Youth Worker

Youth Worker I

Pay Grade: 10. Salary: $37,778.40 Annually. Shift Premium: $2.13 an hour between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.; $1.13 an hour between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.; $2.13 per hour on weekends and holidays.

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice is a multi‑faceted agency that serves juveniles of the Commonwealth. It seeks to hold youth accountable while providing 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 citizens. The agency strives to serve youth in the least restrictive, appropriate placement possible and aspires to be a premier team of professionals committed to providing life‑changing services that positively transform children, families, and communities.

This highly responsible position is part of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The employee is expected to perform all duties to the best of their ability, act responsibly at all times, demonstrate leadership qualities, and treat all staff, youth, and persons with respect. The role requires maturity, reliability, and self‑discipline, and offers opportunities for career growth through training and mentoring.

• Maintain custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting.
• Supervise and monitor activities of DJJ juveniles; assist youth in interpersonal skill development.
• Escort juveniles between various institutional areas; take appropriate action during emergencies to prevent escapes and suppress disorder.
• Maintain shift logs on juveniles' activities, notify supervisors of issues, complete incident reports, and assist juveniles in complaint procedures.
• Perform counts and/or wellness checks for juveniles.
• Monitor individuals entering and leaving institutional grounds.
• Maintain approved physical restraint technique certifications as required by DJJ policies.
• Provide support services for routine maintenance; check premises and ensure safety of juveniles; attend staff meetings, case conferences, and trainings.
• Be able to exert physical effort in the proper restraint of residents based on behavior.
• Assist youth with recreational and work‑related projects.
• This position is essential and mandatory operations; the incumbent is not eligible for adverse weather leave.
• Hold a valid driver’s license for the duration of employment.
• Work overtime and any shift as needed and directed.
• Successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy (two weeks on‑the‑job training plus four weeks at the academy in Louisville, Kentucky) within six months of employment.
• Provide overnight lodging and travel for the ACT, covered by the department.
• Pass a physical examination and be able to perform all essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Education: High school graduate.
• Experience, Training, or
  
  Skills:
  
  None specified.
• Substitute Education for
  
  Experience:
  
  None.
• Substitute Experience for
  
  Education:
  
  None.
• Special Requirements: Must possess a valid driver’s license prior to employment; complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months; maintain any required licensure or certification for the duration of employment.

Typically works in a day treatment group home or residential facility, or community office setting. May be exposed to hazards and dangers associated with operating a motor vehicle while providing transportation services.

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

For additional information, please contact the program’s administrative staff.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D.