| Location | CA |
MCCS Job Opening Information
Position/GradeCHILD & YOUTH PROGRAM LEADER (GSE-05) CY2 LocationMCAGCC TWENTYNINE PALMS, CAType of AppointmentFULL TIME
Open Date
04 AUGUST 2026
Close Date
31 JANUARY 2027
THIS POSTING WILL BE OPEN UNTIL FILLED.
CANDIDATES MAY BE SELECTED WHILE THE POSTING IS STILL OPEN.
Who May Apply
ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS
Salary
$28.187350 PER HOUR
$750.00 incentive for eligible applicants with 12-month service agreement.
Hours of Operation
0500-1900 ON THE DAYS THE FACILITY IS OPEN; SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON OPERATIONAL NEEDS OF THE FACILITY.
Contact Informationvacancies.29palms@usmc-mccs.org and 760-830-4606[X] Health Card Required[X] Background Check Required[ ] Gun Control[X] Drug Testing Position (DTP)[ ] Valid Drivers License Required
Job Summary
Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team! MCCS is a comprehensive program that supports and enhances the quality of life for Marines, their families, and others in the Marine Corps Community. We offer a team-oriented environment comprised of military personnel, civilian employees, contractors and volunteers who keep the organization functioning smoothly and effectively. As a service-oriented organization, we never waver in our commitment to our Corps.
This position is located at MCAGCC TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA. Candidates selected for this position will serve as a CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM LEADER CY2 (GSE-05) for MCCS.
Why Choose MCCS?
Here at MCCS, we believe in meaningful connections, opportunities to build and develop skills that will span throughout your entire career and creating positive relationships that will last a lifetime. We provide Marines, Sailors, and families with everyday services and support. We believe in serving those who serve.
Joining our world-renowned team also comes with some amazing benefits. Part-time and Full-time vacancies are eligible for the following Employee Benefits (20-40 hours a week):
Major Duties
INTRODUCTION:
This position serves as a team leader with responsibility for ensuring the program staff provides appropriate developmental care and instruction for children and youth ranging in age from 6 weeks to 18 years in Child and Youth Programs (CYP). The incumbent plans and implements age and developmentally appropriate daily activities, planned experiences, interactions, and field trips. These include a balance of CYP professional-guided and child/youth-initiated experiences that support goals and outcomes for children and youth.
The incumbent works under the written and verbal direction of the supervisor, who provides guidance on scope of assignments and assistance on the more complex, non-routine problems encountered. Work is reviewed in terms of results achieved and adherence to established standards and procedures. Day-to-day assignments are normally performed independently with assistance available from the supervisor when required. The incumbent refers deviations, problems, and unfamiliar situations to the supervisor. The work includes numerous and unrelated processes and procedures concerning the wide variety of activities in a CYP.
The incumbent is expected to apply subject knowledge, ensure policy compliance, and use initiative and creativity in accomplishing plans, outcomes, goals, and objectives. Work is reviewed in terms of overall effectiveness and successful operation of the program, compliance with policies and regulations, and patron and command satisfaction.
The incumbent serves as a mandated reporter as prescribed by local policy in the case of suspected incidences of child abuse and neglect. The incumbent has knowledge of Federal, State and local laws governing the detection, prevention, and reporting of child abuse and/or neglect.
TEAM LEADERSHIP/MENTORING:
Explains program guidance, procedures, policies, and directives to team members. Instructs team members in specific tasks and job techniques; makes available written instructions, reference materials, and supplies. Resolves problems and conflicts or obtains information and guidance from the supervisor.
Relays instructions from the supervisor, makes activity assignments, and gets the work started in accordance with daily activity plans.
Provides on-the-job training and instruction to team members. Demonstrates proper work methods and provides work-related guidance to team members. Models¿ appropriate behaviors and techniques for working with children and youth and continuously monitors team member performance. Reports to the supervisor on performance, progress and training needs of team members, and any performance concerns. Ensures team members follow safety, fire, and fitness, health, and nutrition procedures and informs the supervisor of any compliance concerns.
Provides input to the supervisor, as requested, concerning mastery of skills and concepts. Resolves simple, informal complaints, referring others to the supervisor, and informs team members of available services.
CURRICULUM/PROGRAMMING:
Supports the day-to-day operation and programming of assigned CYP classroom or activity areas. Ensures the implementation of a developmentally appropriate program that promotes the social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth of children and youth in the age categories served.
Serves as a primary caregiver to a group of children/youth. Conducts and documents observations of children used to plan activities, schedules, and routines that address the observed and developmental needs of individual children and youth.
Develops, plans and implements age-appropriate educational lesson plans and schedules. Organizes developmentally appropriate activities based on observed needs and interest of individual children and youth. Creates learning experiences and engages in interactions appropriate for the child or youths age, developmental level, individual needs, and interests.
Implements educationally enriching activities and special events that meet the physical, social, emotional, language, cognitive, life skills, and vocational needs of children and youth using developmentally appropriate guidance techniques and appropriate teaching materials.
Prepares and implements program options for children and youth with special or unique requirements. Monitors and ensures care for children and youth with special needs is applied and modified as needed and discusses concerns with the designated supervisor.
Encourages children and youth to participate in a variety of program areas/activities and provides instruction and constructive feedback to promote the development of life skills. Coordinates and supervises field trips.
Major Duties
CDC AND CHILD/YOUTH ASSESSMENT AS REQUIRED/NEEDED:
Observes and documents developmental progression and/or concerns about children as required. Uses the observations in planning activities and evaluating teaching practices to optimize growth and skill development of children and youth.
Conducts and documents ongoing assessment of children to provide information on and guide developmental progression and learning outcomes.
Oversees observation and assessment tasks, including behavior support and medical/inclusion documentation, ensuring these processes are carried out effectively and efficiently. Uses assessment data to adjust teaching practices and activity planning to meet the individual and collective needs of children.
Provides a written summary of each childs developmental progress, interactions with adults and peers and behaviors and reactions to environments.
Maintains accurate and current informal and formal assessment documentation, noting childs progress across all developmental domains utilizing anecdotal notes, observations and/or examples of childrens work.
Shares and explains observations and information with parents and guardians that promotes an understanding about childrens learning, growth, and development on a regular basis.
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT:
Leads efforts to maintain safe and healthy environments, actively ensuring risks to children are minimized. Conducts daily evaluations of the environment and provides strategic guidance and mentorship to the CY Program Assistant Team.
Works with team members to prepare, arrange, and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials to accommodate daily schedules. Ensures the opening/closing of classrooms on schedule.
Works with the T&C to address challenging areas, as needed. Establishes a program environment that sustains participant interest and promotes positive interactions with other children, youth and adults. Prepares, arranges and maintains indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials to accommodate daily schedules.
Follows health and safety standards when performing diapering, toileting, hand washing, sanitizing surfaces, food service, safe sleep practices, and caring for ill children. Attends promptly to and provides appropriate support for childrens personal hygiene needs.
Secures supplies, equipment, and facilities to maintain safety and to minimize damage or loss. Monitors classroom conditions such as ventilation, lighting, safety, sanitation, and potential hazards to ensure a safe environment for the age groups served.
INTERACTIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS:
Builds secure, positive, and responsive relationships with each child/youth and family. Interacts with children and youth using approved child guidance and youth development techniques. Interacts professionally with staff members, parents, and local installation command personnel. Participates in conferences with parents and staff members, briefs other employees and parents.
Builds and maintains collaborative partnerships with family members, colleagues, organization leadership, and community support agencies on and off installation. Participates in new parent classroom/activity orientations, fosters and developments reciprocal relationships with the families and actively promotes family engagement opportunities within the area of responsibility.
Provides parents with verbal or written feedback about their childs or program activities. Communicates with parents about available resources to include parenting training, counseling services, and resources for developmental or behavioral issues and developmental milestones.
Works collaboratively with other CYP Leaders, parents, Training and Curriculum Specialists, Special Needs Inclusion Coordinators, and if needed, School Liaisons and schools, to support smooth transitions for children/youth as they age up.
The incumbent serves as a liaison with service providers and has other contacts with members of the public, individually or in groups, to include members of national and local early education councils, local school districts, local civic volunteer groups or advisory groups.
May serve as a representative before parent involvement board or training groups, the public, and local civic volunteer groups. Has the ability to build and maintain collaborative partnerships with family members, colleagues, organizational leadership, and community support agencies on and off installation.
Major Duties
SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH: Ensures the supervision, accountability, and oversight of program participants in compliance with the Department of War (DoW), United States Marine Corps (USMC) and local installation policies, standards, and guidance. Assures staff-child ratios are always maintained in assigned classroom/program area.
Maintains awareness and accountability for the whereabouts and safety of all children and youth, aged 6 weeks to 18 years, within the assigned group. Monitors staff-to-child or youth ratios to ensure there is adequate staffing and adjusts in accordance with established procedures to cover breaks and staff absences.
Ensures children and youth (as applicable) depart with authorized person according to written parental instructions and facility procedures. Actively supervises and accounts for the whereabouts and safety of children and youth during daily routines, indoor and outdoor activities, on field trips, specialty outings, and special events.
Responds to minor illness or injury, renders aid as needed, and completes and submits accident/incident report documentation. Observes program participants for signs that may indicate illness, abuse, or neglect and reports as directed.
Arranges for and serves appropriate snacks or meals where applicable.
CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AND OTHER IDENTIFIED NEEDS:
Ensures inclusive programming for children and youth with special needs are implemented within current policy. Ensures CYP staff adheres to policy requirements related to accommodations and specials needs, such as medication administration, acute health related conditions, behavior management, and special dietary restrictions or needs. Ensure staff follows written procedures to prepare and administer medications to include rescue medications in accordance with medical action plans and other regulations. Ensure staff monitors, records, and reports medically undocumented reactions to the supervisor and parents.
Maintains continuous observation of children and youth to detect signs of distress, physical reaction, or negative response to their environment, foods, or other factors and administers
rescue medications according to physician instructions. Follows written procedures to prepare and administer rescue medications in accordance with medical action plans. Monitors, records, and reports medically undocumented reactions to the supervisor and parents. Administers medications and basic care items according to prescribed procedures and CYP medical directives.
Uses written observations, detailed notes, and knowledge of targeted and individualized behavior strategies to inform behavior support plans, provides recommendations to the IAT, and follows Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) (if applicable) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) (if applicable) for appropriate care of children and youth with special needs.
Collaborates with other community resources and CYP professionals to create individual support trackers for children/youth with specified behavior management plans, Inclusion Support Plans, developmental delays, and/or any diagnosed or undiagnosed special needs.
Communicates with parents about available resources including parenting resources and training, counseling services, developmental-behavioral issues, and developmental milestones.
SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE:
Ensures assigned area achieves and maintains standards for DoW certification and national accreditation or equivalent. Ensures compliance with law, policies, and regulations applicable to DoW CY programs.
Ensures facility and program security through impromptu and routine safety checks to include classroom, outdoor areas, access/egress points, as well as scrutiny of indoor/outdoor checks. Submits repair requests for assigned classrooms/activity areas to the Director and ensures temporary mitigations when necessary.
Applies DoW standards to conduct daily health, fire and safety checks and evaluate level of risk with daily activities. Evaluates classroom operations using DoW inspection criteria and applies technical guidance to correct deficiencies. Notifies supervisor of health, fire, and safety compliance concerns and takes immediate action to mitigate whenever feasible.
Performs checks within assigned areas to ensure compliance with DoW health, sanitation, safety, and fire regulations. Conducts daily outdoor and playground safety checks in accordance with national playground standards.
Follows health and safety standards when performing diapering, toileting, hand washing, cleaning/sanitizing/disinfecting surfaces and materials, food service, safe sleep practices, and caring for ill children and youth. Observes program participants and identifies signs of illness, abuse or neglect, emotional distress, and follows mandated reporting protocols.
Identifies and responds to emergency situations including evacuations, child/youth illness, and physical and emotional needs. Completes and submits accident/incident report documentation, as required.
Knowledge of regulations, policies, and standards applicable to the CYP to include the Military Child Care Act, applicable DoW and military Service Instructions as well as Federal, State, and local laws governing the detection, prevention, and reporting of child abuse and/or neglect.
The incumbent must use judgment in interpreting and adapting program policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure effective implementation in support of program goals and objectives.
The incumbent must be able to interpret and adapt guidelines as needed to fit specific child/youth needs at any given time. When necessary, the incumbent recommends additions amendments to guidelines as the result of evaluation of programs and services and the determination of specific needs.
Inventories equipment on a recurring basis and recommends replenishing damaged, missing, and depleted supplies. Safeguards supplies and equipment.
Major Duties
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assists in collection of program participation data and completing required reports and forms. Completes designated training requirements.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
The incumbent is required to have mobility necessary to ensure safety of children and youth and engage in repetitive actions such as walking, standing, bending, stooping, and sitting on the floor.
The work involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of a wide variety of child and youth activities, programs, and services, such as exposure to disease or injuries.
The incumbent must have the visual and auditory capabilities to supervise children and youth, to comply with sight and sound supervision requirements and to provide immediate responses when applicable.
The incumbent must communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing to communicate with CYP team and customers, prepare reports and plans, and document observations.
Majority of the work is performed in the CYP facility, including classroom settings, activity areas, and outdoor areas, with occasional indoor and outdoor field trips.
Duties may involve working both indoors and outdoors. Classrooms and office areas are adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.
The incumbent may work an uncommon tour of duty to include evenings and weekends to accommodate varying program operating schedules.
Performs Other Duties as Assigned
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYEMENT:
This position has been identified as having regular contact with children under the age of 18. In accordance with Section 231 of the Crime Control Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-647 codified at 34 U.S.C. § 20351) and DoD Instruction 1402.05, favorably adjudicated background checks are required.
Position is subject to immunization requirements as a condition of employment for working with children and youth. Employee is required to obtain appropriate immunization against communicable diseases in accordance with recommendations from the Advisory committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which includes the influenza vaccine.
Must pass a pre-employment physical and subsequent physical, thereafter, provide evidence of immunization and be free from communicable disease.
Must complete all DoW and Service training requirements within the specified time including orientation, initial, and annual ongoing training requirements, and any required certifications. Must maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications. This position is identified as a Test Designated Position (TDP). The incumbent is subject to random drug testing because duties must be performed with a high level of productivity, reliability and judgment to prevent adversely affecting personnel safety, and causing risk/damage to government property, and/or significant adverse impact to day-to-day operations. A positive drug test, or failure to submit for testing, may become the basis for removal from this position.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Must be 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma (or equivalent). Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing. Be able to lift and carry children and objects up to 45lbs independently and over 45lbs with assistance.
In addition to the above, candidates must possess a minimum of one years experience at the next lower grade working in group program with children/youth as well as demonstrated knowledge in theories and principals of child and youth development.
Completion of DoW standardized training courses.
OR
A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Military School-Age (MSA) credential OR Associates degree in early childhood, elementary, or secondary education; child and youth development, or special education, or related field which includes a major course of study (24 semester hours) with content directly related to the age group to which assigned, from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university.
OR
Bachelors degree or advanced degree in early childhood, elementary, or secondary education; child and youth development, or special education, or related field which includes a major course of study (24 semester hours) with content directly related to the age group to which assigned, from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university.
How To Apply
All applications must be submitted online via the MCCS Careers website: https://careers.usmc-mccs.org. Resumes/applications emailed or mailed will not be considered for this vacancy announcement. To be considered for employment, the application or resume must be submitted online by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement.
Please include the below list of required documents with your application:
Note: For positions that require a degree, certification, and/or specific education requirements (e.g., a minimum number of credit hours toward a degree), applicants must submit supporting documentation (e.g., transcripts, diplomas, certifications) at the time of application. Applications that do not include the required documentation may be determined ineligible, as minimum qualifications cannot be verified.
If you are using an employment preference, please ensure your application includes the correct required documents to verify eligibility:
Military Spouses
Veterans
Copy of DD214 citing general or honorable discharge.
Persons with Disabilities
Proof of Disability Documentation from: doctor, licensed medical professional, licensed rehabilitation professional, or any federal, state, District of Columbia, or US territory agency that issues or provides disability benefits.
Be advised - the Family Member Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP) can help assist all Military affiliated family members and Veterans with their job search. The FMEAP offers a range of services, including job search assistance, resume support, mock interviews, and more. To access these resources, please call 760-830-4030 or email plmsppd@usmc.mil.
Closing Statement
Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your MCCS user account and review your application status.
SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION: If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, and are at least 18 years of age, government employment requires that you must register with the Selective Service System, unless you meet certain exemptions. You must be able to show proof of registration or your exemption, as part of the required suitability background investigation.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Applicants are assured of equal consideration regardless of race, age, color, religion, national origin, sex, GINA, political affiliation, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, marital status, physical handicap which has no bearing on the ability to perform the duties of the position. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
It is Department of Navy (DON) policy to provide a workplace free of discrimination and retaliation. The DON No Fear Act policy link is provided for your review: https://www.donhr.navy.mil/NoFearAct.asp.
As part of the employment process, Human Resources Division may obtain a Criminal Record Check and/or an Investigative Consumer Report. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI). For all positions requiring access to firearms or ammunition, the Federal Government is prohibited from employing individuals in these positions who have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, or a felony crime of domestic violence adjudged on or after 27 November 2002. Selectees for such positions must submit a completed DD Form 2760, Qualification to Possess Firearms or Ammunition, before a final job offer can be made.
Direct Deposit of total NET pay is mandatory as a condition of employment for all appointments to positions within MCCS.
This activity is a Drug-free workplace. The use of illegal drugs by NAF employees, whether on or off duty, cannot and will not be tolerated. Federal employees have a right to a safe and secure workplace, and Marines, sailors, and their family members have a right to a reliable and productive Federal workforce.
Involuntarily separated members of the armed forces and eligible family members applying through the Transition Assistance Program must submit a written request/statement (may be obtained from the MCCS Human Resources Office) and present ID card with "TA" stamped in red on front of card.
IF APPLICABLE, INDIVIDUALS SELECTED FROM THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE CHANGED TO PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME AT MANAGEMENTS DISCRETION WITHOUT FURTHER COMPETITION.
ALL ONLINE APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 1159PM EASTERN TIME (ET) ON THE CLOSING DATE LISTED IN THE JOB POSTING.