Lead Child and Youth Program Assistant CY-02

U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command • Tobyhanna, PA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, within Child and Youth Services (CYS). The Lead Child and Youth Program Assistant serves as a team leader, ensuring 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 incumbent guides team members in tasks and job techniques and provides written instructions, reference materials, and supplies. The position develops and implements age-appropriate lesson plans, schedules, and activities based on observed needs and interests. It also ensures staff follow health and safety practices in areas such as diapering, toileting, handwashing, sanitation, 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. Work may involve both indoor and outdoor settings and may require evenings, weekends, and holidays to accommodate program schedules. The position requires maintaining CPR and First Aid certifications and completing required training and immunizations. Employees receive CYS childcare fee discounts: 100% for the first child and 25% for each subsequent child, for employees working at least 15 hours per week. Incentives will not be paid.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Communicate effectively in English orally and in writing, including communicating with CYS staff and customers, preparing reports and plans, and documenting observations.
• Meet one of the following experience and education combinations: (1) at least 18 months of group-program experience 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; (2) at least 12 months of group-program experience with children or youth and demonstrated knowledge of child growth and development, 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 qualifying bachelor's or advanced degree.
• Qualifying education must be in an applicable field, such as early childhood, elementary or secondary education, child and youth development, special education, human development, youth program administration, recreation for children and youth, physical education, or directly related behavioral sciences. A related field must include at least 24 semester hours of coursework directly related to the assigned age group. General psychology or sociology coursework does not qualify.
• Provide proof of education at the time of application. General education courses do not count toward the required credit total.
• If qualifying through DoW-approved competency training, provide a completed Foundation IDP signed by the employee and supervisor/training specialist, a signed Foundation or equivalent certificate, or a supervisor/CYS Training Specialist memorandum confirming completion with full contact information. VLS certificates without an accompanying IDP are not accepted.
• Meet qualification, eligibility, and background requirements, including favorable adjudication of required background checks for a position with regular contact with children under 18.
• Complete an employment verification (E-Verify) check and provide direct deposit information and a Social Security card.
• Meet immunization requirements, including influenza vaccination, and pass a pre-employment physical and subsequent physicals; provide evidence of immunization and be free from communicable disease.
• For Child Development Center positions, be physically able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and routinely walk, bend, stoop, and stand. The role also requires mobility and repetitive actions including walking, standing, bending, stooping, and sitting on the floor, and safely lifting children as needed.
• Have the visual and auditory capabilities needed to supervise children and youth and comply with sight-and-sound supervision requirements.
• Complete required orientation, initial, and ongoing annual training and certifications, and maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications.
• A one-year probationary period may be required.
• Submit a resume of no more than two pages.

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 a developmentally appropriate program that promotes social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.
• Instruct team members in specific tasks and job techniques, and make written instructions, reference materials, and supplies available.
• Develop, plan, and implement age-appropriate educational lesson plans, schedules, and activities based on observed needs and interests.
• Ensure staff follow health and safety standards for diapering, toileting, handwashing, cleaning and disinfecting, food service, safe sleep, and care of ill children and youth.
• Supervise children and youth in accordance with sight-and-sound supervision requirements and respond immediately when needed.
• Report suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect.
• Complete required DoW and Service training and maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications.

Benefits

• CYS childcare fee discount of 100% for the first child and 25% for each subsequent child for employees working at least 15 hours per week.
• Professional development opportunities, including training, education, and certification programs.
• Access to some on-base facilities, including fitness centers and libraries.
• Eligible regular full-time and part-time employees may enroll in health and life insurance, participate in 401(k) and retirement plans, and receive paid personal time off and federal holidays.
• Eligible 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED