YOUTH CENTER PROGRAM ASSISTANT (Multilevel)

Air Mobility Command • Fort Dix, NJ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) Child and Youth Program Assistant position serving in one or more child and youth programs at the School Age Center, Youth Centers, and Teen Centers at McGuire AFB, Fort Dix, and Lakehurst, New Jersey. The assistant is accountable for participants’ whereabouts and safety and provides care, supervision, oversight, and accountability. The position supports age-appropriate activities, supervises children and youth during indoor and outdoor activities, field trips, outings, and special events, and arranges and serves snacks or meals. Work is performed in accordance with applicable policies and regulations; transporting children in government vehicles may be required.

Duties vary by level. At the Target level, the assistant coordinates and conducts activities for participants from 6 weeks through 18 years old, implements options for children and youth with special requirements, leads planned and spontaneous activities, briefs staff, management, and parents, and inventories equipment and supplies. At the Intermediate level, the assistant helps plan, coordinate, and conduct activities, implements daily schedules and activity plans appropriate to participants’ ages and developmental stages, briefs staff, management, and parents, and inventories equipment and supplies. At the Entry level, the assistant performs routine tasks using step-by-step instructions, helps deliver planned activities using prepared curriculum and materials, identifies needed supplies and equipment, and attends to children’s physical needs as applicable.

Pay is based on experience, education, and/or certification: Target Level $25.64, Intermediate Level $23.99, and Entry Level $18.70. The position offers a child care fee discount for eligible direct care staff.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
• Must satisfactorily complete required pre-employment checks, including a Child Care Tier 1 background investigation.
• Must complete a favorable pre-employment physical due to the position’s physical lifting requirement.
• Must obtain, maintain, and provide evidence of current immunizations, including annual influenza vaccination, and be free of communicable diseases.
• Must complete assigned training, including Food Handlers certification, within the specified period after hire or assignment.
• Must consent to pre-employment and random drug testing; the position is a Test Designated Position.
• Target level: 12 months of experience working in a childcare or youth program and demonstrated knowledge of child/youth development theories and principles.
• Target level: Must also have one of the following: completed DoW-approved competency-based training requirements; a Child Development Associate credential, Military School-Age Credential, or other nationally recognized age-appropriate child or youth development credential; or at least 12 semester hours of directly related coursework from an accredited college or university.
• Intermediate level: Six months of experience equivalent to the CY-01 Entry Level working in a group program for children or youth.
• Intermediate level: Must also have one of the following: completed Entry Level DoW standardized training documented by the Service; completed industry training considered equivalent to DoW Entry Level training; or at least six semester hours of relevant college credit in early childhood, elementary or secondary education, child and youth development, or special education.
• Entry level: No previous experience is required.
• Applicants qualifying through foreign education must provide evidence that their credentials are equivalent to a conventional U.S. education program.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct deposit is required, and applicants must satisfactorily complete an employment verification (E-Verify) check.
• Applicants must provide a REAL ID or an authorized combination of identity documents to access the installation.

Responsibilities

• Provide care, supervision, oversight, and accountability for children and youth, including being accountable for their whereabouts and safety.
• Assist in preparing age-appropriate activities and supervise participants during indoor and outdoor activities, field trips, outings, and special events.
• Arrange and serve snacks and meals.
• Perform work in accordance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Transport children in government vehicles when required.
• At the Target level, coordinate and conduct activities for children and youth ages 6 weeks to 18 years.
• Create an environment that welcomes participant interest and promotes positive interactions.
• Implement program options for children and youth with special requirements.
• Demonstrate, instruct, lead, and facilitate planned and spontaneous program activities.
• Brief staff, management, and parents on activities.
• Conduct inventory of equipment and supplies.
• At the Intermediate level, assist with planning, coordinating, and conducting activities and implement daily schedules and activity plans appropriate to participants’ ages and developmental stages.
• At the Entry level, perform routine tasks following step-by-step instructions, assist with activities using prepared curriculum and materials, generate lists of needed supplies and equipment, and attend to children’s physical needs as applicable.

Benefits

• 100% child care fee discount for the first child enrolled in a full-time or regular part-time DAF Child Development Program for eligible direct care staff.
• 25% child care fee discount for additional children of eligible direct care staff.

What This Job Offers

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