Child and Youth Program Leader - Retention Bonuses

Summary

Incumbent provides specialized developmental care and instruction for children and youth ranging from 6 weeks to 18 years in one or more CY programs. The role includes guidance, assistance, and mentoring of CY Program Assistants and working under supervisory direction to handle complex, non‑routine problems.

Duties

Provides direct care and instruction to children and youth and mentors CY Program Assistants. Performs routine day‑to‑day assignments independently, with supervisory support as needed. Maintains adherence to policies, procedures, and instructions.

Mentor

• Mentors assigned CY Program Assistant team.
• Collaborates with senior employees to provide instruction and training to lower-level staff.
• Assists lower-level employees in completing Standardized Module Training.
• Works with the Training & Curriculum Specialist to translate professional development training into practice by mentoring, guiding, and role‑modeling.
• Models appropriate behaviors and techniques for working with children and youth.
• Provides suggestions and recommendations to credential practicum candidates.
• Assists the T&C Specialist with recording observations and charting progress of team members’ on‑the‑job skills.
• Consults frequently with the T&C Specialist for guidance on strategies to further assist team members’ professional development efforts.

Curriculum

• Plans activities for program participants based on observed needs.
• Reviews activities and plans for appropriateness.
• Implements activities and special events that meet physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs.
• Incorporates special instructions from parents (dietary, physical, or other relevant information).
• Prepares and implements programs for children with special requirements.
• Assists children and youth with special projects, homework, and life skills.
• Recommends changes and adjustments to activities where necessary.
• Sets up displays and bulletin boards.
• Arranges for and serves appropriate snacks or meals when applicable.

Indoor and Outdoor Environment

• Prepares, arranges, and maintains indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials.
• Suggests improvements to activity areas.
• Inventories equipment and recommends replenishment.
• Secures supplies, equipment, and facilities.

Interactions and Relationships

• Encourages participant interest and promotes positive interactions.
• Interacts with children and youth using approved child guidance and youth development techniques.

Supervision of Children and Youth

• Provides care, supervision, oversight, and accountability for program participants.
• Maintains control of and accounts for the whereabouts and safety of children and youth.
• Ensures departure of children and youth with authorized person per parental instructions.
• Oversees arrival and departure of children and youth.
• Supervises children and youth during scheduled activities, field trips, outings, and special events.

Parent and Employee Communication

• Interacts professionally with employees, parents, and local command personnel.
• Participates in conferences with parents, employees, school representatives, and local command personnel.
• Briefs other employees and parents.

Assessment

• Observes children and youth, documents developmental progression and concerns, and uses information in planning.
• Assists CY Program Assistants with assessment tasks when needed.

Compliance

• Ensures area meets DoD certification, national accreditation, or equivalent standards.
• Ensures compliance with law, policies, and regulations applicable to DoD CY programs.

Additional Responsibilities

• Collects, maintains, and reports program participation data.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Provides a complete list of duties at time of hire.

Requirements

• This position is a Test Designated Position (TDP). Decision requires pre‑employment and random drug testing.
• Must satisfactorily complete all background checks for child care positions, including fingerprint checks, Tier 1 Child Care check, and State Criminal History Repository check.
• Must pass a pre‑employment physical and provide evidence of immunization against communicable diseases.
• Must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as needed.
• Must complete required training certificates and maintain certifications or credentials required by Federal, State, or national accreditation institutions for DoD Child and Youth Programs.
• Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within first 30 days of employment is required.
• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate programs for children and youth from 6 weeks to 18 years.
• Knowledge of child and youth development principles, practices, and techniques.
• Ability to apply Federal and State laws governing the detection and prevention of child abuse and/or neglect.
• Skill in understanding interests and motivation of individuals and groups in a CYP environment.
• Skill in program planning, organizing, and employee scheduling.
• Skills to provide leadership, mentoring, and guidance to CY Program Assistants.
• Ability to identify and respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to train employees on various issues including recognition and identification of childhood illnesses and child abuse.
• Ability to develop curriculum outlines and lesson plans/guides.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, and possess strong interpersonal skills.
• One (1) year of experience at the CY‑02 (GSE‑04) level or equivalent demonstrating knowledge and competency in developmentally appropriate programming.

Education

Completion of DOD Standardized Module Training AND 12 months experience at the CY‑II (GSE‑04) level; OR Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Military School‑Age (MSA) credential AND 12 months experience at the CY‑II (GSE‑04) level; OR a minimum of a 2‑year degree in Youth Development, Child Development, or a related field and 12 months experience at the CY‑II (GSE‑04) level.

Applicants must provide a copy of a high‑school diploma, GED, or college transcripts showing degree awarded when applying.

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