Social Service Specialist

Location 1823 McIntosh Street Suite 112, Bowling Green, KY 42104 USA Description The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice is a multi‑faceted agency that serves juveniles of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 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 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 consultative services 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. Provides technical assistance in the interpretation of policies and regulations. 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. Provides case management for probated, committed, or sentenced youth, and carries a specialized caseload. Prepares case plans and aftercare plans. Participates in case conferences and other meetings pertaining to treatment. Enters information into the youth’s electronic file. Serves as acting Juvenile Service District Supervisor (JSDS) in their absence. Attends trainings and meetings as directed. Required to be on call 24/7 and respond to emergency situations. Minimum travel may be required. May be required to restrain out of control juveniles. Minimum Requirements 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 Cayla Moody at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D #J-18808-Ljbffr Commonwealth of Kentucky