Youth Worker I

Kentucky Transportation; Morehead (KY); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift premium 3–11pm

Shift premium night 11:01pm–6:59am

Weekend premium

Holiday premium

Overtime eligibility

Job summary

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice is seeking a Youth Worker I to provide custodial care and supervision for youths in secure settings. This role supports youth development, safety, and daily routines under supervision, with emphasis on communication and incident reporting.

Eligible for overtime, you will work full-time on a shift pattern; comprehensive training through the DJJ Training Academy is required within six months, with lodging/travel arranged for the academy.

Qualifications

• High school graduate.
• Must posses a valid driver's license prior to employment.
• Must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of 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 juveniles’ 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.

Education

High school graduate

Job description

Advertisement Closes 8/27/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

2604414

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

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Juvenile Justice

Location

495 Forest Hills Drive

Morehead, KY 40351 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.

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 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.

Applicants are 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.

A shift premium of $2.13 an hour has been approved for all youth workers working between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., a $1.13 an hour between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m., and $2.13 an hour on weekends and holidays.

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 606-783-8565.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D