Youth Worker II

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

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Department of Juvenile Justice seeks a Youth Worker II to supervise and support juveniles in a custodial setting at Owensboro, KY. The role requires vigilance, reliability and the ability to respond effectively to emergencies while promoting youth development.

This executive branch, full-time position offers overtime eligibility and a 40-hour work week. Training academy completion and a valid driver’s license are required.

Qualifications

• High school graduate.
• Two years of experience supervising and caring for youths aged 12-21 in residential, correctional, group home, detention or day treatment settings.
• Or two years of experience providing transportation services to court-committed youths aged 12-21.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor activities of juveniles in a custodial setting at second level of series.
• Maintain custody and control of juveniles; assist in interpersonal skill development.
• Serve as training mentor for beginning level youth workers.
• Escort juveniles between institutional areas; respond to emergencies and monitor entry/exit.
• Maintain shift logs, complete incident reports, and assist with complaint procedures; perform counts and wellness checks.

Skills

Youth supervision

Transportation

Physical ability

Education

High school graduate

Job description

Advertisement Closes

9/21/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Job ID

2604808

Job Title

Youth Worker II

Pay Grade

11

Salary

$39,667.56 - $48,969.60 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 | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 40.0 HR/WK

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Juvenile Justice

Location

3108 Fairview Drive, Suite 102
Owensboro, KY 42303 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 Departmentof 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 monitorsactivities 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 toprevent escapes and suppress disorder. Monitors individuals entering and leaving institutional grounds.
• 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.
• Must 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 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:

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.

Contact

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Keith Wells at [e-mail] or 270-687-7247.

Equal Opportunity Statement

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D