Child and Youth Program Assistant (CY-01/02)

Role overview

This position supports Child and Youth Services programs by delivering care, supervision, and age-appropriate guidance for children and young people from 6 weeks through 18 years old. The role involves helping maintain a safe, structured, and engaging environment across daily routines, activities, events, and outings.

What you will do

• Provide developmental care and instruction suited to children and youth in the program.
• Monitor children and youth closely during indoor and outdoor routines, special events, outings, and field trips, while maintaining awareness of their location and safety.
• Support the delivery of planned activities, schedules, and routines using prepared lesson materials, curriculum, and activity plans for both group and individual participation.
• Assist with serving or arranging snacks and meals as needed.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies such as evacuations, illness, and the physical or emotional needs of children and youth.

Employment conditions

• Direct deposit and a Social Security card are required.
• Candidates must satisfy all qualification, eligibility, and background screening requirements.
• A probationary period of one year may apply.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of appointment.
• This role involves regular contact with minors under 18 and is covered by applicable child protection requirements and Department of Defense instructions.
• Favorable background adjudication is mandatory.
• Immunization compliance is required, including vaccines recommended for communicable disease prevention such as influenza.
• A pre-employment physical and later periodic physicals are required, along with proof of immunization and confirmation that the employee is free from communicable disease.
• For Child Development Center assignments, the employee must be physically able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs and regularly walk, bend, stoop, and stand.
• The employee must have the visual and hearing ability needed for sight-and-sound supervision and immediate response.
• Suspected child abuse or neglect must be reported as required by law.
• All required Department of Defense and service-specific training, orientation, initial training, annual training, and certifications must be completed on time; current CPR and First Aid certification must be maintained.
• Failure to meet training standards with demonstrated competence may lead to separation.
• The schedule may include evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on program needs.
• Work may take place indoors and outdoors.
• Occasional field trips and travel to on-post and off-post locations may be required.

Qualifications by level

Entry level (CY-01): Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and be able to communicate clearly in English, both spoken and written.

Skill level (CY-01): Applicants must meet the entry-level requirements, have at least 6 months of experience working in group programs with children or youth, and have completed entry-level standardized Department of Defense training, an equivalent industry training program, or 6 semester hours of college coursework in early childhood, elementary, or secondary education, child and youth development, or special education.

Target level (CY-02): Applicants must meet the entry-level requirements, have at least 12 months of experience in group programs with children or youth, show knowledge of child and youth development principles, and have completed skill-level standardized Department of Defense training, or hold a CDA or Military School-Age credential, or have 12 semester hours of directly related college coursework in approved fields such as early childhood education, child and youth development, special education, human development, youth program administration, recreation for children and youth, physical education, or directly related behavioral sciences.

Education

A high school diploma or GED is required at minimum. Proof of education must be submitted with the application. Education must be directly related to the job; general education coursework does not count toward the credit requirement. All education documents must be in English or accompanied by a translation. To meet entry-level requirements, applicants must upload a high school diploma, high school transcript showing completion date, GED certificate, or proof of a college degree. For higher levels, college transcripts or certificates are needed to verify qualifying coursework or credentials.

Additional information

• This opportunity is open to candidates living in Europe, including those eligible for Military Spouse Preference, Involuntarily Separated Military Preference, and Family Member Preference.
• If online application is not possible, applicants may request and submit a paper application through the servicing NAF Human Resources office listed in the agency contact section.
• Completed applications, resumes, and any supporting documents must be submitted by 3:00 PM CST on 07/29/2026.
• Incomplete applications, including missing questionnaire responses, may be rated ineligible.
• Permanent Change of Station costs are not authorized.
• The position is part of a pay-banded system, and Sunday premium pay or night differential may be approved by the Garrison Commander.
• Foreign overseas allowances, post allowance, and other differentials may be payable.
• Applicants must comply with the Exceptional Family Member Program.
• Applications may remain active for 90 days and may be referred for future vacancies during that period.
• This announcement may be used to fill multiple openings, and staff may be assigned where mission needs require.
• This is an open continuous announcement intended to build a ready pool of candidates.
• Regular full-time roles offer a minimum 40-hour workweek and benefits.
• Regular part-time roles offer a minimum 20-hour workweek and benefits.
• Flexible roles have no minimum workweek and are not eligible for benefits.
• U.S. citizens overseas under ordinarily resident status are not eligible for appointment under the Status of Forces Agreement. In NATO countries, hiring under U.S. conditions is limited by the NATO SOFA to nationals of a NATO country who are not being employed under the conditions of their country of citizenship.
• Candidates are expected to support an efficient federal government, uphold constitutional principles, and contribute to the Department of Defense mission through Army Non-Appropriated Funds employment.
• Army NAF employment may include access to on-base facilities such as fitness centers and libraries, along with opportunities for training, education, certification, and advancement.
• Regular full-time and part-time employees may be eligible for health and life insurance, 401(k) and retirement plans, paid personal time off, and federal holidays.
• Flexible employees in qualifying circumstances may participate in the NAF 401(k) plan, and some may also be eligible for health insurance.

Benefits and conditions summary

This role is tied to Army Non-Appropriated Funds employment and may include overseas allowances, premium pay, and access to employee benefits depending on work status and eligibility.