Youth Worker II

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Ashland (KY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift premium (3–11:00 p.m.)

Shift premium (11:01 p.m.–6:59 a.m.)

Weekend premium

Holiday premium

Job summary

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice in Ashland, KY is seeking a Youth Worker II for the Justice & Public Safety Cabinet. This full-time position supports juveniles in a custodial setting, providing supervision and life-skills development to aid re-entry into the community.

The role requires a high school diploma and at least two years of relevant supervision experience. Training, OC spray certification, and a Department Training Academy program are required; salary ranges from $39,667.56

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; two years of experience in supervising and caring for youth (ages 12-21) in residential or similar settings preferred.
• Ability to supervise and manage youth behavior, ensuring safety and order.
• Must be able to complete required training and certifications as part of the role.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and monitors activities of juveniles in a custodial setting.
• Maintains custody and control of juveniles; assists in interpersonal skill development.
• Acts as training mentor for beginning level youth workers.
• Escorts juveniles between institutional areas; responds to emergencies to prevent escapes.
• Maintains shift logs; notifies supervisors of issues; completes incident reports; conducts counts and wellness checks.
• Be able to exert physical effort in the proper restraint of residents.

Skills

Youth supervision

Safety protocols

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

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

Job ID: 2605877

Title: Youth Worker II

Pay Grade: 11

Salary: $39,667.56 - $48,969.60 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

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 40.0 HR/WK

Click here for more details on state employment.

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Juvenile Justice

1539 Greenup Avenue
Suite 102
Ashland, KY 41101 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:

• 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.
• Be able to exert physical effort in the proper restraint of residents based on behavior.

Additional Information

• 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 required Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray training and certification. As a condition of employment, employees will be subject to either direct or indirect exposure to OC spray, based on position and job responsibilities.
• 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. Required to complete a required physical examination and receive medical clearance prior to participating in Handle With Care training and certification, which provides verbal and physical intervention strategies for safely managing juveniles. 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 Premiums

• 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: 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

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, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

Questions about this advertisement? Please contact Charles Ingram at [e-mail] or 502-782-8371.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D