CYP Child and Youth Programs Assistant (Multi-Level)

Commander, Navy Installations Command•San Diego, CA

About The Position

CYP Assistants work directly with children and youth to keep them engaged, cared for, and safe while participating in the Child and Youth Program. They help participants develop social skills, make healthy choices, build self-help and school-readiness skills, and explore their environment. Duties vary by level and include developing and implementing activities, preparing program spaces, supervising participants, communicating with parents and coworkers, observing and documenting development, and helping maintain program compliance.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing, follow verbal and written instructions, complete required DoN training within specified timeframes, and work cooperatively with children, youth, and coworkers as a team member.
Intermediate level: knowledge of basic child and youth development principles; ability to apply developmentally appropriate practices, interpret curriculum or activity plans, plan and organize, and work cooperatively as a team member.
Intermediate level: six months of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting.
Target level: knowledge of child and youth development principles and skill in applying developmentally appropriate practices and services to provide high-quality direct care and education, individually or in groups; ability to foster effective relationships, work as a team member, and explain basic program information and processes.
Target level: one year of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting.
Entry level requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Intermediate level additionally requires completion of Navy Entry Level training (Army, Air Force, and Marine equivalent accepted).
Target level additionally requires 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, child development, youth recreation, physical education, or youth development field.
Provide a copy of a high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts showing a degree awarded when applying; additional documentation may be required as described for the applicable level.
Complete and maintain required training certificates, certifications, and credentials required by Federal, State, or national accreditation institutions used by DoD Child and Youth Programs.
Pass applicable records and background checks, including fingerprint checks, Tier 1 with Child Care, State Criminal History Repository, and Installation Records Check screening.
Undergo pre-employment and random drug testing and consent to testing; a positive test or failure to submit for testing is grounds for removal. A positive 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.
Pass a pre-employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunizations.
Some positions may have special requirements; a selectee may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
Participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment.
Be eligible to work in the United States, subject to E-Verify confirmation.
Automatic disqualifiers include specified sexual offenses, criminal offenses involving a child victim, felony drug offenses, and findings of negligence concerning the death of or serious injury to a child or dependent person in the applicant’s care.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Develop schedules and activity plans, incorporating the observed needs of individual children and youth.
Implement activities and special events that support participants’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs, including program options for children and youth with special requirements.
Follow parents’ special instructions, including dietary or physical needs, and 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 and 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.
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 accordance with applicable DoD, NAF Component, and local installation policies and standards.
Maintain control of and account for participants’ whereabouts and safety during daily activities, field trips, outings, and special events.
Ensure participants depart with an authorized person in accordance with written parental instructions, as applicable.
Observe participants for signs of illness, abuse, or neglect and report as directed; serve as a mandatory reporter for suspected child abuse or neglect 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 and document participants’ developmental progress or concerns and use the information in planning.
Participate in program evaluations using designated rating scales, risk assessment tools, self-inspection materials, and accreditation tools.
Help achieve and maintain DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent, and 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.