Job summary

SUMMARY: The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the early childhood education specialist or youth development specialist for child and youth programs including child development centers, family child care, school-age, youth programs, and unique child care programs. To train program staff, volunteers, contractors, family child care providers, administrative, and food service staff.

Major duties

Oversees curricula for child development centers, family child care programs, school-age, youth programs and other unique children's programs. Creates a work environment that supports ongoing professional development and continuous quality improvement through observation, coaching, mentoring, collaborative learning, training and reflective practice. Supports children who may have special needs or complex behaviors. Develops plans to improve overall operations, correct identified deficiencies, and enhance developmental programs and services. Represents all programs with a variety of installation and functional area organizations.

Qualification

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED: This position has been identified as having "regular contact with children". In accordance with (IAW) Public Law 101-647 Section 231, and Public Law 102-190, Section 1094 and DoD Instruction 1402.05, background checks are required. DD Form 2981 Basic Criminal History and Statement of Admission, Installation Records, FBI fingerprint, and Tier 1 with a State Criminal History Repository (SCHR) checks will be completed on any person selected for this position. Renewal every five years of the Installation Records, FBI Fingerprint and SCHR is required with annual review of DD Form 2981. This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-1701, General Education and Training Series. BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Degree: that included or was supplemented by major study in child development or early childhood education. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) with your application. OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Courses equivalent to a major in child development or early childhood education, plus appropriate experience or additional course work that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study described above. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) with your application. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes 1) Using professional knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of early childhood development and youth development encompassing infant through school-age, youth and teens and child and youth development theories, methodology, and practices. 2) Providing knowledge of child care regulation requirements and policies. 3) Developing curricula which supports physical, emotional, social, cognitive development of children and youth. 4) Developing supports that accommodate children with special needs and children with challenging behaviors. 5) Developing, adapting, and providing training to staff members, volunteers, family child care providers and parents, as well as food service and administrative staff. 6) Using the administration and interpretation of the environmental, program, and child abuse probability assessments. 7) Communicating effectively orally and in writing. OR EDUCATION: Two (2) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in child development or early childhood education. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) with your application. OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Applicants have a combination of experience and education to qualify for this position and the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) with your application. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in­-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS- 09 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Professional knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of early childhood development and youth development encompassing infant through school-age, youth and teens and child and youth development theories, methodology, and practices. Knowledge of child care regulation requirements and policies. Skill in developing curricula which supports physical, emotional, social, cognitive development of children and youth. Skill in developing supports that accommodate children with special needs and children with challenging behaviors. Skill in developing, adapting, and providing training to staff members, volunteers, family child care providers and parents, as well as food service and administrative staff. Skill in the administration and interpretation of the environmental, program, and child abuse probability assessments. Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Evaluations

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. BASIS OF RATING: Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable. Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements. Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements. Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements. The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here. Applicants who meet the requirements for and apply as a non-competitive eligible that meet minimal qualifications and other requirements of this position, will be given consideration as a non-competitive candidate and will be referred unless blocked by an individual with priority/preference. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.