Youth Worker I

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet • Mayfield, KY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice seeks a Youth Worker I to help maintain a safe, secure 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.

The employee maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting, supervises and monitors their activities, assists with interpersonal skill development, and supports safety and routine operations. The role requires physical effort, including the proper restraint of residents based on their behavior, and may involve assisting youth with recreational and work-related projects.

The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, and eligible for overtime pay. The employee may be required to work overtime and any shift as needed. The role is designated for mandatory operations and is not eligible for Adverse Weather Leave. A valid driver's license must be maintained throughout employment. The employee must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment; the academy includes two weeks of on-the-job training and four weeks of weekday training in Louisville. Overnight lodging and travel for the academy are required and provided by the department.

Applicants must pass a physical examination and be able to perform all essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation. The exam is billed through the employee's health insurance, and applicable co-pays will be reimbursed by the department. Employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis under applicable state or federal laws.

Requirements

• High school graduate.
• No experience, training, or skills required.
• Must possess a valid driver's license before employment and maintain it throughout employment.
• 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 pass a physical examination and be able to perform all essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to exert physical effort to restrain residents based on behavior.
• Must work overtime and any shift as needed and directed.

Responsibilities

• Maintain custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting.
• Supervise and monitor juvenile activities and assist juveniles 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, notify supervisors of issues, complete incident reports as needed, and assist juveniles with complaint procedures.
• Perform counts and/or wellness checks for juveniles.
• Monitor individuals entering and leaving institutional grounds.
• Maintain approved physical restraint technique certifications as required by DJJ policies.
• Provide support services for routine maintenance, check premises, and ensure juvenile safety.
• Attend staff meetings, case conferences, and trainings.
• Exert physical effort to properly restrain residents based on behavior and potentially assist youth with recreational and work-related projects.
• Maintain a valid driver's license 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 academy training are provided by the department.
• Applicable co-pays for the required physical examination will be reimbursed 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