Social Service Worker I

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Newport (KY); On-site; USD 5,500 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Justice & Public Safety Cabinet, is seeking a Social Service Worker I in Newport, KY. This full-time, executive branch position offers 37.5 hours per week, overtime eligibility, and a salary of about $55,541.52.

Responsibilities include risk and needs assessments, case management, and liaison with community partners to support youth and families, with a bachelor’s degree in a related field required, and a 24/7 on-call component.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or related field.
• No required prior experience.

Responsibilities

• Provides entry level professional social work services to juvenile offenders and 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 and aftercare plans, and case reviews.
• Maintains contact with youth in placement and partners with community agents.

Skills

Social work

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Job description

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9/6/2026 (11:00 PM ET)

req80777

Social Service Worker I

Pay Grade 14

Salary

$55,541.52

Employment Type

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

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet

Location

601 Washington Avenue, Suite 260
Newport, KY 41071

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 (DJJ) 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:

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, 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.

Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, due to other 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 for additional information.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following

• 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 and 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.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Courtney Rondeau at [e-mail] or [phone].

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D