Youth Worker III

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

Benefits offered by this job

Shift premium 3-11 p.m.

Shift premium 11 p.m.-6:59 a.m.

Weekend premium

Holiday premium

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Juvenile Justice, seeks a dedicated youth supervisor to co-lead counseling and oversee youths in a residential setting. You will monitor activities, support skill development, and ensure safety during shifts.

This is a high-responsibility role within the Justice & Public Safety Cabinet, requiring reliability and leadership. Candidate must have a high school diploma, 3 years of youth-care experience, and complete the DJJ Training Academy.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; college credits may substitute per policy.
• Three years supervised care of youths ages 12-21 in residential, group home, or detention settings.
• Successfully complete DJJ Training Academy within six months of employment.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license prior to employment.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead group counseling sessions and supervise DJJ juveniles.
• Monitor activities, assist in interpersonal skill development.
• Maintain shift logs and complete incident reports.
• Assist with maintenance tasks and safety checks as needed.
• Overtime and shift flexibility required; mandatory operations.

Skills

Youth supervision

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma

DJJ Training Academy completion

Job description

Advertisement Closes

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

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

158 Shermill Lane
Denniston, KY 40316 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 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 :$2.13 an hour has been approved for all youth workers working between 3:00p.m. and 11:00 p.m., a $1.13 an hour between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m., and $2.13 an hour on weekends andholidays.

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 third level of series, co-leads group counseling sessions and supervises/monitors juveniles committedto the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).
• Supervises and monitors activities of DJJ juveniles; assists juveniles in interpersonal skilldevelopment; co-leads group counseling sessions for assigned juveniles.
• Participates in juveniles’ individual treatment plan development; ensures security room checks areperformed during shifts.
• Maintains shift logs regarding juveniles’ behaviors and events; completes incident reports and assistsjuveniles in complaint procedures.
• Provides routine building maintenance, housekeeping, etc. and notifies supervisors of correctionsneeded.
• Must 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 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 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 Dustin Heitzman at [e-mail] or 606-786-3107.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D