Youth Worker I

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

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Juvenile Justice in Mayfield, KY, seeks a Youth Worker I to supervise and support detained youth and help them develop social and career skills. The role carries premium pay structures and a 40-hour work week in a full-time executive branch position.

The position requires a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and completion of the DJJ Training Academy within six months. Willingness to work overtime and shifts as needed is expected.

Qualifications

• Education: High school graduate.
• Experience: NONE.
• Special requirements: Valid driver's license; complete DJJ Training Academy within six months.

Responsibilities

• Maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting.
• Supervises juveniles and assists in interpersonal skill development.
• Escorts juveniles between institutional areas.
• Takes action during emergencies to prevent escapes and suppress disorder.
• Maintains shift logs and incident reports; assists with complaints.
• Performs counts and wellness checks for juveniles.
• Monitors individuals entering and leaving grounds.
• Maintains certification in approved physical restraint techniques.
• Supports routine maintenance and safety; attends trainings.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Advertisement Closes

10/4/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Job ID

req81539

Position Title

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

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 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 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 forjuveniles.
• 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.
• Should 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.
• 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 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.

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

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D