Youth Worker I

Commonwealth of Kentucky; West Liberty (AR); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice, Justice & Public Safety Cabinet, seeks a Youth Worker I at West Liberty, KY. The role involves supervising and supporting juveniles in custodial settings, with mandatory DJJ training and potential overtime.

Base pay is $37,778.40 annually, plus shift and weekend premiums as per regulations. Excellent candidates will demonstrate maturity, reliability, and leadership qualities.

Qualifications

• 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. Must complete DJJ Training Academy within six months. Licensure/certifications maintained for length of employment.

Responsibilities

• Maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial setting; escorts juveniles between areas; takes action during emergencies.
• Maintains shift logs and incident reports; assists juveniles with complaint procedures; monitors entries and welfare checks; maintains physical restraint certifications.
• Provides support services for routine maintenance and safety; attends staff meetings, case conferences and trainings.
• Must be able to exert physical effort in restraining residents as needed.
• May perform other physical efforts in assisting youth with recreational and work projects.
• This position is essential and designated for mandatory operations; not eligible for Adverse Weather Leave.

Education

High school graduate

Job description

Advertisement Closes

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

2605277

Youth Worker I

Pay Grade10

$37,778.40 Annually
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

163 Woodsbend Boys Camp Road
West Liberty, KY 41472 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 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, $2.13 an hour has been approved for all youth workers working between 3:00p.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 andholidays.

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 preventescapes and suppress disorder.
• Maintains shift logs on juvenile’s activities and notifies supervisors of issues; completes incidentreports as needed; assists juveniles in complaint procedures. Performs counts and/or wellness checks forjuveniles. Monitors individuals entering and leaving institutional grounds. Maintains approved physicalrestraint technique certifications as required by DJJ policies.
• Provides support services for routine maintenance, etc.; checks premises and ensures safety ofjuveniles; attends staff meetings, case conferences and trainings.
• Must 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.
• Must have and 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.
• Must 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 must 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.

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 Paul Adams at [e-mail] or 606-743-3177.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D