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

Role overview

This position supports Child and Youth Services programming by delivering age-appropriate care, guidance, and supervision for children and young people from 6 weeks through 18 years old. The job is based in Wiesbaden, Hesse, Germany and is a regular full-time onsite role.

Key duties

• Provide developmental care and learning support for children and youth across the full age range served by CYS programs.
• Maintain active supervision and ensure the safety and location awareness of children and youth during everyday routines, indoor and outdoor play, excursions, field trips, and special events.
• Support the delivery of planned activities, routines, and schedules using prepared lesson plans, curriculum materials, and activity supplies for both group and one-on-one participation.
• Assist with preparing and serving snacks or meals as needed.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to urgent situations, including evacuations, illness, and children’s physical or emotional needs.

Conditions of employment

• Direct deposit and a Social Security card are required.
• Applicants must meet all qualification, eligibility, and background screening requirements.
• A one-year probationary period may apply.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of appointment.
• Because this role involves regular contact with minors, the position is subject to the applicable child-safety and background-check requirements under relevant law and DoD policy.
• Final favorable background adjudication is required.
• Immunization compliance is mandatory, including flu vaccination requirements where applicable.
• Pre-employment and follow-up physical examinations 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 able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs and regularly bend, stoop, walk, and stand.
• The employee must have the visual and hearing ability needed to supervise children and youth in line with sight-and-sound supervision standards and to respond immediately when required.
• Suspected child abuse or neglect must be reported as required by law.
• All required DoD and service training, including orientation, initial training, annual continuing training, and any certifications, must be completed on time. Current CPR and First Aid certifications must be maintained.
• Failure to complete required training with demonstrated competence may lead to separation.
• Work schedules may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and other nonstandard shifts to support program operations.
• Work may take place indoors and outdoors, and occasional outdoor or indoor field trips may be required.

Qualifications by level

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

Skill level (CY-01): Candidates must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, communicate effectively in English, have at least 6 months of experience in group programs with children or youth, and have completed entry-level DoD standardized training or equivalent industry training, or 6 semester hours of related college coursework in early childhood, elementary or secondary education, child and youth development, or special education.

Target level (CY-02): Candidates must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, communicate effectively in English, have at least 12 months of experience in group programs with children or youth, and demonstrate knowledge of child and youth development. They must also complete skill-level DoD standardized training or hold a CDA, Military School-Age credential, or 12 semester hours of related college coursework in approved subject areas.

Education

A high school diploma or GED is the minimum education requirement. Proof of education must be provided with the application. Education must be directly related to the role; general education courses do not count toward the credit total. All education records must be in English or accompanied by a translation. Applicants seeking entry-level consideration must upload proof of high school completion, GED, transcript showing completion date, or a college degree. Higher-level qualification claims require transcripts or certificates verifying the relevant coursework or credentials.

Additional information

This opening is available to candidates worldwide, including those eligible under Military Spouse Preference, Family Member Preference, and Involuntarily Separated Military Preference. It is an open continuous announcement used to build a pool of candidates, and referrals may be made as vacancies arise. After application, the submission may remain active for 90 days and can be referred for newly opened positions during that period. The announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies, and management may assign staff where mission needs require.

If online application is not possible, a paper application may be submitted by contacting the servicing NAF Human Resources representative or office listed in the agency contact section. Completed applications, resumes, and all supporting documents must be submitted by 3:00 PM CST on 12/28/2026 for timely processing. Missing answers or incomplete applications may result in an ineligible rating.

Permanent Change of Station costs will not be paid because relocation is not considered in the Government’s interest.

The role is part of a pay-banded system. Sunday premium pay and night differential pay may be approved by the Garrison Commander for regularly scheduled employees. Foreign overseas allowances, post allowance, and other differentials may be available. Overseas employment may include additional benefits and entitlements.

Applicants must comply with the Exceptional Family Member Program. The role is subject to overseas employment rules, including limitations that may apply to U.S. citizens overseas under ordinarily resident status and NATO SOFA restrictions for individuals employed in their country of citizenship in NATO countries.

Applicants are expected to support the mission and values of the federal government and uphold the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits and work patterns

Army NAF employment offers career growth opportunities in childcare, recreation, hospitality, and related areas, along with training, education, certification, and access to on-base facilities such as fitness centers and libraries.

Regular full-time and regular part-time employees may enroll in health and life insurance, 401(k) and retirement plans, paid personal time off, and federal holidays. Flexible employees in qualifying situations may participate in the NAF 401(k) plan, and some may also qualify for health insurance.

Employment may be structured as regular full-time with a minimum 40-hour work week and benefits, regular part-time with a minimum 20-hour work week and benefits, or flexible with no minimum weekly hours and no benefits.

About the work

This position plays a direct role in supporting military and civilian families through child and youth programming. It requires dependable supervision, calm decision-making, strong compliance awareness, and the ability to work with children safely in varied settings.