Youth Worker I

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Denniston (NY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift premium 3:00–11:00 PM 
$2.13/hr

Shift premium 11:01 PM–6:59 AM 
$1.13/

Weekend premium 
$2.13/hr

Holiday premium 
$2.13/hr

Job summary

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice is seeking a Youth Worker I to supervise juveniles in a custodial setting, maintain daily logs, and support safety and program operations at the facility in Denniston, KY. The role requires a high school diploma and a valid driver’s license, with training at the DJJ academy.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• No prior experience required.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license before employment.
• Must complete DJJ Training Academy within six months.

Responsibilities

• Maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial setting and supervises activities.
• Maintains shift logs and completes incident reports; assists juveniles with procedures.
• Provides support for routine maintenance; ensures safety of juveniles; attends staff meetings and trainings.
• Exerts physical effort in restraining residents when needed.
• May assist with recreational and work-related projects for youths.
• Mandatory operation status; eligible for overtime; may work overnights as needed.
• Maintains valid driver’s license for the length of employment.
• May work overtime and any shift as directed.
• Must complete DJJ Training Academy (2 weeks on the job, 4 weeks at academy).
• Applicants must pass a physical examination.

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Youth Worker I

Advertisement Closes 10/18/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

2605369

Pay Grade 10

Salary $37,778.40 Annually

Employment Type EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 40.0 HR/WK

Click here for more details on state employment.

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

Location 158 Shermill Lane
Denniston, KY 40316 USA

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) 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 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.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 juvenile’s 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.
• 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 AppointingAuthority; therefore, the incumbent is not eligible for Adverse Weather Leave.
• Maintains a valid driver’s licenses for the length of employment in this classification.
• May be required to work overtime and any shift as needed and directed.
• Required to successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy; which entails two weekson 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 required to successfully pass a physical examination and be able to perform all essential jobfunctions, with or without reasonable accommodation. The cost of the physical examination will be billedthrough 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.

This job classification is approved for the following shift premiums, in compliance with 101 KAR 2:034 Section 9(2), which are applied to the base salary:

• Shift Premium - $2.13 an hour between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• Shift Premium $1.13 an hour between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.
• Weekend Premium - $2.13 per hour
• Holiday Premium - $2.13 per hour

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: High school graduate.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): Must possess a valid driver's license prior to employment in this job classification. Must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment. https://djj.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx. 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

Typically works in a day treatment, group home, or residential facility, or community office setting. May be exposed to hazards and dangers associated with operating a motor vehicle while providing transportation services.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Dustin Heitzman at [e-mail] or 606-768-3107.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D