Social Service Specialist

Job Overview 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. 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 Plan, coordinate, evaluate and monitor services provided through the Alternatives to Detention Program. Assist courts and agencies in evaluation and placement of detained youth. Provide intense supervision and case management for youth placed in alternatives to detention. Work closely with the court system to provide alternative to detention services for eligible youth. Serve as court liaison for detention services. Provide reports and technical assistance to courts and related agencies aiding in final decisions of the courts. Interpret, implement, and recommend policy regarding Alternatives to Detention Program services. Provide weekly, monthly, and annual reports to Central Office regarding alternatives program activity. Maintain a confidential electronic database for all youth served in alternative programs. Monitor detention admissions for compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. Monitor contracted services. Provide professional and technical assistance to department staff regarding Alternatives to Detention services. Attend meetings and trainings as required. Travel is required to visit clients and/or families at their residence. This position will cover and travel to the following counties on its caseload: Warren, Logan, Simpson, Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Ohio, Hancock, Todd, and Daviess. 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 the appointing authority within one month of employment documentation that they possess a valid driver's license. Employees must maintain any required licensure, certification, or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. The employing agency is responsible for ensuring employees possess and maintain required licensure, certification, 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 six months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111. If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Cassie Hall at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D #J-18808-Ljbffr Commonwealth of Kentucky