Youth Worker I

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky seeks a Youth Worker I in Frankfort, KY to supervise and care for juveniles in a custodial setting. The role supports youth development, safety, and appropriate placement while maintaining logs and following procedures. Training academy is required within six months.

Occasional overtime and shift work are possible. A valid driver's license is required, and employment includes a base salary with applicable premiums. For questions, contact the DJJ office in Louisville.

Qualifications

• High school graduation required.
• No prior experience, training, or skills required.
• Valid driver's license required prior to employment.
• Must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment.
• Maintain any required licensure, certification, or credentials for the length of employment.

Responsibilities

• Maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial setting and supervises activities.
• Escorts juveniles between institutional areas and responds to emergencies to prevent escapes.
• Maintains shift logs and notifies supervisors of issues; completes incident reports as needed.
• Provides support services for routine maintenance and ensures safety of juveniles.
• Able to exert physical effort for restraint as required; may assist with recreational/work projects.
• Position is essential and may require overtime and varied shifts.
• Complete DJJ Training Academy (two weeks on the job, four weeks at academy in Louisville).
• Applicants must pass a physical examination and meet essential job functions.

Education

High school graduate

Job description

Advertisement Closes

9/10/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Job Title

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

Location

2790 Bridgeport Benson Road
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Juvenile Justice

Job Description

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/

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.

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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 are 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. https://djj.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx

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.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact David Wimer at [e-mail] or 502-227-4569.

Equal Opportunity Employer

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D