Lead Child and Youth Program Assistant CY-02

United States Army Installation Management Command • Fort Leonard Wood, MO

9d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and serves as a team leader in Child and Youth Services (CYS). The incumbent ensures program staff provide appropriate developmental care and instruction for children and youth from 6 weeks through 18 years of age. The role supports developmentally appropriate programming that promotes children’s and youths’ social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.

The Lead Child and Youth Program Assistant instructs team members in specific tasks and job techniques and makes written instructions, reference materials, and supplies available. The incumbent plans and implements age-appropriate educational lesson plans, schedules, and activities based on the observed needs and interests of individual children and youth. The position also ensures staff follow health and safety standards for care routines, food service, safe sleep, and care of ill children and youth.

Most work takes place at a CYS facility, including classrooms, activity areas, and outdoor areas; occasional indoor and outdoor field trips may occur. Duties may involve both indoor and outdoor work, and the schedule may include evenings, weekends, or holidays to accommodate program operations. Employees working at least 15 hours per week receive a 100% childcare fee discount for the first child and a 25% discount for the second and subsequent children. Incentives will not be paid.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing, for communication with the CYS team and customers, preparing reports and plans, and documenting observations.
• Must meet one of the following qualification pathways: (1) at least 18 months of experience working in group programs with children or youth, demonstrated knowledge of child/youth development theories and principles, and completion of a DoW standardized training course or a Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School-Age (MSA) credential; or (2) at least 12 months of such experience and demonstrated knowledge, plus an associate degree or 60 semester hours of qualifying college credit; or (3) at least 12 months of such experience and demonstrated knowledge, plus a bachelor's or advanced degree in a qualifying field.
• Qualifying education must be directly related to the position and from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university. General education courses do not count toward the required credit total; qualifying related fields must include a major course of study with 24 semester hours of content directly related to the assigned age group.
• Proof of education is required at the time of application. Applicants qualifying through DoW-approved competency training must provide an accepted Foundation IDP, signed Foundation or equivalent certificate, or a supervisor/CYS Training Specialist memorandum documenting completion; VLS certificates without an accompanying IDP are not accepted.
• Must meet qualification, eligibility, and background requirements; favorably adjudicated background checks are required because the position involves regular contact with children under 18.
• Must complete an employment verification (E-Verify) check and provide direct deposit information and a Social Security card.
• A one-year probationary period may be required.
• Must meet immunization requirements, including the influenza vaccine, pass a pre-employment and subsequent physicals, provide evidence of immunization, and be free from communicable disease.
• For Child Development Center positions, must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and routinely walk, bend, stoop, and stand. Must have the visual and auditory capabilities needed to supervise children, meet sight-and-sound supervision requirements, and respond immediately.
• Must have the mobility to ensure child and youth safety and perform repetitive activities such as walking, standing, bending, stooping, and sitting on the floor; safely lift children as needed in CDCs.
• Must complete required orientation, initial and ongoing annual training, and any required certifications; must maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Applicants must submit a resume of two pages or less that demonstrates relevant experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a team leader and ensure program staff provide appropriate developmental care and instruction for children and youth ages 6 weeks to 18 years.
• Ensure implementation of developmentally appropriate programming that promotes social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.
• Instruct team members in specific tasks and job techniques, and provide written instructions, reference materials, and supplies.
• Develop, plan, and implement age-appropriate educational lesson plans, schedules, and activities based on observed needs and interests of individual children and youth.
• Ensure staff follow health and safety standards for diapering, toileting, hand washing, cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces and materials, food service, safe sleep practices, and care of ill children and youth.
• Report all suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect.
• Complete required DoW and Service training and maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Supervise children and youth in accordance with sight-and-sound supervision requirements and respond immediately when necessary.

Benefits

• 100% childcare fee discount for the first child and 25% discount for the second and subsequent children for CYS employees working at least 15 hours per week.
• Army NAF employees may have opportunities for professional development, training, education, and certification programs.
• Access to some on-base facilities, including fitness centers and libraries.
• Regular full-time and part-time employees are eligible for health and life insurance, 401(k) and retirement plans, paid personal time off, and federal holidays.
• NAF flexible employees may participate in the NAF 401(k) plan; some may also be eligible for health insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED