Youth Worker II

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About the role

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.

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.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and monitors activities of juveniles committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).
• Maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting.
• Assists juveniles in interpersonal skill development; acts as training mentor for beginning level youth workers.
• Escorts juveniles between various institutional areas.
• Takes appropriate action during emergencies to prevent escapes and suppress disorder.
• Monitors individuals entering and leaving institutional grounds.
• 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.
• Required to exert physical effort in the proper restraint of residents based on behavior.
• Required to have and maintain a valid driver’s license 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 of on-the-job training and four weeks (Monday – Friday) at the academy training location (Louisville, Kentucky). Overnight lodging and travel is required for the academy training and provided by the department.
• Must successfully pass a physical examination and be able to perform all essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

• High school graduate.
• Two 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 two years of experience working in a community office setting providing transportation services to court-committed young adults (ages 12-21).
• College will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• 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 the required experience.
• Must possess a valid driver's license prior to employment in this job classification and maintain it for the length of employment.
• Must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of appointment.

Pay

Salary: $39,667.56 - $48,969.60 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.

Schedule

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Eligible for overtime pay.
• 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.

Working Conditions

• Typically works in a day treatment, group home, or residential facility, or community office setting.
• May be exposed to hazards and dangers associated with operating a motor vehicle when providing transportation.