Child and Youth Program Assistant (Summer Camp)

Summary CYP Assistants work directly with children and youth, keeping them actively engaged, well-cared for, and safe while participating in the CYP. The assistant’s day includes helping children develop social skills such as making friends and conflict resolution, making healthy choices regarding snacks and recreational activities, building self‑help and school‑readiness skills, and exploring their environment. Duties Curriculum Develop schedules and activity plans, review and provide input on plans created by Educational Aids. Ensure program plans address individual children’s needs. Implement activities and special events that meet physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs. Accommodate special instructions from parents such as dietary or physical requirements. Prepare and implement programs for children with special needs as directed by the supervisor. Demonstrate, instruct, lead, and facilitate planned and spontaneous activities. Model best classroom or activity area management techniques. Promote safety, fitness, health, and nutrition practices. Help arrange for and serve appropriate snacks or meals where applicable. Indoor and Outdoor Environment Prepare, arrange, and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials. Set up displays and bulletin boards. Inventory equipment regularly and recommend replenishment. Secure supplies, equipment, and facilities. Interactions and Relationships Establish an environment that sustains participant interest and promotes positive interactions. Interact with children and youth using approved child guidance and youth development techniques. Supervision of Children and Youth Provide care, supervision, oversight, and accountability in compliance with DoD policies. Maintain control and account for whereabouts and safety. Supervise during daily schedules, field trips, outings, and special events. Ensure children depart with authorized persons per written instructions. Observe for signs of illness, abuse, or neglect and report accordingly; mandatory reporter to Family Advocacy and Child Protective Services. Parent and Employee Communication Interact professionally with employees, parents, and installation command personnel. Provide parents with daily verbal or written feedback about their child or program activities. Participate in parent and employee conferences. Assessment Observe children and youth, document developmental progress or concerns, and use the information in planning. Participate in program evaluation using designated instruments such as rating scales, risk assessment tools, self‑inspection materials, and accreditation tools. Compliance Assist in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation. Ensure compliance with law, policies, and regulations applicable to DoD CY programs and notify the supervisor of any health, fire, or safety concerns. Additional Responsibilities Collect, maintain, and report program participation data. Perform other related duties as assigned. Requirements Must be 18 years of age or older. Complete required training certificates and maintain certifications as required by Federal, State, or national accreditation institutions adopted by DoD Child and Youth Programs. Pass all applicable records and background checks. Undergo pre‑employment and random drug testing; a positive test or failure to test results in removal. Pass a pre‑employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunizations. Proof of education is required if not submitted at application. Marijuana is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act; a positive test for marijuana leads to withdrawal of the job offer and disqualification for 6 months. Incumbent will be subject to and must consent to a pre‑employment and random drug test as a Test Designated Position (TDP). Must be a U.S. citizen or hold 3 years of lawful U.S. residency. Qualifications Experience and KSAs that demonstrate communication, instruction, teamwork, and child‑care skills. Entry Level (CY-1702‑01): effective oral and written communication, ability to follow instructions, complete DoN training, and foster working relationships with children and coworkers. Intermediate Level (CY-1702‑01): all entry‑level abilities plus knowledge of child and youth development principles, ability to implement developmentally appropriate practices, interpret curriculum, plan and organize, collaborate in a team, and 6 months experience working with children or youth. Target Level (CY-1702‑02): all entry and intermediate abilities, knowledge of development principles, skill to provide high‑quality care and education, skill to foster relationships, skill in verbal communication, and 1 year experience working with children or youth. Education For entry level: high school diploma or equivalent. For intermediate level: high school diploma or equivalent plus six months experience and completion of Navy Entry Level training (or Army, Air Force, Marine equivalent). For target level: high school diploma or equivalent plus one year experience and either completion of DoD standardized training, a valid CDA/MSA credential, or a minimum 2‑year degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Youth Recreation, Physical Education, Elementary/Secondary Education, or a related field. Additional Information Incumbents must complete all child‑care background checks, including fingerprint checks, Tier 1 and State Criminal History Repository checks, and Installation Records Check. These checks determine suitability per DoDI 1402.05. The position may require a one‑year probationary period and participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer. Applicants should be committed to improving federal efficiency and upholding the rule of law. #J-18808-Ljbffr