Child and Youth Program Assistant; Youth Center

Summary

CYP Assistants work directly with children and youth, keeping them actively engaged, well‑cared for, and safe while participating in the CYP. The day includes helping children develop social skills, make healthy choices, build self‑help and school readiness skills, and explore the environment around them.

• Open & closing dates: 02/19/2026 to 03/05/2026
• Salary: $21.55 to $24.20 per hour, up to $2,000 in retention bonuses & time‑off awards
• Pay scale & grade: CY 1 – 2
• Location:
  
  Indian Head, MD (1 vacancy)
• Remote job:
  No
• Telework eligible:
  No
• Travel required:
  
  Not required
• Relocation expenses reimbursed:
  No
• Appointment type:
  Permanent
• Work schedule:
  
  Intermittent – 0–40 hrs per week; flexible hours 6‑am to 6‑pm, may include weekends/evenings for training
• Service:
  Competitive
• Promotion potential: 2
• Supervisory status:
  No
• Drug test:
  Yes
• Control number:
• Announcement number: 26‑

Responsibilities are grouped into categories:

• Curriculum
  Develop, review, and implement schedules and activity plans; incorporate individual needs and special instructions; demonstrate and facilitate planned activities; promote safety, fitness, health, and nutrition; serve appropriate snacks or meals.
• Indoor and Outdoor Environment
  Prepare and maintain activity areas; set up displays; inventory supplies; secure equipment and facilities.
• Interactions and Relationships
  Create a positive program environment; use approved child guidance and youth development techniques.
• Supervision of Children and Youth
  Provide care and supervision; maintain control and accountability; supervise during activities and outings; ensure authorized departure; observe for signs of illness or abuse; report as directed; mandatory reporter to Family Advocacy and Child Protective Services as required.
• Parent and Employee Communication
  Interact professionally with employees, parents, and local command personnel; provide feedback; participate in conferences.
• Assessment
  Observe and document development; participate in program evaluation using rating scales and tools.
• Compliance
  Assist in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation; ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
• Additional Responsibilities
  Collect, maintain, and report participation data; perform other duties as assigned.

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Complete required training certificates; maintain certifications required by federal, state, or national accreditation institutions.
• Pass all applicable records and background checks.
• Undergo pre‑employment and random drug testing.
• Pass a pre‑employment physical; be free of communicable diseases; obtain appropriate immunizations.
• Employment contingent upon proof of education if not provided at time of application.
• Use of marijuana is illegal; a positive drug test results in withdrawal of offer and 6‑month ineligibility.
• Position is a Test Designated Position; subject to pre‑employment and random drug testing.
• From May 7, 2025, non‑affiliated individuals must provide a REAL ‑compliant driver’s license or another accepted form of  access.

• Entry Level (CY‑1702‑01)
  Ability to communicate effectively in English; follow instructions; complete DoN training; promote working relationships; work as a team member.
• Intermediate Level (CY‑1702‑01)
  All entry‑level abilities plus: knowledge of child and youth development principles; implement developmentally appropriate practices; interpret curriculum; plan and organize; six months of experience with children or youth.
• Target Level (CY‑1702‑02)
  All intermediate abilities plus: knowledge of development principles; implement practices; work as a team; verbal communication skills; one year of experience; and select one of: completed DoD training; valid CDA/MSA credential; or a 2‑year degree in early childhood education or related field.

• Must provide a copy of your H.S. Diploma, GED, or College Transcripts
  .
• Entry Level – 18+ years, high school diploma or equivalent.
• Intermediate Level – 18+ years, high school diploma or equivalent, six months experience, and completion of Navy entry‑level training (equivalent accepted).
• Target Level – 18+ years, high school…