Youth Worker

Final date to receive applications
7/12/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)

Pay Grade 10
Salary: $37,778.40 Annually

Shift Premium: $2.13 an hour between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Shift Premium: $1.13 an hour between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.
Weekend Premium: $2.13 per hour
Holiday Premium: $2.13 per hour

Employment Type:

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 40.0 HR/WK

Location:

3179 State Route 45 South, Mayfield, KY 42066 USA

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 the positive transformation of children, families, and communities.

• Maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting.
• At beginning level, supervises and monitors activities of DJJ juveniles; assists juveniles in interpersonal skill development.
• Escorts juveniles between various institutional areas.
• Takes appropriate action during emergencies to prevent escapes and suppress disorder.
• Maintains shift logs on juvenile’s activities and notifies supervisors of issues; completes incident reports as needed; assists juveniles in complaint procedures.
• Performs counts and/or wellness checks for juveniles.
• Monitors individuals entering and leaving institutional grounds.
• Maintains approved physical restraint technique certifications as required by DJJ policies.
• Provides support services for routine maintenance, etc.; checks premises and ensures safety of juveniles; attends staff meetings, case conferences, and trainings.
• Must 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.
• This position is deemed essential and has been designated for mandatory operations by the Appointing Authority; therefore, the incumbent is not eligible for Adverse Weather Leave.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license for the length of employment in this classification.
• May be required to work overtime and any shift as needed and directed.
• Must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy; which entails two weeks on the job training, four weeks (Monday–Friday) at the academy training location (Louisville, Kentucky). Overnight lodging and travel are required for the ACT and provided by the department.

Education:

High school graduate.

Experience, Training, or

Skills:

None.

Substitute Education for

Experience:

None.

Substitute Experience for

Education:

None.

Special Requirements:
Must possess a valid driver’s license prior to employment in this job classification; 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 in this job classification.

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 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D