Youth Worker III

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Monticello (KY); On-site; USD 44,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift premium 2.13/hr (3:00 p.m. – 11:

Shift premium 1.13/hr (11:01 p.m. – 6:

Weekend premium 2.13/hr

Holiday premium 2.13/hr

Job summary

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice in Monticello, KY is seeking a Youth Worker III to supervise and support youths, co-lead group sessions, and help youth develop social and career skills for re-entry into the community.

This full-time, executive-branch role carries overtime eligibility, shifts with premiums, and a salary of $43,733.88–$58,281.60 per year. A high school diploma and 3 years of relevant experience are required; DJJ Training Academy will be provided.

Qualifications

• Must have three years of experience supervising and caring for youth ages 12–21.
• High school diploma required; college may substitute per DJJ rules.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months.
• Must complete required OC spray training and certification.

Responsibilities

• Co-leads group counseling sessions and supervises juveniles.
• Monitors activities and assists in interpersonal skill development.
• Completes incident reports and assists youth in complaint procedures.
• Must be able to exert physical effort for restraint.
• May perform other physical efforts in assisting youth with projects.

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Advertisement Closes

11/2/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Job ID

2605711

Job Title

Youth Worker III

Pay Grade

12

Salary

$43,733.88 - $58,281.60 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

9000 Highway 1546
Monticello, KY 42633 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 third level of series, co-leads group counseling sessions and supervises/monitors juvenilescommitted to 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.
• 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.
• Must successfully complete required Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray training and certification. As acondition of employment, employees will be subject to either direct or indirect exposure to OC spray, based onposition and job responsibilities.
• Must complete a required physical examination and receive medical clearance prior to participating inHandle With Care training and certification, which provides verbal and physical intervention strategies forsafely managing juveniles. The cost of the physical examination will be billed through the employee’s healthinsurance; 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 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 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.

Contact

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact James Sloan at [e-mail] or 606-348-4201.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D