Job Description

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11/24/2025 (7:00 PM EST)
25-06957
Youth Worker III
Pay Grade
12
Salary
$43,733.88 - $53,861.76 Annually



Shift Premium - $2.13 per hour between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.


Shift Premium - $1.13 per 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

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Hiring Agency
Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Juvenile Justice
Location
643 Westport Road

Elizabethtown, KY 42701 USA
Description
The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) 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.



Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
At third level of series, co-leads group counseling sessions and supervises or monitors juveniles committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). Supervises and monitors activities of DJJ juveniles; assists juveniles in interpersonal skill development; co-leads group counseling sessions for assigned juveniles. Participates in juveniles' individual treatment plan development; ensures security room checks are performed during shifts. Maintains shift logs regarding juveniles' behaviors and events; completes incident reports and assists juveniles in complaint procedures. Provides routine building maintenance, housekeeping, etc. and notifies supervisors of corrections needed. 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. Maintains 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.

Required to 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.



This position is deemed essential and has been designated for mandatory operations by the Appointing Authority; therefore, the incumbent is not eligible for Adverse Weather Leave.



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.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact John Ellington at johnl.ellington@ky.gov or 502-423-2133.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D