Child and Youth Program Assistant

About This Role

The Child and Youth Program Assistant directly engages with children and youth, ensuring their active participation, well-being, and safety within the program. This role focuses on fostering social skills, healthy choices, self-help, school readiness, and environmental exploration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and prepare schedules and activity plans for children and youth, incorporating individual needs.
• Implement activities and special events that cater to the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of participants.
• Provide care and supervision for program participants, including those with special needs, ensuring their safety and accountability.
• Maintain activity areas and recommend replenishment of damaged or missing supplies.
• Establish a positive program environment and interact with children and youth using approved development techniques.
• Provide professional verbal or written feedback to parents about their child's daily activities and progress.
• Observe and document developmental progression or concerns in children and youth for planning purposes.
• Assist in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation for the program.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, policies, and regulations for DoD Child and Youth programs.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• 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
• Pass all applicable records and background checks, including fingerprint and Tier 1 with Child Care check
• Undergo pre-employment and random drug testing
• Pass a pre-employment physical and provide evidence of immunization
• Proof of education (H.S. Diploma, GED, or College Transcripts showing degree awarded/conferred)

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Prior experience working with children and/or youth is preferred. For Intermediate level: 6 months of experience; For Target level: 1 year of experience.

Nice to Have

• Prior experience working with children and/or youth
• Knowledge of basic child and youth development principles
• Completion of Navy Entry Level training requirement (or equivalent)

Certifications