Child and Youth Program Assistant (CDC 2)

U.S. Department of the Navy; Dahlgren (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of the Navy seeks CYP Assistants who play a vital role in engaging and supervising children in the Child and Youth Program (CYP). Candidates must demonstrate effective communication skills, teamwork, and a commitment to fostering healthy development in youth. The role comes with specific training and certification requirements, as well as the opportunity to work in a supportive environment dedicated to child and youth development.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to plan and organize, and work cooperatively as a member of a team.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children and youth, ensuring their engagement and safety.
• Help children develop social skills and make healthy choices.
• Implement developmentally appropriate practices in child care.

Skills

Effective communication

Team cooperation

Working relationships

Job description

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; make healthy choices whether it be choosing nutritional snacks or appropriate recreational activities; build self-help and school readiness skills; and explore the environment around them.


Duties

The duties and responsibilities of the CY Program Assistant have been grouped into categories, including curriculum, indoor and outdoor environment, interactions and relationships, supervision of children and youth, parent and employee communication, assessment, compliance, and additional responsibilities. Each is described below.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Complete required training certificates, and 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 for testing, is a basis for 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 and therefore 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 of this position will be subject to and must consent to a 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. (Review required documents section for more information.)

Qualifications

Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs.

A qualified candidate possesses the following:

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 (DoN) 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)

Entry Level abilities plus:

• 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 and organize, and work cooperatively as a member of a team.

• Ability to promote and foster effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers.

• Ability to 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)

Entry and Intermediate Levels' knowledge and abilities plus:

• Knowledge of child and youth development principles in order to appropriately 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 in order 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 in order 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.