What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Service Specialist position at Commonwealth of Kentucky?
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7/1/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
2603170
Social Service Specialist
Pay Grade 16
Salary
$67,204.32 Annually
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Juvenile Justice
Location
85 State Police Road
London, KY 40744 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 (DJJ) 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
EDUCATION: A master's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related field
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have three years of professional social work experience.
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: A bachelor's degree supplemented by five years of professional social work experience will substitute for the primary education and experience requirements.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): If employed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice, an employee in this job classification must furnish to the appointing authority within one month of employment documentation that he/she possesses a valid driver's license. 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
Performs job duties in an office/facility setting and visits clients and/or families at their residence.
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 Jonathan Smith at JonathanQ.Smith@ky.gov or 606-528-4050.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
7/1/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
2603170
Social Service Specialist
Pay Grade 16
Salary
$67,204.32 Annually
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Juvenile Justice
Location
85 State Police Road
London, KY 40744 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 (DJJ) 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
- Provides case management. Prepares reports for circuit and district court. Acts as court liaison. Provides technical assistance and training to social service workers and social service clinicians. Provides intensive services as a result of risk and needs assessment and the provision of multifaceted services. Responds to emergency situations.
- Provides case management for probated, committed, and sentenced youth; carries a specialized caseload.
- Prepares pre-sentencing reports for circuit court and pre-dispositional reports for district court and serves as court liaison for both courts. Provides expert testimony and technical assistance as required.
- Prepares case plans and aftercare plans. Participates in case conferences and other meetings pertaining to treatment. Enters information into the youth’s electronic file. Conduct in person site visits as facility liaison for assigned area.
- Coordinates, evaluates and monitors treatment progress for all juveniles in out-of-home placements for an assigned region. Provides case consultation with the juveniles, Social Service Workers or Clinicians and program staff to assess the juveniles' progress on current treatment goals.
- Attends trainings and meetings as directed. Required to be on call 24/7 and respond to emergency situations.
- Travel will be required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION: A master's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related field
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have three years of professional social work experience.
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: A bachelor's degree supplemented by five years of professional social work experience will substitute for the primary education and experience requirements.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): If employed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice, an employee in this job classification must furnish to the appointing authority within one month of employment documentation that he/she possesses a valid driver's license. 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
Performs job duties in an office/facility setting and visits clients and/or families at their residence.
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 Jonathan Smith at JonathanQ.Smith@ky.gov or 606-528-4050.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
Salary : $67,204