Child and Youth Program Assistant

Full Job Description

About the position: This position is located at the Shima No Ko School Age Care on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan.

Department of the Air Force Child and Youth Programs Employee Child Care Discount applicable to this position (see Additional Information).

Pay will be set based on experience and education and/or certification: Leader Level: $22.27 Who May Apply: Open to everyone.

Applicants will be categorized by preference(s) and/or priority consideration eligibilities.

An applicant's eligibility will be determined based on eligibility claimed in the questionnaire and proof of eligibility MUST be provided with application by the closing date, 01/30/2026 Business Based Action Family Member Preference Military Spouse Preference Outside Applicant Veteran Spouse/Widow/Parent of Veteran Transition Hiring Preference The Area of Consideration for this vacancy announcement is US Citizens and legal US residents in Okinawa, Japan.

Legal US residents must possess a social security number and be citizens of a NATO country. Must be able to provide documentation proving residence status overseas.

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social).

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application.

Qualifying Experience: LEADER LEVEL Must be at least 18 years of age, hold a high school diploma (or equivalent) and must speak, read and write English.

Must satisfactorily complete mandatory training as specified below. Must possess maturity and good judgment and like working with children/youth and their parents.

SPECIALIZED REQUIREMENT: One year at the CY-02 Target Level or equivalent.

Must have completed an Associate of Arts degree in early childhood education, youth development, or related fields or have a Child Development Associate credential or a Youth Development credential (must remain current).

Major Duties:

CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT (ALL LEVELS): The incumbent will serve as a Child and Youth Program Assistant (CYPA) in one or more child and youth programs and will be accountable for the whereabouts and safety of children and youth.

Provides care/supervision, oversight and accountability for program participants.

Assists in preparing age appropriate activities; supervises children and youth during indoor and outdoor activities, on field trips, outings and special events; arranges and serves snacks/meals.

Executes work in accordance with policies and regulations. May be required to transport children in government vehicles.

CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT (LEADER LEVEL): Serves as a team leader for program staff with responsibility for the operation and program in accordance with applicable regulations in one or more child and youth programs.

Accountable for the whereabouts and safety of children and youth. Oversees arrival/departure of children/youth.

Supervises children and youth ranging in age from 6 weeks to 18 years during daily schedule of indoor and outdoor activities, on field trips, outings and special events.

Works in ratio with children and youth. Encourages participant interest and establishes a program setting that promotes positive child and youth interactions with other children, youth and adults.

Monitors staff/child or youth ratios to ensure adequate staffing. Plans, coordinates and conducts activities for program participants based on observed needs of individual children/youth.

Prepares and implements program options for children and youth with special requirements.

Works with trainer and supervisor to implement activities and special events that meet the physical, social, emotional and cognitive needs of children and youth.

Works with team members to prepare, arrange and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials to accommodate daily schedule.

Assist children and youth with special projects, homework and life skills. Interacts with children and youth using approved child guidance and youth development techniques.

Interacts professionally with staff members, parents, supervisors and volunteers. Participates in conferences with parents, program staff, and other representatives (as applicable).

Briefs other employees and parents. Notes special instructions provided by parents.

Ensures children and youth (as applicable) depart with an authorized person according to written parental instruction. Provides opportunities for parental involvement.

Instructs team members in specific tasks and job techniques; makes available written instructions, reference materials, and supplies.

Explains program guidance, procedures, polices and directives to team members. Resolves problems and conflict situations or obtains information and guidance from supervisor.

Demonstrates proper work methods and provides work-related guidance to subordinates. Models appropriate behaviors and techniques for working with children/youth.

Conducts on-the-job training and instruction for team members. Ensures team members follow safety, fire, fitness, health and nutrition procedures and informs supervisor of compliance concerns.

Relays instructions from the supervisor, makes activity assignments and gets work started in accordance with the daily activity plan.

Provides input to the supervisor as requested concerning promotions, reassignments, performance appraisals, incentive awards, etc.

Observes program participants for signs that may indicate illness, abuse or neglect and reports as directed. Arranges for/serves appropriate snacks/meals, where applicable.

Inventories equipment on a recurring basis and recommends replenishing damaged, missing and depleted supplies. Secures supplies, equipment, and facilities.

Collects, maintains and reports program participation data. Uses designated evaluation materials to ensure assigned area is in compliance with AF standards and metrics.

Ensures assigned area achieves and maintains standards for DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent.

Provides care/supervision to children and youth ranging in age from 6 weeks to 18 years.

Provides care/supervision, oversight, and accountability for program participants in compliance with AF and local policies, guidance, and standards.

Ensures compliance with policies and regulations applicable to AF Child and Youth Programs. Acts as manager in non-routine/emergency situations for purposes of opening/closing of facility.

Performs other related duties as assigned. If interested in this position please preview the online application: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12872558