More than 160 job opportunities currently available
FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 15, 2022) – The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is currently hiring Kentuckians to help fill more than 160 full- and part-time positions across 24 facilities located throughout the state’s 120 counties.
To help recruit the department is hosting a job fair on July 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT at Jefferson Regional Juvenile Detention Center located at 8711 LaGrange Rd. Bldg. D, Louisville, KY. Staff will be on-site to assist interested individuals with the applicant process.
“DJJ is instrumental in making sure youth in the juvenile justice system are given the second chance they deserve,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “This begins with staff who genuinely care for and are invested in the futures of these youth and the commonwealth. Join Team Kentucky and work with us to make a difference.”
DJJ Commissioner Vicki Reed said while the department’s vacancy rates are improving, they still need more individuals committed to fostering and investing in the life of each youth to not only help keep them from returning to custody, but also to support them in becoming a more productive citizen, able to enter the workforce and support their own families in the future.
“Making visible, meaningful differences in the lives of Kentucky’s youth is something that DJJ has the privilege to do through building relationships,” said Commissioner Reed. “The upcoming job fair will show how these differences are made through investments in the lives of these youth while allowing us the opportunity to speak with those who desire to fill desperately needed positions that allow us to make an even greater impact.”
DJJ is responsible for prevention programs for at-risk youth, court intake, pre-trial detention, residential placement and treatment services, probation, community aftercare and reintegration programs, as well as the confinement of youth awaiting adult placement or court. The department strives to promote a comprehensive array of cost-effective services for at-risk youth. These services are directed toward preventing delinquency, providing efficient rehabilitation services and altering the rate of recidivism with appropriate aftercare while minimizing risk to the community.
DJJ is seeking applicants for the following positions: youth workers, nursing, administration, counseling/mental health and food service.
Youth Workers are the direct line of care who are some of the most needed and influential adults in the lives of youth in residential placement. They oversee daily activities, maintain safety and security, and assist youth with school and vocational activities as well as modeling and teaching positive social skills and respect for others. Some of the specific applicant requirements for Youth Workers are:
• Have a high school diploma or GED;
• Be able to physically respond to an emergency situation;
• Not have been engaged in any sexual related offense, domestic violence, human or drug trafficking or drug related charge in last 8 years. convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or trafficking in narcotics, drugs or controlled substances; and
• Have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
All individuals that are hired to be Youth Workers will attend a 4- week basic training academy.
Earlier this week, the Governor and Commissioner Reed reopened the Mayfield Youth Development Center located in Graves Co. after the facility experienced extensive damage from the December 2021 tornadoes. DJJ is currently seeking applicants for this facility.
For more about a career with DJJ, visit the Kentucky Personnel’s Cabinet website.
As of July 15, there are 474 youth in the custody of the state receiving services from DJJ housed at 24 facilities located throughout the state. To learn more about DJJ and its services for the youth in the commonwealth click here.