Youth Worker

Job Title

Youth Worker I

Pay Grade 10

$37,778.40 annually

Shift premium: $2.13/hr between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.; $1.13/hr between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.; $2.13/hr on weekends and holidays.

Executive Branch | Full Time | Eligible for Overtime Pay | 18A | 40.0 hr/week

100 Bowling Lane, Middlesboro, KY 40965 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 Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice 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.

Employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis, despite its legal status in Kentucky, due to other applicable state or federal laws.

• 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 juveniles’ 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 is required for the ACT and provided by the department.
• Applicants must successfully 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.

Special Requirements:
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 in this job classification.

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.

Initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

For additional information, please contact the program’s administrative staff or Jeremy Clem m or 606‑248‑6719.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D