Child & Youth Program Assistant- May be eligible for 1000.00 Incentive at 6 mo. and 1 year

Commander, Navy Installations Command•Portsmouth, VA

About The Position

Child & 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 role includes planning and facilitating activities, maintaining safe indoor and outdoor spaces, supervising participants, communicating with parents and coworkers, documenting development, and supporting program compliance and evaluation. The position may be filled at entry, intermediate, or target level. Duties and qualification requirements vary by level. Employees must complete required training and maintain applicable certifications or credentials. The position is subject to background checks, pre-employment and random drug testing, and a pre-employment physical and immunization requirements. A one-year probationary period may be required.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or equivalent; applicants must provide proof of education.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and complete required Department of the Navy training within the specified timeframe.
Ability to promote effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers and work cooperatively as a team member.
Intermediate level: knowledge of basic child and youth development principles; ability to apply developmentally appropriate practices, provide direct care and education, interpret curriculum or activity plans, and plan and organize.
Intermediate level: six months of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting, and completion of Navy Entry Level training or an accepted Army, Air Force, or Marine equivalent.
Target level: knowledge and skill in applying child and youth development principles and providing high-quality direct care and education individually or in groups; ability to communicate basic program information and explain 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 related field listed in the posting.
Complete required training certificates and maintain certifications or credentials required by federal, state, or national accreditation institutions used by DoD CYP.
Pass applicable background and records checks, including fingerprint checks, a Tier 1 with Child Care check, a State Criminal History Repository check, and the Installation Records Check.
Undergo pre-employment and random drug testing; a positive test or failure to submit for testing is grounds for removal from consideration or the position.
Pass a pre-employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunizations.
Provide proof of education if it was not submitted with the application.
Participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment.
Use a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification for installation access when required, beginning May 7, 2025.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Develop schedules and activity plans, incorporating the observed needs of individual children and youth.
Implement activities and special events that support physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs.
Incorporate parents’ special 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 activities; model developmentally appropriate practices and activity-area management.
Promote and model safety, fitness, health, and nutrition practices; help arrange and 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 replenishing damaged, missing, or depleted supplies; secure supplies, equipment, and facilities.
Establish 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 accordance with applicable DoD, NAF, and local installation policies and standards.
Maintain control of and account for participants’ whereabouts and safety during activities, field trips, outings, and special events.
Ensure participants depart with an authorized person in accordance with written parental instructions.
Observe participants for signs of illness, abuse, or neglect and report concerns as directed; act as a mandatory reporter as prescribed by local policy.
Interact professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel; provide parents daily verbal or written feedback and participate in conferences.
Observe participants, document developmental progress or concerns, and use the information in planning.
Participate in program evaluation using designated rating scales, risk-assessment tools, self-inspection materials, and accreditation tools.
Assist in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent, and help ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
Notify the supervisor of health, fire, and safety compliance concerns.
Collect, maintain, and report program participation data.
Perform other related duties as assigned.