MCCS Job Opening Information
Position/Grade: CHILD & YOUTH PROGRAM LEADER (GSE-05) CY2 Location: MCAGCC TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA Type of Appointment: FULL TIME Open Date: 16 JANUARY 2026 Close Date: 15 JULY 2026 THIS POSTING WILL BE OPEN UNTIL FILLED. CANDIDATES MAY BE SELECTED WHILE THE POSTING IS STILL OPEN.
Who May Apply All qualified applicants
Salary: $24.75 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. *Applicants selected from this advertisement may be scheduled at any CYP facility
Contact Information vacancies.29palms@usmc-mccs.org and 760-830-4606
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): 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to 5% employer match NAF Pension Plan, employee contribution only 1% (may be eligible to buy back up to 5 years of military service) Medical and Dental Insurance Inexpensive life insurance (up to 3X annual salary) Flexible spending accounts (Health and Dependent Care) Short Term Disability Insurance (up to 60% of annual salary) Immediate annual and sick leave accrual Tax-free shopping Professional training opportunities to build and develop new skills Access to MCCS facilities such as the child development centers, gyms, movie theaters, bowling centers, pools, golf course, auto skills center, outdoor recreation, and more! First priority for childcare placement, 100% off first child, 25% off each additional child enrolled.
Major Duties
SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Serves as a Child and Youth Programs (CYP) team leader for program staff with responsibility for the operation and program in accordance with (IAW) applicable regulations in one or more programs. 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. Routine day-to-day assignments are normally performed independently with technical assistance available from the supervisor when required. Routine assignments are spot-checked; the more technical assignments are closely reviewed for adherence to policies, procedures, and instructions.
Maintains control and accounts for the whereabouts and safety of children and youth ranging in age from 6 weeks to 18 years. Oversees arrival and departure and supervises participants during daily schedule of indoor and outdoor activities and on field trips, outings, and special events. Works within prescribed staff-to-participant ratio.
Encourages participants interest and establishes a program setting that promotes positive interactions with other children, youth, and adults. Monitors staff-to-participant ratios to ensure adequate staffing. Plans, coordinates, and conducts activities for program participants based on observed needs of individual children and youth. Prepares and implements program options for participants with special needs. Works with Training & Curriculum Specialist and supervisors to implement activities and special events that meet the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs of participants. Works with CYP team members to prepare, arrange, and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials to accommodate daily schedules. Assists participants with special projects, homework, and life skills.
Interacts with participants using appropriate approved child guidance and youth development techniques. Interacts professionally with staff members, parents, and local installation command personnel. Participates in conferences with parents, program staff, school representatives, and local installation command personnel. Briefs other employees and parents. Notes special instructions provided by parents. Ensures participants (as applicable) depart with an authorized person according to written parental instructions. 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, policies, and directives to team members. Resolves problems and conflicts or obtains information and guidance from the supervisor. Demonstrates proper work methods, guides and mentors Program Assistants. Models appropriate behaviors and techniques for working with children and youth. Provides on-the-job training and instruction to 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 assignment, and gets the work started in accordance with daily activity plans. Provides input to the supervisor as requested concerning promotions, reassignments, performance evaluations, and incentive awards, etc.
Administers medications and basic care items to participants according to prescribed procedures and CYP medical directives. Observes program participants for signs that may indicate illness, abuse, or neglect and reports as directed. Sets up displays and bulletin boards. Arranges for and serves appropriate snacks or 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 Department of Defense (DoD), United States Marine Corps (USMC), and local installation command baseline standards and metrics. Ensures assigned area achieves and maintains standards for DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent. Provides care and supervision, oversight, and accountability for program participants in compliance with DoD, USMC, and local installation command policies, guidance, and standards.
Completes training requirements using approved Office of Secretary of Defense and Service materials to include DoD approved competency training courses. Ensures compliance with law, policies, and regulations applicable to DoD CYP. Performs other related duties as assigned. May work a fluctuating work schedule to complete work assignments outside of the typical work hours.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Be 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, have the ability to speak, read, and write English, follow verbal and written instructions and communicate effectively orally and in writing. Be able to lift and carry children and objects up to 45lbs independently and over 45lbs with assistance. Activities may require incumbent to obtain a government drivers license (to include driving a government vehicle while transporting children).
In addition to the above, candidate must possess:
24 months working in a USMC or other military service childcare or youth program, completion of DoD approved competency training courses.
Two years of experience working in a childcare or youth program, plus possess and maintain one of the following directly related to the age group of the position to which assigned: Child Development Associate Credential, Military School Age Credential, or other nationally recognized Youth Development Credential.
Two years of experience working in a childcare or youth program, plus an associates degree which includes a major course of study (24 semester hours) with content directly related to the age group to which assigned (for example, Child Development Centers: Early Childhood Education/Child Development, Elementary Education, and Special Education. School Age: Elementary Education, Child Development, Youth Development, and Special Education. Youth Services: Youth Development, Secondary Education, Human Development, Youth Program Administration, Recreation, and Physical Education).
Two years of experience working in a childcare or youth program, plus a bachelors degree which includes a major course or study (24 semester hours) with content as indicated above.
Applicants meeting BEST QUALIFIED Criteria will be considered before candidates only meeting minimum qualifications of the position. Best Qualified Criteria: One year experience working as a Child and Youth Program Assistant (Target Level 4) CY-II for any Service CYP or equivalent.
Must be able to obtain and maintain TIER-1 Child Care (CNACI) background checks which are required for positions that involve working with children under 18 years of age. Must pass a pre-employment physical and annual physicals thereafter, provide evidence of immunization and be free from communicable disease. Must complete all DoD training requirements within the specified time including orientation, initial, DoD approved competency training courses, and annual ongoing training requirements, and required certifications, if any. Must maintain current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid certifications.
Note: 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.
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