Youth Worker I

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

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky's Justice & Public Safety Cabinet, Department of Juvenile Justice, seeks a Youth Worker I in West Liberty, KY. This full-time role maintains custody of juveniles in a secure setting, assists with activities, and supports safety and supervision.

The position requires a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and completion of the DJJ Training Academy. Overtime, weekend, and shift premiums apply; this on-site role is essential to operations.

Qualifications

• EDUCATION: High school graduate.

Responsibilities

• Maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting.
• Maintains shift logs and notifies supervisors of issues; completes incident reports as needed.
• Provides support services for routine maintenance; attends staff meetings and trainings.
• Must be able to exert physical effort in the proper restraint of residents as needed.
• May perform other physical tasks related to youth activities.
• This position is essential and designated for mandatory operations; overtime and any shift may be required.
• Must complete the DJJ Training Academy (two weeks on-site training in Louisville) and pass a physical exam.

Education

High school graduate

Job description

Advertisement Closes

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

2605277

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

Click here for more details on state employment.

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 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.
• 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 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.
• Must 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 must 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.

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

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D