Youth Worker III

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Ashland (KY); On-site; USD 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Department of Juvenile Justice in Ashland seeks a Youth Worker III to join a dedicated team ensuring safe, humane supervision of youth in a residential or day-treatment setting.

The role emphasizes co-leading group counseling, monitoring activities, and supporting treatment plans while maintaining logs and incident reports. Requires HS diploma and 3 years of relevant experience; DJJ Academy completion can substitute some experience.

Qualifications

• High school graduate.
• Three years of experience supervising and caring for young adults (ages 12-21).
• College can substitute for required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Completion of the DJJ Training Academy can substitute for two years of required experience.

Responsibilities

• Co-leads group counseling sessions and supervises/monitors juveniles committed to the DJJ.
• Monitors activities and assists juveniles in interpersonal skill development.
• Participates in juveniles’ individual treatment plan development and ensures security room checks are performed.
• Maintains shift logs and completes incident reports; assists juveniles in complaint procedures.
• Performs routine maintenance and housekeeping tasks and notifies supervisors of corrections needed.

Education

High school graduate / equivalent

Job description

Advertisement Closes: 10/5/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Job ID: 2605157

Title: Youth Worker III

Pay Grade: 12

Salary: $43,733.88 - $53,861.76 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: 1539 Greenup Avenue, Suite102, Ashland, KY 41101 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 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 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

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 third level of series, co-leads group counseling sessions and supervises/monitors juveniles committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).
• Supervises and monitors activities of DJJ juveniles. Assists juveniles in interpersonal skill development. Co-leads group counseling sessions for assigned juveniles.
• Participates in juveniles’ individual treatment plan development. Ensures security room checks are performed during shifts.
• Maintains shift logs regarding juveniles’ behaviors and events; completes incident reports and assists juveniles in complaint procedures.
• Provides routine building maintenance, housekeeping, etc. and notifies supervisors of corrections needed.
• Should be able to exert physical effort in the proper restraint of residents based on behavior.
• May perform other physical efforts in assisting youth with recreational and work related projects.
• 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 license 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 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.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: High school graduate.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have three 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 Three 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 two years of 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 successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment. https://djj.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx. 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 possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.

Working Conditions

Typically works in a day treatment, group home, or residential facility, or in a community office setting. May be exposed to hazards and dangers associated with operating a motor vehicle while providing transportation services.

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 Charles Ingram at [e-mail] or 606-920-2085.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D