Youth Worker I

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet • West Liberty, KY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice seeks a Youth Worker I to help provide a safe, structured custodial environment for juveniles and support their development. The position requires maturity, reliability, self-discipline, responsible conduct, leadership, and respectful treatment of staff, youth, and others. The department encourages career growth through training and mentoring opportunities.

The role is based at a juvenile justice facility and involves supervising and monitoring juveniles, maintaining custody and control, supporting interpersonal skill development, and responding to emergencies. The position is essential and designated for mandatory operations, so the employee is not eligible for Adverse Weather Leave. The employee must maintain a valid driver’s license, required certifications and credentials, and complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment. Academy training includes two weeks of on-the-job training and four weeks at the Louisville training location; overnight lodging and travel are required and provided by the department.

The position may require overtime and work on any shift as needed and directed. It is eligible for overtime pay and designated as 40 hours per week. Applicable premiums include $2.13 per hour for work between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., $1.13 per hour between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m., and $2.13 per hour for weekend and holiday work.

Requirements

• High school graduate.
• No experience, training, or skills required.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license before employment and maintain it for the length of employment in this classification.
• Must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment.
• Must maintain any required licenses, certifications, or other credentials for the length of employment.
• Must be able to exert physical effort to restrain residents based on behavior and may need to assist youth with physical recreational and work-related projects.
• May be required to work overtime and any shift as needed and directed.
• Must be able to attend required academy training in Louisville, including overnight travel and lodging.

Responsibilities

• Maintain custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting.
• Supervise and monitor juveniles’ activities and assist them in developing interpersonal skills.
• Escort juveniles between institutional areas.
• Take appropriate action during emergencies to prevent escapes and suppress disorder.
• Maintain shift logs of juvenile activities and notify supervisors of issues.
• Complete incident reports as needed and assist juveniles with complaint procedures.
• Conduct counts and wellness checks for juveniles.
• Monitor individuals entering and leaving institutional grounds.
• Maintain approved physical restraint technique certifications as required by Department of Juvenile Justice policies.
• Provide support services for routine maintenance and check premises to ensure juvenile safety.
• Attend staff meetings, case conferences, and trainings.
• Exert physical effort to restrain residents appropriately based on their behavior and assist youth with recreational and work-related projects.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and required licensure, certifications, or other credentials throughout employment.
• Complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment.

Benefits

• Shift premium of $2.13 per hour for work between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• Shift premium of $1.13 per hour for work between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.
• Weekend premium of $2.13 per hour.
• Holiday premium of $2.13 per hour.
• Overnight lodging and travel for the academy training are provided by the department.
• Training and mentoring opportunities for career growth and advancement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED