Child Development Specialist Job

Vacancy No. U-25-DHA-12523596-JLE Department Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide
Salary $49,025.00 to $117,400.00 Grade 7 to 7
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/1/2024 Close Date 9/30/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Travis AFB, CAAir Force Academy, COHurlburt Field, FLVance AFB, OK


Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.

The primary purpose of this position is to develop broad gauged individuals who can deal effectively with change complexity within the Air Force environment as it relates to the Manpower and Organization career field.

Duties

  • Performs tasks to assist the child development center director/assistant director in developing, administering, and evaluating on-going programs of age-appropriate individual and group educational activities for children.
  • Performs tasks to assist training and curriculum specialists in developing age-appropriate activity plans for children 6 weeks through 12 years of age.
  • Assists in conducting training for Child Development Program Assistants (CDPAS) and clerical staff using prescribed and/or locally developed curriculum, materials, and resources to meet the needs of individual staff members.
  • Performs tasks to assist in providing advice to the Family Day Care Coordinator on necessary training of family day care providers and other staff; assists in providing training; and assists in the development of training tools.
  • Helps select, compile, and maintain a training and resource library for the child development program.
  • Performs tasks to assist in the direction of cooks, food service workers, and custodial staff.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • Total salary varies depending on location of position.
  • Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments.
  • Travel by regularly scheduled commercial or military conveyance in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) may be required in performance of Temporary Duty (TDY).
  • Mobility - you may be required to relocate during or after completion of your training.
  • You will be required to serve a one year probationary period.
  • Successful completion of all training and regulatory requirements as identified in the applicable training plan.
  • This position has "regular contact with children" which requires a State Criminal History Repository (SCHR) check to be completed on any person selected for the position.
  • Physical examination is required.
  • Student Loan Repayment may be authorized.
  • Must meet suitability for Federal employment.
  • Full/part-time employees occupying direct childcare positions are eligible for discounts IAW DAF AFSVC/CC Memo, 30 Sep 22; first child 100% / each additional child 25%. Other assigned CYP and FCC personnel are eligible for 25% discount.

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:

1. Degree: that included or was supplemented by major study in education or in a subject-matter field appropriate to the position.

or

2. Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in education, or in a subject-matter field appropriate to the position, plus appropriate experience or additional course work that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study described in A above.

For Child Development Training and Curriculum Specialist positions with the Departments of the Air Force and Navy, and Education Program Specialist positions with the Department of the Army, the education must have been in child development or early childhood education.

To qualify for a GS-07: Completion of 1 academic year of graduate level education, bachelor's degree with Superior academic Achievement as provided in the "General Policies and Instructions" for Qualifications Standards Operating Manual, or 5 academic years of pre-professional study, or 1 year specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-5.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.


SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-05, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes: Knowledge of child development concepts, theories, and principles; knowledge of the methods and techniques of fact finding, analysis, and development of action plans to resolve program problems and issues; knowledge of administrative office procedures, practices and concepts; knowledge of instructional methods and curriculum development; and the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower qualifying pay band or equivalent grade under the General Schedule (GS) or other pay systems. Equivalent experience may be at the level of the lowest GS grade covered by the applicable pay band; however, the experience must demonstrate KSA's to successfully perform the duties of the position being filled. This specialized experience could have been obtained in the private or public sectors.

To view qualifying educational requirements and/or combination of education and specialized experience, click on the following link:http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/indexes/num-ndx.asp

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) Requirement for General Schedule (GS) Positions: Applicants must have served at least 52 weeks at the GS-05, or GS-07 or higher grade (or equivalent in an alternate pay system) within the Federal Civil Service to be considered for referral. The purpose of TIG restrictions is to prevent excessively rapid promotions in competitive service GS positions and to protect competitive principles.

Once the application and selection process is complete, a review of your application will be made to ensure you meet the applicable OPM qualification requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made. Applicants who fail to provide the necessary documentation to support their educational grade point average/master's degree requirements, qualifying experience or veterans' preference claim will be determined incomplete, ineligible or not identified as claiming veterans' preference. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your consideration in the referral and selection process.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Specialized knowledge of child development concepts, theories, and principles comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a full 4-year course of study with a major in the field.
2. Knowledge of the methods and techniques of fact-finding, analysis, and development of action plans to resolve program problems and issues.
3. Knowledge of instructional methods and curriculum development.
4. Skill in compiling, analyzing, and evaluating information; preparing quantitative and narrative reports for a variety of offices and agencies; establishing and maintaining required records; and managing resources to enhance accomplishment of program goals and mission.
5. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Any individual who was awarded a degree by an institution of higher education from a PUBLIC or other non-profit institution not more than two years before the date of appointment meets the basic eligibility requirement to apply for the DHA Recent Graduates Program;

OR

Any individual who has completed a period of obligated service in a uniformed service of more than four years and was awarded a degree by an institution of higher education from a public or other non-profit institution not more than four years before the date of appointment of such person, meets the basic eligibility requirement to apply for the DHA Recent Graduates Program.

You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Please submit copies of all transcripts, to include transferred hours-official copies are not required at time of application. If selected, you will be required to provide official copies of all transcripts. NOTE: Degree Audits are not accepted.

If you qualify based on undergraduate, or higher level education, and you have not graduated prior to applying for this position, you may be offered a position, contingent upon your final grade point average or class ranking.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

To qualify for a GS-07: Completion of 1 full year of graduate level education, or bachelor's degree with Superior academic Achievement as provided in "General Policies and Instructions" for Qualifications Standards Operating Manual, or 5 academic years of pre-professional study, or 1 year specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-5.

a) Class Standing - upper third of the graduating class based on completed courses in college, university, or major subdivision;

b) Grade Point Average - 2.95 or higher out of possible 4.0 as recorded on your official transcript or as computed based on 4 years of education or as computed based on courses completed during final 2 years of curriculum; OR 3.45 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on average of the required courses completed in major field or required courses in your major field completed during final 2 years of your curriculum. If more than 10 percent of total undergraduate credit hours are non-graded, i.e. pass/fail, CLEP, CCAF, DANTES, military credit, etc, you cannot qualify based on GPA;

c) Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society (note: freshman honor society cannot be used to meet requirements of this position). (If qualifying based on class standing or honor society membership, provide appropriate documentation).

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated in the "Highly Qualified" or "Best Qualified" Category on the rating criteria for this vacancy. You must submit copy of agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of annuity based on civilian employment in Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

Selective Service: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information, click here.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Tax Law Impact for PCS:
On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

For DHA Positions:
These positions are being filled under Direct-Hire Authority for the DoD for Post-Secondary Students and Recent Graduates. The Secretary of the Air Force has delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to directly appoint qualified students and recent graduates directly into competitive service positions; positions may be professional or administrative occupations and located Air Force-Wide. Positions may be filled as permanent/term with a full-time/part-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location.

*** The term "recent graduate" means a person awarded a degree by an institution of higher education not more than 2 years before the date of the appointment of such person, except in the case of a person who has completed a period of obligated service in a uniform service of more than 4 years.

Your latest resume will be used to determine your qualifications.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application for this Public Notice. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.

  1. Online Application - Questionnaire
  2. Resume - For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees should list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume.
  3. Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
  4. Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15 form.
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:
  • Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
  • Branch of Armed Forces
  • Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
  • Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
  • Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
  • Expected character of service/discharge and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
  • Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
  • Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.
Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/30/2025.

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12523596

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your Resume (your latest resume will be used to determine your qualifications). If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent (latest) version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent."

  • It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.
  • If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, you will not be considered for this vacancy.
  • For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., hours per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position.
2. A complete Application Questionnaire

3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.

PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.

Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center
Address
JBSA Randolph AFB
550 D Street East
JBSA Randolph AFB, TX 78150
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

After you submit your application, you will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required.

Your application will remain active through the open period of this Public Notice. Once this Public Notice closes, you must reapply.

Additional Locations


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.