What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Service Worker I position at Commonwealth of Kentucky?
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4/8/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
26-01623
Social Service Worker I
Pay Grade 14
Salary
$55,541.52 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
401 Appleby Drive
Columbia, KY 42728 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: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related field.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE
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 or residential program setting and visits clients and/or families at their residence. Provides emergency services on 24-hour basis, including accepting referrals and completing investigations at any hour without prior warning. As a result of enforced intervention, the worker runs the risk of physical harm.
Probationary Period
This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 9 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact James Briggs at james.briggs@ky.gov or 859-292-4447.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
4/8/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
26-01623
Social Service Worker I
Pay Grade 14
Salary
$55,541.52 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
401 Appleby Drive
Columbia, KY 42728 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 entry level professional social work services to adjudicated juveniles in Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) facilities.
- Provides beginning level individual/group/family counseling services for juveniles served in DJJ facilities and develops individual treatment plans.
- Conducts treatment team planning sessions.
- Participates in placement/discharge of juveniles.
- Assists juvenile service worker with integration of juveniles back to community.
- Writes progress notes, discharge summaries, charting summaries and other administrative or treatment reports.
- Maintains current and confidential case records.
- Supervises juveniles as needed.
- Minimum travel may be required.
- May be required to restrain out-of-control juveniles.
EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related field.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE
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 or residential program setting and visits clients and/or families at their residence. Provides emergency services on 24-hour basis, including accepting referrals and completing investigations at any hour without prior warning. As a result of enforced intervention, the worker runs the risk of physical harm.
Probationary Period
This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 9 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact James Briggs at james.briggs@ky.gov or 859-292-4447.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
Salary : $55,542