Youth Worker II
About The Position
The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice seeks a Youth Worker II to supervise and monitor juveniles committed to the department in a custodial security setting. The role includes maintaining custody and control, supporting juveniles’ interpersonal skill development, and serving as a training mentor for beginning-level youth workers. Employees are expected to perform their duties responsibly, demonstrate maturity, reliability, self-discipline, and leadership, and treat staff, youth, and others with respect. Training and mentoring opportunities support career growth and advancement. The position is designated as essential for mandatory operations and is not eligible for Adverse Weather Leave. The employee must maintain a valid driver’s license and may be required to work overtime and any shift as needed. The employee must successfully complete OC spray training and certification, the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of appointment, and Handle With Care training and certification. Academy training includes two weeks of on-the-job training and four weeks of weekday training in Louisville, with overnight lodging and travel provided by the department. A physical examination and medical clearance are required before Handle With Care training; applicable examination co-pays will be reimbursed by the department. The position may involve direct or indirect exposure to OC spray. Medical cannabis use is prohibited for employees in this position under applicable state or federal laws.
Requirements
- High school graduate.
- Two years of experience supervising and caring for young adults ages 12–21 in a residential, correctional, group home, detention, or day treatment program; OR two years of experience in a community office setting providing transportation services to court-committed young adults ages 12–21.
- College education may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis; successful completion of the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy or an equivalent program approved by the Commissioner may also substitute for the required experience.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license before employment and maintain required licenses, certifications, or credentials throughout employment.
- Must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of appointment.
- Must successfully complete OC spray training and certification.
- Must complete a physical examination and obtain medical clearance before participating in Handle With Care training and certification.
- Must pass a physical examination and be able to perform all essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Must be able to work overtime and any shift as needed and directed.
- Employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis due to applicable state or federal laws.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and monitor juveniles committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice and maintain their custody and control in a custodial security setting.
- Assist juveniles in developing interpersonal skills.
- Act as a training mentor for beginning-level youth workers.
- Escort juveniles between institutional areas.
- Take appropriate action during emergencies to prevent escapes and suppress disorder.
- Monitor individuals entering and leaving institutional grounds.
- Maintain shift logs of juveniles’ activities and notify supervisors of issues.
- Complete incident reports as needed and assist juveniles with complaint procedures.
- Perform counts and/or wellness checks for juveniles.
- Exert physical effort to properly restrain residents based on their behavior.
- Maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment in this classification.
Benefits
- Overtime pay eligibility
- Academy overnight lodging and travel provided by the department
- Applicable co-pays for the required physical examination reimbursed by the department
- Training and mentoring opportunities for career growth and advancement
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
