Lead Child and Youth Program Assistant CY-02.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a team leader ensuring program staff provide appropriate developmental care and instruction for children and youth ages 6 weeks to 18 years in Child and Youth Services (CYS) programs.
• Implement a developmentally appropriate program that promotes social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of the children and youth served.
• Instruct team members in specific tasks and job techniques; provide written instructions, reference materials, and supplies.
• Develop, plan, and implement age‑appropriate educational lesson plans, schedules, and activities based on observed needs and interests of individual children and youth.
• Ensure staff follow health and safety standards for diapering, toileting, hand washing, cleaning/sanitizing/disinfecting surfaces and materials, food service, safe‑sleep practices, and caring for ill children and youth.
• Work primarily at the CYS facility—including classroom settings, activity areas, and outdoor areas—with occasional indoor and outdoor field trips.
• Perform duties both indoors and outdoors as required.
• May work an uncommon tour of duty that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays to accommodate program schedules.

Requirements

• Direct Deposit and a Social Security Card are required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment.
• Meet all qualification, eligibility, and background requirements for the position.
• A one‑year probationary period may be required.
• Successful completion of an employment verification (E‑Verify) check.
• Regular contact with children under 18; favorably adjudicated background checks required per Section 231 of the Crime Control Act of 1990 and DoD Instruction 1402.05.
• Subject to immunization requirements; must obtain appropriate immunizations against communicable diseases per ACIP recommendations, including the influenza vaccine.
• Pass a pre‑employment physical and subsequent physicals; provide evidence of immunization and be free from communicable disease.
• For Child Development Center positions, possess the physical ability to lift and carry up to 40 lb, walk, bend, stoop, and stand routinely.
• Must have visual and auditory capabilities sufficient to supervise children and youth and to respond immediately when needed.
• Legally required to report all suspected incidents of child abuse/neglect.
• Complete all DoW and Service training requirements (orientation, initial, annual) and maintain any required certifications.
• Maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Must have the mobility necessary to ensure safety of children and youth, including repetitive actions such as walking, standing, bending, stooping, sitting on the floor, and safely lifting children as needed (CDC guidelines).

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English for interaction with CYS team members, customers, report preparation, planning, and documentation.
• Minimum of 18 months experience working in group programs with children/youth and demonstrated knowledge of theories and principles of child/youth development **and** completion of one of the following:
  • DoW standardized training course, or
  • Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or
  • Military School‑Age (MSA) credential.
• Alternatively, meet **either** of the following education/experience combinations:
  • 12 months experience in group programs with children/youth **and** an Associate’s degree (or 60 semester hours) in early childhood, elementary, secondary education, child and youth development, special education, human development, youth program administration, recreation (children and youth), physical education, or a directly related behavioral science (with at least 24 semester hours of major coursework directly related to the age group).
  • Bachelor’s degree (or advanced degree) in one of the above fields with at least 24 semester hours of major coursework directly related to the age group.
• Proof of education is required at the time of application; education must be directly related to the position (general education courses do not count).
• If qualifying via DoW‑approved competency training, must provide one of the following:
  • A completed Foundation IDP signed by both employee and supervisor/training specialist.
  • A signed Foundation (or equivalent) certificate.
  • A memorandum stating completion of Foundation training from a supervisor or CYS Training Specialist, including full name, title, and contact information.

  VLS certificates without an accompanying IDP will not be accepted.

Benefits

• Temporary limited commissary privileges (excluding tobacco and alcohol) for CYS employees (expires 31 December 2026).
• Eligibility for health and life insurance, 401(k) and retirement plans, paid personal time off, and federal holidays for regular full‑time and part‑time employees.
• NAF flexible employees (U.S. citizens or spouses/children of U.S. citizens working for a NAFI abroad) are eligible for the NAF 401(k) plan; some flexible employees may also qualify for health insurance.
• Access to on‑base facilities such as fitness centers, libraries, and other amenities.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, education, and certification programs.
• Sense of pride and fulfillment supporting military and civilian families, contributing to the Department of Defense mission.

Additional Information

This position is with the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) at Fort Drum, New York. It is