Youth Worker I

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet•Crittenden, KY

6d•$39,128

About The Position

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. This position will receive locality premium pay ($2.64 added to the hourly rate) pursuant to 101 KAR 2:034. The locality premium pay is not considered a raise or part of base pay; rather, it is a temporary measure being taken by the department to improve recruitment and retention to meet the continuing critical staffing needs in these counties. Additionally, a shift premium of $2.13 an hour has been approved for all youth workers working between 3:00 p.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 and holidays.

Requirements

High school graduate.
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.

Responsibilities

Maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting.
At beginning level, supervises and monitors activities of DJJ juveniles; assists juveniles in interpersonal skill development.
Escorts juveniles between various institutional areas.
Takes appropriate action during emergencies to prevent escapes and suppress disorder.
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.
Monitors individuals entering and leaving institutional grounds.
Maintains approved physical restraint technique certifications as required by DJJ policies.
Provides support services for routine maintenance, etc.; checks premises and ensures safety of juveniles; attends staff meetings, case conferences and trainings.
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.
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 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.