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CO
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Youth Worker I
Entry-Level JobVerifiedNo experience needed
Career Insights for Youth Counselor / Worker
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Based on Kentucky data
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What they do
A Youth Counselor or Worker works with young people, primarily ages 13-18, to provide mentoring and support for dealing with problems. Works in a school or community-based program; may assist with referrals from parole or probation offices. Collaborates with teachers, family members, social workers and health care professionals to help young people facing challenges or crises.
$47,751 / year median in Kentucky
+15% projected growth
Job Description
Advertisement Closes 8/5/2026 (11:59 PM ET) 2603918 Youth Worker I Pay Grade 10 Salary $37,778.40 Annually 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.
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
|FULL TIME
|ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY
| 18A | 40.0 HR/WK Click here for more details on state employment. Hiring Agency Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Juvenile Justice Location 495 Forest Hills Drive Morehead, KY 40351 USA Description 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. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: 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. Required to 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. 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. Required to 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. 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).