Child and Youth Leader

Incumbent provides specialized developmental care and instruction for children and youth ranging in age from 6 weeks to 18 years in one or more Child and Youth (CY) programs. This includes guidance, assistance, and mentoring for CY Program Assistants. The role operates under the direction of a supervisor or higher-level employee, who provides guidance on assignments and assistance with complex problems.

Responsibilities

• Mentor
  • Mentors assigned CY Program Assistant team and works with senior employees to train lower-level staff.
  • Assists with Standardized Module Training for lower-level employees.
  • Collaborates with the Training and Curriculum (T&C) Specialist to translate professional development into practice through mentoring and role-modeling.
  • Models appropriate behaviors and techniques for working with children and youth.
  • Provides feedback and recommendations to credential practicum candidates.
  • Assists the T&C Specialist with recording observations and tracking team members’ progress in on-the-job skills.
  • Consults with the T&C Specialist for strategies to support team members’ professional development.
• Curriculum
  • Plans activities based on the observed needs of individual children and youth.
  • Reviews and adjusts activities for appropriateness.
  • Collaborates with the T&C Specialist, supervisor, and CY Program Assistants to implement activities meeting physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs.
  • Incorporates parental instructions (e.g., dietary restrictions, physical needs) into program activities.
  • Prepares and implements program options for children with special requirements.
  • Assists with special projects, homework, and life skills.
  • Recommends adjustments to activities to address unusual situations.
  • Sets up displays, bulletin boards, and arranges or serves snacks/meals as applicable.
• Indoor and Outdoor Environment
  • Prepares, arranges, and maintains activity areas and materials to accommodate daily schedules.
  • Makes suggestions for improvements to activity areas.
  • Conducts recurring equipment inventories and recommends replenishment of supplies.
  • Secures supplies, equipment, and facilities.
• Interactions and Relationships
  • Encourages positive interactions among children, youth, and adults.
  • Uses approved child guidance and youth development techniques.
• Supervision of Children and Youth
  • Provides care, supervision, and accountability in compliance with DoD, NAF Component, and local installation policies.
  • Maintains control and ensures the safety and whereabouts of children and youth.
  • Ensures children depart with authorized persons per parental instructions.
  • Oversees arrival and departure of children and youth.
  • Supervises indoor/outdoor activities and field trips, outings, or special events.
• Parent and Employee Communication
  • Interacts professionally with employees, parents, and installation personnel.
  • Participates in conferences with parents, school representatives, and command personnel.
  • Briefs employees and parents as needed.
• Assessment
  • Observes children and youth, documents developmental progress or concerns, and uses this information for planning.
  • Assists CY Program Assistants with assessment tasks.
• Compliance
  • Ensures the assigned area meets DoD certification and national accreditation standards.
  • Ensures compliance with laws, policies, and regulations for DoD CY programs.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Collects, maintains, and reports program participation data.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing as a Test Designated Position (TDP).
• Must pass background checks, including fingerprinting, Tier 1 with Child Care check, and State Criminal History Repository (SCHR) check.
• Must pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical, provide immunization records, and be free of communicable diseases.
• Must obtain and maintain required security clearance.
• Must complete and maintain training certificates and credentials required by Federal, State, and accreditation institutions.
• Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days is required.
• Starting May 7, 2025, non-affiliated individuals will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or acceptable ID for installation access.

Qualifications

Applicants must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate programs for children and youth (6 weeks to 18 years).
• Knowledge of child and youth development principles, practices, and techniques.
• Skills to apply Federal and State laws on detecting and preventing child abuse/neglect.
• Skill in understanding interests and motivations of individuals and groups in a CY environment.
• Skill in program planning, organizing, and employee scheduling.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and guide CY Program Assistants.
• Ability to identify and respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to train employees on recognizing childhood illnesses, child abuse, and other issues.
• Ability to develop curriculum outlines, lesson plans, and guides.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English, with strong interpersonal abilities.
• One year of experience at the CY-02 (GSE-04) level or equivalent, demonstrating competency in developmentally appropriate programming.

Education

Candidates must meet one of the following:

• Completion of DOD Standardized Module Training and 12 months of experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) level.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) or Military School-Age (MSA) credential and 12 months of experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) level.
• A minimum of a 2-year degree in Youth Development, Child Development, or a related field (e.g., Recreation, Physical Education, Elementary/Secondary Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Social Work) and 12 months of experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) level.

Must provide a copy of high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts (showing degree awarded) upon application. If degree is not yet awarded, provide certificates for DoD-approved competency-based training and/or CDA/MSA credentials, along with a high school diploma or equivalent.