Youth Worker II

Kentucky Transportation; Ashland (KY); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice seeks a Youth Worker II to supervise and care for juveniles in a custodial setting. This is a full-time executive branch position located in Ashland, KY, with specific shift premiums and stringent physical requirements.

Primary duties include monitoring youth activities, escorts, and mentorship, plus mandatory training. Applicants must meet state qualifications, possess a valid driver’s license, and pass a fitness and background evaluation.

Qualifications

• Must have two years of experience in supervision and care of young adults (ages 12-21) in a residential, correctional, group home, detention or day treatment program.
• Two years of experience transporting court-committed youth (ages 12-21) in a community office setting can substitute for the above.
• College may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Successful completion of the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy substitutes for required experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor activities of juveniles in custody.
• Escort juveniles between institutional areas.
• Assist juveniles in interpersonal skill development and conduct training for beginner youth workers.
• Maintain shift logs and incident reports; report issues to supervisors.
• Perform counts and wellness checks; assist with emergency response when needed.

Skills

Youth supervision

Interpersonal skills

Physical fitness

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

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09/02/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

req80791

Youth Worker II

Pay Grade 11

Salary

$34,634.16-51,952.32 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 | 18A | 40 HR/WK

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice

Location

1301 West Little Garner Road

Ashland, KY 41102 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

• At second level of series, supervises and monitors activities of juveniles committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). Maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting.
• Maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting.
• Supervises and monitors activities of DJJ juveniles; assists juveniles in interpersonal skill development;
• Acts as training mentor for beginning level youth workers.
• Escorts juveniles between various institutional areas.
• Takes appropriate action during emergencies to prevent escapes and suppress disorder.
• Monitors individuals entering and leaving institutional grounds.
• 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.
• Required to be able to exert physical effort in the proper restraint of residents based on behavior.
• 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.
• Required to 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.
• 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 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.

Additionally, 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: Must have two years of experience in the supervision and care of young adults (ages 12-21) in a residential, correctional, group home, detention or day treatment program. OR Two years of experience working in a community office setting providing transportation services to court committed young adults (ages 12-21).

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: College will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. OR Successful completion of the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy or equivalent training program approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Juvenile Justice will substitute for the required experience.

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 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 possess and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials. Must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of appointment. https://djj.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx. Incumbents must be able to exert physical effort in the proper restraint of residents based on behavior. May perform physical efforts in assisting youth with recreational and work-related projects. May exert physical effort in the performance of routine maintenance duties. Upon employment, employees in this job classification may be required to drive a licensed vehicle and may be required to obtain a Commercial Driver's License. This status may be necessary for the length of time in this job classification. If this is necessary, it will be listed in the specific position description for the position at issue. Applicants and employees in this job classification may be required to submit to a drug-screening test and background check. Applicants and employees in positions which perform job duties that may require contact with offenders in the custody or supervision of the Department of Corrections or with youth in the care, custody, or supervision of the Department of Juvenile Justice must meet qualifications pursuant to the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act, 28 C.F.R.115.17 and 115.317.

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 when providing transportation.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months. For additional information refer to: http://www.lrc.ky.gov/kar/101/001/325.pdf

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Michael Mullins at [e-mail] or 606-928-3910

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D