Youth Worker II

Commonwealth of Kentucky; West Liberty (KY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift Premium (3–11 pm)

Shift Premium (11:01 pm–6:59 am)

Weekend Premium

Holiday Premium

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Department of Juvenile Justice in West Liberty, KY, is seeking a Youth Worker II for a full-time role with overtime eligibility. The position involves supervising and caring for youths in custodial settings, maintaining security, and acting as a mentor to new staff.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma and two years of related experience; college or DJJ Training Academy can substitute for experience.

Qualifications

• High school graduate.
• Two years of experience supervising and caring for youths ages 12–21 in residential, correctional, group home, detention or day treatment settings.
• College may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Completion of DJJ Training Academy or equivalent may substitute for the required experience.
• Must possess and maintain required licensure, certification, or other credentials.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and monitors activities of juveniles in custodial settings.
• Maintains custody and control of juveniles in custodial security setting.
• Acts as training mentor for beginning level youth workers.
• Escorts juveniles between institutional areas and responds to emergencies to prevent escapes and maintain security.
• Maintains shift logs, assists with complaint procedures, and performs counts and wellness checks.
• Exerts physical effort in the proper restraint of residents when required.

Skills

Two years supervision experience

Youth mentorship

Education

High school graduate

Job description

Advertisement Closes: 10/28/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Job Title: Youth Worker II

Pay Grade: 11

Salary: $39,667.56 - $52,990.08 Annually

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: 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

• 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 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. 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
• SUBSTITUTE EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: 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 Jeremiah Prater at [e-mail] or 502-782-0869.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D