Child and Youth Program Assistant

Summary: CYP Assistants work directly with children and youth, keeping them actively engaged, well‑cared for, and safe while participating in the CYP. The CYP Assistant’s day includes helping children develop social skills such as making friends and conflict resolution, making healthy choices (e.g., selecting nutritional snacks or appropriate recreational activities), building self‑help and school readiness skills, and exploring the environment around them. Responsibilities Curriculum Develop schedules and activity plans; review and provide input on plans created by Educational Aids. Ensure program plans and activities incorporate the observed needs of individual children and youth. Implement activities and special events that meet the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs of children and youth. Prepare and implement program options for children and youth with special requirements; care for special needs children as directed by the supervisor. Demonstrate, instruct, lead, and facilitate planned and spontaneous program activities. Role‑model developmentally appropriate practice and classroom/activity area management techniques. Promote and model safety, fitness, health, and nutrition practices. Help arrange for and/or serve appropriate snacks or meals where applicable. Indoor and Outdoor Environment Help prepare, arrange, and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials to accommodate daily schedules. Set up displays and bulletin boards. Inventory equipment on a recurring basis and recommend replenishing damaged, missing, or depleted supplies. Secure supplies, equipment, and facilities. Interactions and Relationships Establish a program environment that sustains participant interest and promotes positive interactions with other children, youth, and adults. Interact with children and youth using approved child guidance and youth development techniques. Supervision of Children and Youth Provide care and supervision, oversight, and accountability for program participants in compliance with DoD, NAF, and local installation policies. Maintain control of and account for whereabouts and safety of children and youth. Supervise children and youth during daily schedule and on field trips, outings, and special events. Ensure authorized departure of children and youth according to written parental instructions. Observe participants for signs of illness, abuse, or neglect; report as directed. Incumbent is a mandatory reporter to Family Advocacy and Child Protective Services as prescribed. Parent and Employee Communication Interact professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel. Provide parents with daily verbal or written feedback about their child/youth or program activities. Participate in conferences with parents and employees. Assessment Observe children and youth and document developmental progression and/or concerns; use the information in planning. Participate in program evaluation using designated instruments such as programmatic rating scales, risk assessment tools, self‑inspection materials, and national accreditation tools. Compliance Assist in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent. Ensure compliance with law, policies, and regulations applicable to DoD CY programs. Notify supervisor of health, fire, and safety compliance concerns. Additional Responsibilities Collect, maintain, and report program participation data. Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Entry Level (CY‑1702‑01) Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to complete all Department of the Navy training requirements within the specified timeframe. Ability to promote and foster effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers. Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team. Intermediate Level (CY‑1702‑01) Knowledge of basic child and youth development principles to meet the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development needs of children and youth. Ability to implement developmentally appropriate principles and practices to provide high‑quality direct care and education and development. Ability to interpret a curriculum or activity plan. Ability to follow written instructions. Ability to plan, organize, and work cooperatively as a member of a team. Six (6) months of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting. Target Level (CY‑1702‑02) Knowledge of child and youth development principles to inform the efficient and effective program response to meet the needs of children and youth. Skill to implement developmentally appropriate child and youth development principles, practices, and services to provide high‑quality direct care and education for children and youth, either individually or within groups. Skill to promote and foster effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers. Skill to work cooperatively as a member of a team. Skill in verbal communication to provide basic program information and explain CYP processes and procedures. One (1) year of experience working with children or youth in a child and youth setting. Requirements (Conditions of Employment) Must be 18 years of age or older. Complete required training certificates; maintain certifications or credentials required by Federal, State, and/or national accreditation institutions used as part of DoD's Child and Youth Programs. Pass all applicable records and background checks. Undergo pre‑employment and random drug testing; a positive drug test or failure to submit will result in removal from this position. Pass a pre‑employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of all communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunization against communicable diseases. Employment contingent upon proof of education if not provided at time of application. Marijuana is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act; use of marijuana is illegal under Federal law regardless of State laws. A positive drug test result for marijuana (or any other drug tested for) will result in withdrawal of the tentative job offer and ineligibility to apply for a position within the Department of Defense for 6 months from the date of the drug test. This position has been identified as a Test Designated Position (TDP); the incumbent must consent to pre‑employment and random drug testing. Starting May 7, 2025, non‑affiliated individuals requesting access will need a REAL ID‑compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to access CNRMA Installations. Background Checks and Security Requirements Incumbents must satisfactorily complete all background checks for child care positions, including fingerprint checks, a Tier 1 with Child Care check, a State Criminal History Repository check, and an Installation Records Check. These checks include review of Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program records, Family Advocacy Program records, and installation security/base check via the Navy Justice Information System or other law enforcement systems. The results determine suitability for the applicant under DoDI 1402.05. Automatic disqualification may result for convictions involving sexual offenses, child victim offenses, or felony drug offenses, among other criteria. Additional Information Some positions have special requirements, such as a one (1) year probationary period. Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment is required. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and uphold the rule of law and the United States Constitution. #J-18808-Ljbffr Navy Region Naval District Washington Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR)