Youth Worker II

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.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following

• Maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting.
• At second level of series, supervises and monitors activities, including recreation, of juveniles committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).
• Assists juveniles in recreational skill development.
• 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 approved physical restraint technique certifications as required by DJJ policies.
• Demonstrates the proper use of recreational activity tools and equipment.
• Monitors recreational supplies, set up and take down equipment for recreational activities to ensure safety of juveniles; attends staff meetings, case conferences and trainings.
• Ensures compliance with American Correctional Association (ACA) standards and DJJ Policy.
• Assists in group counseling sessions and assignments to include therapeutic recreational needs.
• Transports juveniles to off campus outings, appointments, etc.
• 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.
  
  

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 successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy; which entails two weeks on the job training, four weeks virtual training, and one week ACT (Aikido Certified Training) at the academy training location (Louisville, Kentucky). Overnight lodging and travel is required for the ACT and provided by the department.

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 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).

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 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 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 possess and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials. Must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of appointment. https://djj.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx

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.