Youth Worker

Location:

15600 Turner Road, Crittenden, KY 41030 USA

• Pay Grade 10
• Salary: $39,127.68 annually
• Shift Premium: $2.13 hourly between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• Shift Premium: $1.13 hourly between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.
• Weekend Premium: $2.13 hourly
• Holiday Premium: $2.13 hourly
• Locality premium pay: $2.64 added to hourly rate

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 Department seeks 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 resulting in positive transformation of children, families, and communities.

This position is highly responsible. The employee is expected to perform all duties to the best of their ability, act responsibly, demonstrate leadership qualities, and treat all staff, youth, and persons with respect. The role requires maturity, reliability, and self‑discipline. Career growth and advancement are encouraged through training and mentoring opportunities.

NOTE:

Although medical cannabis has been legalized in Kentucky, employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis due to other applicable state or federal laws.

• Maintain custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting.
• At the beginning level, supervise and monitor activities of DJJ juveniles; assist juveniles 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 and notify supervisors of issues; complete incident reports as needed; 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.
• May perform other physical efforts in assisting youth with recreational and work related projects.
• Position is essential and designated for mandatory operations; therefore, the incumbent is not eligible for adverse weather leave.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license for the length of employment.
• May be required to work overtime and any shift as needed and directed.
• Successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment.
• Overnight lodging and travel will be provided by the department.
• Pass a physical examination and be able to perform all essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation. The cost of the examination will be billed through the employee’s health insurance, and any applicable co‑pays will be reimbursed by the department.

Education: High school graduate.

Experience, Training, or

Skills:

None.

Substitute Education for

Experience:

None.

Substitute Experience for

Education:

None.

Special Requirements (age, licensure, regulation, etc.): Must possess a valid driver’s license prior to employment. Must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment. The employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required credentials.

Typically works in a day treatment, group home, 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, unless otherwise provided by KRS 18A.111.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D.