Social Service Worker I

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Elizabethtown (KY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice, part of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, is seeking a Social Service Worker I to provide entry level professional social work services for juvenile offenders and their families.

Role includes risk and needs assessments, case management, and collaboration with community agencies. On-call 24/7 and travel may be required; valid driver’s license is required upon employment.

Qualifications

• Education required: bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or related field.
• Experience, training, or skills: NONE
• Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE
• Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE
• Special requirements: valid driver's license and licensure/certification as applicable

Responsibilities

• Provides entry level professional social work services to juvenile offenders and their families.
• Conducts risk and needs assessments for treatment planning and aftercare.
• Enters case contacts and information in the youth’s electronic file.
• Completes court reports, treatment plans aftercare plans, case or phase reviews and other reports as part of case management services.
• Participates in case conferences and maintains contact with youth in placement.
• Provides liaison services with community agents and agencies regarding ongoing treatment efforts for juveniles. Makes referrals for services.
• Minimum travel may be required.
• Required to be on call 24/7 and respond to emergency situations.

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work

Sociology

Psychology

Marriage and family therapy or related field

Job description

Advertisement Closes

9/12/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Social Service Worker I

Pay Grade

14

Salary

$55,541.52 Annually

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Juvenile Justice

Location

916 North Mulberry Street
Suite 102
Elizabethtown, KY 42701 USA

Description

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice is a multi-faceted agency that serves juveniles of theCommonwealth. While striving to hold youth accountable for their actions, the Department creates opportunitiesfor sentenced, committed, probated, or detained youth to develop social and career skills that will equip themfor re-entry into their communities as productive and responsible citizens.

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) seeks to serve youth in the least restrictive, appropriateplacement possible. We aspire to be a premier team of professionals committed to providing life-changingservices resulting in the positive transformation of children, families, and communities.

For more information about the Department of Juvenile Justice please visit: https://djj.ky.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, demonstrateleadership qualities, and treat all staff, youth, and persons with respect. This is a demanding position thatrequires maturity, reliability, and self-discipline. Career growth and advancement are encouraged throughtraining and mentoring opportunities.

Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, due toother applicable state or federal laws, employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis.If you need additional information about this prohibition, you may contact the agency point of contact foradditional information.

• Provides entry level professional social work services to juvenile offenders and their families as a result of risk and needs assessment.
• Conducts risk and needs assessments for the purpose of treatment planning and aftercare planning.
• Enters case contacts and information in the youth’s electronic file.
• Completes court reports, treatment plans aftercare plans, case or phase reviews and other reports as part of case management services.
• Participates in case conferences and maintains contact with youth in placement.
• Provides liaison services with community agents and agencies regarding ongoing treatment efforts for juveniles. Makes referrals for services.
• Minimum travel may be required.
• Required to be on call 24/7 and respond to emergency situations.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related field.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): If employed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice, an employee in this job classification must furnish to the appointing authority within one month of employment, documentation that he/she possesses a valid driver's license Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.

Working Conditions

Performs job duties in an office/facility or residential program setting and visits clients and/or families at their residence. Provides emergency services on 24-hour basis, including accepting referrals and completing investigations at any hour without prior warning. As a result of enforced intervention, the worker runs the risk of physical harm.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 9 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

Contact

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Kristin Smith at [e-mail] or 270-766-5188.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D