Youth Worker III

Overview

Final date to receive applications 7/2/2026 (8:00 PM EDT). Job Code: 2603197.

Title:

Youth Worker III. Pay Grade 12. Salary: $43,733.88 - $53,861.76 Annually. Shift Premiums: $2.13 per hour between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.; $1.13 per 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. For more details on state employment,  for more details on state employment.

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

Location:

495 Forest Hills Drive, Morehead, KY 40351 USA.

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 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)..gov

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.

It is noted that medical cannabis is prohibited for employees in this position despite legalization in Kentucky due to other applicable state or federal laws. Further information can be obtained from the agency point of contact.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following

• At third level of series, co-leads group counseling sessions and supervises and monitors juveniles committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).
• Supervises and monitors activities of DJJ juveniles; assists juveniles in interpersonal skill development; co-leads group counseling sessions for assigned juveniles.
• Participates in juveniles’ individual treatment plan development; ensures security room checks are performed during shifts.
• Maintains shift logs regarding juveniles’ behaviors and events; completes incident reports and assists juveniles in complaint procedures.
• Provides routine building maintenance, housekeeping, etc. and notifies supervisors of corrections needed.
• 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. The cost of the physical examination will be billed through the employee’s health insurance; however, any applicable co-pays will be reimbursed by the department.

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

Additionally, a shift premium of…