Summary
Incumbent provides appropriate specialized developmental care and instruction for children and youth ranging in age from 6 weeks to 18 years in one or more CY programs. This includes the provision of guidance, assistance, and mentoring for the CY Program Assistants. The incumbent works under the direction of the supervisor or other qualified higher graded employee, who provides guidance on scope of assignments and assistance on the more complex, nonroutine problems encountered.
This job is open to
Internal to an agency
Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.
Clarification from the agency
Only those candidates currently employed at the CYP NAS Station Whiting Field will be considered.
Duties
The Child and Youth Program (CYP) Leader provides direct care and instruction to children and youth (6 weeks to 18 years) in addition to guidance, assistance, and mentoring for CY Program Assistants. Routine day-to-day assignments are normally performed independently with technical assistance available from supervisor when required. Routine assignments are spot-checked; the more technical assignments are closely reviewed for adherence to policies, procedures, and instructions.
The duties and responsibilities have been grouped into categories, including mentor, curriculum, indoor and outdoor environment, interactions and relationships, supervision of children and youth, parent and employee communication, assessment, compliance, and additional responsibilities. Each is described below.
Mentor
Mentors assigned CY Program Assistant team.
Works with senior employees to provide instruction and training to lower-level employees.
Assists lower-level employees in completing the Standardized Module Training.
Assists the Training and Curriculum (T&C) Specialist in helping lower-level CY Program Assistants 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 makes recommendations to credential practicum candidates.
Assists the T&C Specialist with recording observations and charts 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 of individual children and youth. Continually reviews activities and plans for appropriateness.
Works with T&C Specialist, supervisor, and the CY Program Assistants to implement activities and special events that meet the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs of children and youth. Incorporates special instructions provided by parents such as special dietary needs, physical needs, or other information that may affect the child or youth's experience in the program.
Prepares and implements program options for children and youth with special requirements. Assists children and youth with special projects, homework, and life skills.
Recommends to the T&C Specialist and CY Program Assistants changes and adjustments to activities and plans where necessary to meet unusual situations.
Sets up displays and bulletin boards.
Arranges for and/or serves appropriate snacks or meals where applicable.
Indoor and Outdoor Environment
Works with team members to prepare, arrange, and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials to accommodate daily schedules. Makes suggestions about improvements to the activity areas.
Inventories equipment on a recurring basis and recommends replenishing damaged, missing, and depleted supplies.
Secures supplies, equipment, and facilities.
Interactions and Relationships
Encourages participant interest and establishes a program setting that promotes positive interactions with other children, youth, and adults.
Interacts with children and youth using approved child guidance and youth development techniques.
Supervision of Children and Youth
Provides care and supervision, oversight, and accountability for program participants in compliance with the Department of Defense (DoD), NAF Component, and local installation command policies, guidance, and standards.
Maintains control of and accounts for the whereabouts and safety of children and youth. Ensures children and youth (as applicable) depart with authorized person according to written parental instructions.
Oversees arrival and departure of children and youth.
Supervises children and youth during daily schedule of indoor and outdoor activities and on field trips, outings, and special events.
Parent and Employee Communication
Interacts professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel.
Participates in conferences with parents, employees, school representatives, and local installation command personnel.
Briefs other employees and parents.
Assessment
Observes children and youth and documents developmental progression and/or concerns and uses the information in planning.
Assists CY Program Assistants with assessment tasks when needed.
Compliance
Ensures assigned area achieves and maintains standards for DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent.
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.
A complete list of duties and responsibilities will be provided at the time of hire.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- This position has been identified as a Test Designated Position (TDP). The incumbent of this position will be subject to and must consent to a pre-employment and random drug testing.
- Must satisfactorily complete all background checks for child care positions, including fingerprint checks, a Tier 1 with Child Care check, and a State Criminal History Repository (SCHR) check.
- Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of all communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate immunization against communicable diseases.
- Must successfully obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as needed.
- Ability to complete required training certificates, and maintain certifications or credentials required by Federal, State, and/or national accreditation institutions used as part of DoD's Child and Youth Programs.
- Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment is required.
- Starting May 7, 2025, non-affiliated individuals requesting access will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to access CNRMA Installations. (review required documents section for more information.)
Qualifications
Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs.
A qualified candidate possesses the following:
- Knowledge of developmentally appropriate programs designed to meet the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs of children and youth from 6 weeks to 18 years of age.
- Knowledge of child and youth development principles, practices, and techniques.
- Skills 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
- Ability to identify and respond to emergency situations.
- Ability to train employees on variety of issues to include recognition and identification of childhood illnesses and child abuse, etc.
- 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 displaying knowledge of and competency in developmentally appropriate programming for children and youth.
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, which can include Recreation, Youth Recreation, Physical Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Social Work, Home Economics with an emphasis in Human Development, or other degrees as appropriate AND 12 months Experience at the CY-II (GSE-04) Level.
**Must provide a copy of your H.S. Diploma, GED, or College Transcripts (showing degree awarded/conferred) when you apply.**
Note: If your degree has not been awarded and/or you possess certificates of completion for DoD approved competency-based training courses, and/or a valid CDA/MSA credential(s), you MUST also provide a copy of your HS Diploma or equivalent.
Additional information
Executive Order 12564 requires a Federal workplace free of illegal drugs. According to the Executive Order, all Federal employees are required to remain drug free throughout their employment. Commander, Navy Installations Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and use of or intoxication by illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service.
Marijuana is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act and therefore use of marijuana is illegal under Federal law regardless of State laws. A positive drug test result for marijuana (or any other drug tested for) will result in withdrawal of the tentative job offer and ineligibility to apply for a position within the Department of Defense for 6 months from the date of the drug test.
All individuals involved in the provision of child care services on a Department of Navy (DON) installation or in a DON-sanctioned program must complete the Installation Records Check (IRC). The IRC includes a check of the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP) records in the Alcohol and Drug Management Information Tracking System (ADMITS) database, a check of the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) records in the Fleet and Family Support Management Information System (FFSMIS), and an installation security/base check via the Navy Justice Information System (NJIS) database and/or other law enforcement systems. This information will be used to determine suitability for the applicant in accordance with criteria for automatic and presumptive disqualifiers, per DoDI 1402.05.
Per Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1402.05 Background Checks on Individuals in DoD Child Care Services Programs, incumbents will be automatically disqualified for a conviction in either civilian or military court (to include any general, special, or summary court-martial conviction or if they received non-judicial punishment [under Article 15 or chapter 47 of Title 10, U.S.C]) for any of the following: a sexual offense, any criminal offense involving a child victim, or a felony drug offense. Additionally, the incumbent will be automatically disqualified if he/she has been held to be negligent in a civil adjudication or administrative proceeding concerning the death of or serious injury to a child or dependent person entrusted to the individual's care.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
This is a Regular Full-Time position with the following benefits: (No enrollment waiting period - immediate enrollment and coverage available)
· Annual Leave - 13 Per Calendar Year (based on percentage earned each pay period) (Must be onboard 90 days before using annual leave).
· Sick Leave - 13 Per Calendar Year (based on percentage earned each pay period)
· Paid Holidays - 11 Per Year
· Medical (vision included) and Dental Insurance
· NAF Retirement Plan
· 401K Savings Investment Plan with employer match up to 3%
· Long Term Disability Plan remove line for RPT
· Basic life insurance with optional life and spouse/dependent coverage
· Medical savings account (FSA)
· Access to Morale, Welfare & Recreation Programs to include Golf Courses, Marinas, Gyms/Fitness Centers, Bowling Centers, Restaurants, Discounted Tickets and Travel options and shopping privileges at the Navy Exchange
Review our benefits
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your experience is subject to evaluation and verification against the information in your resume. The numeric rating you receive is a self-assessment only and is based on your responses to the questionnaire. Do not overstate or understate your level of experience and capability. If a determination is made that you rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, or if your resume lacks sufficient information, you will be rated accordingly or may be considered ineligible.
All resumes will be reviewed to determine if they meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement, and will be rated based on the information provided in the resume to determine the level of knowledge, skill, and ability, related to the job requirements. Using the qualifications of the position, a predetermined rating criterion of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be used for each resume. Best qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews.
Required Documents
The following documents may or may not be required. Required documents will show a red asterisk during documentation upload.
-Resume
-Include name and contact information for at least three (3) professional references in your resume
-Proof of education (transcripts/copy of degree/high school diploma), if applicable to position requirements.
-Proof of certification, if applicable to position requirements.
-If you are a current federal employee, submit your most recent Personnel Action Report (PAR) or SF-50.
-If you are a current federal employee, submit your last three evaluations.
APPLICANTS CLAIMING HIRING PREFERENCE: Please ensure your status is indicated in your USAJOBS account and ALL required documents to claim preference are submitted at the time of resume submission.
WHAT ARE PREFERENCES? Preferences are advantages in the candidate selection process. Individuals can claim the following preferences:
1. Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Qualifying separated employees shall have priority placement in the NAF activity from which they were separated as a result of a Business Based Action (BBA), when the position has substantially the same duties as the position from which they were separated and it is not a higher grade or employment category, provided the position is not being filled by an internal candidate.
To claim this preference, you MUST:
-Submit a copy of your BBA Separation Notification indicating eligibility for RPL.
2. Military Spouse Preference (MSP): Qualifying spouses eligible for MSP are spouses of an active duty military member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including members of the National Guard or Reserves on active duty. The marriage must have occurred before the military member received official permanent change of station (PCS) orders to the installation listed above. MSP is applicable only when applying for NAF positions at the NF-03 and below and equivalent craft and trade (CT) positions.
To claim this preference, you MUST:
-Submit sponsor's PCS orders to installation you are applying for; AND
-If you are not indicated as a spouse on the PCS orders, you MUST submit proof of marriage prior to PCS.
3. Veteran's Preference/Gold Star Veteran's Preference: Qualifying military veterans, and spouses/parents of deceased veterans shall be given employment preference over non-preference applicants if they are equally qualified. Preference applicable for positions open to external candidates.
To claim Veteran's preference, you MUST:
-Submit a copy of your DD-214 (member 4 copy); AND
-Submit completed SF15 from the Veterans Administration (VA); AND
-Submit any other supporting documentation (disability, official statements, proof of service, etc)
To claim Gold Star Veteran's preference, you MUST:
-Submit completed SF-15 from the Veterans Administration (VA); AND
-Submit a legible copy of DD-1300; AND
-Submit any other supporting documentation (official statements, document of service, court decree, etc).
***Qualifying applicants with preferences are considered in the order listed above. Then all other qualifying applicants are considered.
How to Apply
To begin the process, click on the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USA JOBS account.
Application process is submitted through your USA JOBS account. Resumes/ Applications received other than by USA JOBS will be destroyed and will not be considered.
It is the applicant's responsibility to verify all the information in their resume and documents; HR will not modify documents submitted by an applicant. All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in the resume.
Qualifications must be clearly verifiable in your resume. Government positions must include pay plan, series, grade, to and from dates, and government agency/department.
Where a first cut-off date is indicated, a selection may be made from the resumes/applications received as of the specified first cut-off date. Completed applications (resume, supporting documentation, etc.) must be received by 11:59pm Eastern Time on the cut-off/closing date. If more than one resume is received, only the last resume received will be reviewed.
Please see the "REQUIRED DOCUMENTS" section and review the applicant checklist link to determine if there are other documents you are required to submit. You must submit all required documentation or you will not be considered for the position. Failure to submit all the required documentation may result in not be considered for the position.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/16/2025 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12831938
It is your responsibility to ensure your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date.
Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Applicant
To verify or check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account. Once logged in, the Welcome screen lists your applications, your application status and the date it was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status
Next steps
All applicants will be notified regarding their status by email. Applicants will either be contacted by email for an interview or sent an email of non-selection 3-6 weeks after the announcement closing date. Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that communication is performed via email if you do not read your email, provide an inaccurate email address and/ or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.