Youth Worker I

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

Benefits offered by this job

Shift premium (3-11pm)

Shift premium (11pm-6:59am)

Weekend premium

Holiday premium

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky's Department of Juvenile Justice seeks a Youth Worker I to maintain custody and supervise juveniles in a secure setting at the 158 Shermill Lane location in Denniston, KY. This full-time role includes shift premiums and overtime eligibility.

The position requires a high school diploma, no prior experience, and successful completion of the DJJ Training Academy. A valid driver's license is required and duties include emergency response and documentation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Experience or specialized training is not required, though candidates must meet all listed qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting.
• Supervises and monitors activities of DJJ juveniles at the beginning level.
• Assists juveniles in interpersonal skill development.
• Escorts juveniles between institutional areas.
• Takes appropriate action during emergencies to prevent escapes and suppress disorder.
• Maintains shift logs on juvenile activities and notifies supervisors of issues.
• Completes incident reports as needed.
• Assists juveniles in complaint procedures.
• Performs counts and 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.

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Advertisement Closes

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

Position

Youth Worker I

Pay Grade 10

Salary: $37,778.40 Annually

Shift Premium - $2.13 per hour between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Shift Premium - $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

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Juvenile Justice

Location

158 Shermill Lane

Denniston, KY 40316 USA

Description

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) 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: 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

• 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.

Additional Information

• 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.
• Maintain 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 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 required to 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.

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.

Contact

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