Youth Worker II

Commonwealth of Kentucky; 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 support juveniles in a custody setting at the Ashland facility, ensuring safety while promoting social and career skills for re-entry into the community.

Requirements include a high school diploma and two years of relevant experience; college or DJJ Academy can substitute. The role is full-time, non-exempt, with shift premiums and potential overtime, located in Ashland, KY.

Qualifications

• Must have two years of experience in the supervision and care of young adults (ages 12-21) in residential, correctional, group home, detention or day treatment program.
• Two years of experience working in a community office setting providing transportation services to court committed young adults (ages 12-21).
• College may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis; completion of DJJ Training Academy may substitute for the required experience.

Responsibilities

• At second level of series, supervises and monitors activities of juveniles in a custodial setting.
• Maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting.
• Supervises and monitors activities of DJJ juveniles and assists 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 and completes incident reports; assists juveniles in complaint procedures.
• Performs counts and wellness checks for juveniles.
• Must be able to exert physical effort in proper restraint of residents when needed.
• This position is essential and may require overtime and any shift.

Skills

Supervision of youth

Education

High school graduate

Job description

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

req81431

Youth Worker II

Pay Grade 11

Salary

$35,326.80 - $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 | NON EXEMPT | 18A | 40 HR/WK

Click here for more details on state employment.

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 and 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.
• 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 entitles 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.

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 Premiums (additional listing)

• 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.

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