Social Service Worker I

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Owensboro (KY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky is recruiting for a Social Service Worker I in Owensboro. This full-time executive branch position pays approximately $55,541.52 annually and requires a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field.

The role includes risk assessments, case management, and coordination with juvenile justice agencies. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, documenting in electronic files, preparing reports, and liaising with community partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field.

Responsibilities

• Provides entry level professional social work services to juvenile offenders and their families.
• Conducts risk and needs assessments for 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.

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related field

Job description

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9/26/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

2604914

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

Click here for more details on state employment.

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

Location: 319 West 10th Street, Suite 101 Owensboro, KY 42301 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 toperform 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.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides entry level professional social work services to juvenile offenders and their families as aresult 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 partof 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 forjuveniles. Makes referrals for services.
• Minimum travel may be required.
• Required to be on call 24/7 and respond to emergency situations.

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.

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 Casey Preston at [e-mail].

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D