Child and Youth Program Leader

Commander, Navy Installations Command•Bethesda, MD

About The Position

The Child and Youth Program Leader provides specialized developmental care and instruction for children and youth from 6 weeks to 18 years in one or more Child and Youth (CY) programs. The position also provides guidance, assistance, and mentoring to CY Program Assistants. The incumbent works under the direction of a supervisor or other qualified higher-graded employee, who provides guidance on assignments and assistance with complex, nonroutine problems. Routine day-to-day assignments are generally performed independently, with technical assistance available as needed; routine work is spot-checked, while more technical assignments are closely reviewed for compliance with policies, procedures, and instructions. The role mentors CY Program Assistants; plans and implements developmentally appropriate activities and special events; prepares indoor and outdoor activity environments; and promotes positive interactions. The incumbent supervises children and youth, maintains their safety and accountability, communicates with parents and employees, documents developmental progress and concerns, and supports compliance with applicable DoD and local standards. The position also collects and reports program participation data and performs other related duties as assigned. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing, required child-care background checks and employment verification, a pre-employment physical and immunization requirements, and any required security clearance. The incumbent must complete required training and maintain applicable certifications or credentials. Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer enrollment is required within the first 30 days. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have 3 years of lawful U.S. residency.

Requirements

One year of experience at the CY-02 (GSE-04) level or equivalent, demonstrating knowledge of and competency in developmentally appropriate programming for children and youth.
Knowledge of developmentally appropriate programs addressing the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs of children and youth from 6 weeks to 18 years of age.
Knowledge of child and youth development principles, practices, and techniques.
Skills to apply Federal and State laws governing detection and prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Skill in understanding the interests and motivation of individuals and groups in a CY program environment.
Skill in program planning, organizing, and employee scheduling.
Ability to provide leadership, mentoring, and guidance to CY Program Assistants.
Ability to identify and respond to emergency situations.
Ability to train employees on topics including recognition and identification of childhood illnesses and child abuse.
Ability to develop curriculum outlines and lesson plans or guides.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing, and strong interpersonal skills.
Must complete DoD Standardized Module Training and have 12 months of experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) level; OR hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School-Age (MSA) credential and have 12 months of experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) level; OR hold at least a 2-year degree in Youth Development, Child Development, or a related field and have 12 months of experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) level.
Must provide a copy of a high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts showing an awarded degree when applying. Applicants whose degree has not been awarded, or who rely on specified training courses or CDA/MSA credentials, must also provide a high school diploma or equivalent.
Must consent to pre-employment and random drug testing and satisfactorily complete child-care background checks, including fingerprint checks, a Tier 1 with Child Care check, and a State Criminal History Repository check.
Must successfully pass E-Verify employment verification; discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.
Must pass a pre-employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunization against communicable diseases.
Must obtain and maintain an appropriate security clearance as needed.
Must complete required training certificates and maintain certifications or credentials required by Federal, State, and/or national accreditation institutions used as part of DoD Child and Youth Programs.
Must participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment.
Must be a U.S. citizen or hold 3 years of lawful U.S. residency.
Must complete the Installation Records Check required for individuals providing child-care services on a DON installation or in a DON-sanctioned program.

Responsibilities

Mentor CY Program Assistants, provide instruction and training, support completion of Standardized Module Training, and model appropriate practices for working with children and youth.
Assist the Training and Curriculum Specialist with mentoring, observation, documentation, and tracking the professional development and on-the-job skills of team members.
Plan, review, and implement activities and special events based on the developmental needs of children and youth, incorporating relevant instructions from parents and accommodating special requirements.
Assist children and youth with projects, homework, and life skills; set up displays and bulletin boards; and arrange or serve appropriate snacks or meals where applicable.
Prepare, arrange, and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials; recommend improvements; inventory equipment; and recommend replenishment of damaged, missing, or depleted supplies.
Secure supplies, equipment, and facilities.
Encourage participant interest and positive interactions, 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 children and youth, oversee arrivals and departures, and ensure children depart only with authorized persons according to parental instructions.
Supervise children and youth during indoor and outdoor activities, field trips, outings, and special events.
Communicate professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel; participate in conferences and brief other employees and parents.
Observe children and youth, document developmental progress or concerns, and use observations in planning; assist CY Program Assistants with assessment tasks as needed.
Ensure assigned areas meet DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent standards, and comply with laws, policies, and regulations applicable to DoD CY programs.
Collect, maintain, and report program participation data.
Perform other related duties as assigned.