Youth Worker I

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Mayfield (KY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Justice & Public Safety Cabinet, Department of Juvenile Justice, seeks a Youth Worker I in Mayfield, KY to support custody, safety, and development of youth in a secure setting.

This full-time position offers overtime eligibility and requires a high school diploma and a valid driver’s license; training at the DJJ Academy is provided. Evening and weekend shifts may apply with applicable premiums.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Demonstrated ability to work with youth in a residential or day treatment setting is preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver's license prior to employment.

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.
• Required to 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 Appointing Authority; therefore, the incumbent is not eligible for Adverse Weather Leave.
• 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.

Education

High school graduate

Job description

Advertisement Closes 9/22/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

req81280

Youth Worker I

Pay Grade 10

Salary $37,778.40 Annually

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

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 3179 State Route 45 South

Mayfield, KY 42066 USA

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 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.

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.
• Required to 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 Appointing Authority; therefore, the incumbent is not eligible for Adverse Weather Leave.
• 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.

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 John Gillum at [e-mail] or 606-207-4764.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D