Social Service Specialist

Final date to receive applications: 3/8/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)

Job
-00753

Position:
Social Service Specialist

Pay Grade: 16

Salary: $67,204.32 Annually

Employment Type:

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

for more details on state employment.

Hiring Agency:
Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Juvenile Justice

Location:

Location Varies across HENDERSON, HOPKINS, MUHLENBERG, MCLEAN, UNION, CRITTENDEN, AND WEBSTER COUNTIES.

Description

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice is a multi-faceted agency that serves juveniles of the Commonwealth. While striving to hold youth accountable for their actions, the Department creates opportunities for sentenced, committed, probated, or detained youth to develop social and career skills that will equip them for re-entry into their communities as productive and responsible citizens.

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) seeks to serve youth in the least restrictive, appropriate placement possible. We aspire to be a premier team of professionals committed to providing life-changing services resulting in the positive transformation of children, families, and communities.

For more information about the Department of Juvenile Justice please visit: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

This is a highly responsible position in the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The employee is expected to perform all duties to the best of their ability, act in a responsible manner at all times, demonstrate leadership qualities, and treat all staff, youth, and persons with respect. This is a demanding position that requires maturity, reliability, and self-discipline. Career growth and advancement are encouraged through training and mentoring opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates, evaluates, and monitors services provided through Alternatives to Detention Program. Assists courts and agencies in evaluation and placement of detained youth.
• Provides intense supervision and case management for youth placed in alternatives to detention. Works closely with court system to provide alternative to detention services for eligible youth.
• Serves as court liaison for detention services. Provides reports and technical assistance to courts and related agencies aiding in final decisions of the courts.
• Interprets, implements, and recommends policy regarding Alternatives to Detention Program services. Provides weekly, monthly, and annual reports to Central Office regarding alternatives program activity.
• Maintains a confidential electronic database for all youth served in alternative programs.
• Monitors detention admissions for compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. Monitors contracted services.
• Provides professional and technical assistance to department staff regarding Alternatives to Detention services. Attends meetings and trainings as required.
• Travel is required to visit clients and/or families at their residence.

Minimum Requirements
Education: A master's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related field
Experience, Training, or

Skills:

Must have three years of professional social work experience.
Substitute EDUCATION for

EXPERIENCE:

NONE
Substitute EXPERIENCE for

EDUCATION:

A bachelor's degree supplemented by five years of professional social work experience will substitute for the primary education and experience requirements.
Special Requirements (Age, Licensure, Regulation, Etc.): If employed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice, an employee in this job classification must furnish to the appointing authority within one month of employment documentation that he/she possesses a valid driver's license. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification.

Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials. Working Conditions

Performs job duties in an office/facility setting and visits clients and/or families at their residence.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Cassie Hall l or .

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

#J-18808-Ljbffr