 401(k), NAF retirement, or life insurance. Pay is based on experience, education, and/or certification: target level $24.26, intermediate level $22.69, and entry level $18.70. Child Development Program staff may receive a child-care fee discount: 100% for the first enrolled child and 37% for additional children, if the employee averages at least 15 hours per week. Employees may also be eligible for incentives of up to $1,500 per year, subject to eligibility and available funding.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent from an accredited school; proof must be provided for verification.
• Must be at least 18 years old at time of hire.
• Must communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
• Must satisfactorily complete pre-employment checks under Air Force and DoD policy, including a Child Care Tier 1 background investigation.
• Must complete a favorable pre-employment physical because the position has a physical lifting requirement.
• Must obtain and maintain 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.
• Must provide documentation of any claimed eligibility or hiring preference by the application closing date.
• Applicants who are not U.S. citizens may need additional documentation for base access; applicants must provide a REAL ID or authorized identity documents.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct deposit is required, and employment verification through E-Verify must be completed.
• Entry level: no previous experience is required.
• Intermediate level: six months of experience equivalent to the CY-01 Entry Level working in a group program for children or youth, completion of three AF modules or equivalent, and completion of the AF Orientation Training Program.
• Target level: 18 months of experience working in any childcare or youth program and completion of DoD-approved competency-training courses; entry- and intermediate-level training must also be completed and documented by Service-issued documentation.
• Target level qualification may also be met through 18 months of childcare or youth-program experience plus a relevant credential, or through the specified related degree and credential qualifications described in the posting.
• Foreign education must be documented as equivalent to a conventional U.S. education program.

Nice To Haves

• Target-level qualifications include a child development associate credential, military school age credential, Army youth practicum, or another nationally recognized youth development credential, as applicable to the assigned age group.
• Target-level qualifications may include an associate degree with at least 24 credit hours of study directly related to the assigned age group, or a bachelor’s degree or at least 120 semester hours with at least 24 relevant credit hours in specified fields.
• Education may be substituted for required experience where permitted.

Responsibilities

• Provide care, supervision, oversight, and accountability for children and youth, including accountability for their whereabouts and safety.
• Assist in preparing age-appropriate activities and supervise 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.
• May transport children in government vehicles.
• 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 activities.
• Brief staff, management, and parents on activities.
• Conduct inventories of equipment and supplies.
• At the intermediate level, assist in planning, coordinating, and conducting activities and implement age- and stage-appropriate daily schedules and activity plans.
• At the entry level, assist with planned activities using prepared curriculum and program materials, generate lists of needed supplies and equipment, and attend to children’s physical needs as applicable.

Benefits

• Child-care fee discount of 100% for the first child enrolled and 37% for additional children for employees averaging at least 15 hours per week.
• Potential incentives of up to $1,500 per year through the Recruitment, Retention, and Recognition Program, subject to eligibility and available funding.

What This Job Offers

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