Social Service Clinician

Final date to receive applications 3/1/2026 (7:00 PM EST)

26-00928

Pay Grade 15

$61,095.36 Annually

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

Hiring Agency:
Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Juvenile Justice

401 Appleby Drive, Columbia, KY 42728 USA

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: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..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.

• Provides intensive social work services through the assessment of client needs and the provision of social services to complex cases.
• Provides intensive individual, group and family counseling services to juveniles with complex issues in DJJ facilities.
• Reviews background and evaluation materials to develop treatment plans and coordinates group counseling sessions and learning experiences.
• Reviews individual case records, prepares summaries for treatment team meetings and maintains current and confidential case records.
• Coordinates with community staff in ongoing treatment efforts for juveniles discharged from the facility.
• Mentors new counselors to ensure effective and proper counseling techniques.
• Travel may be required.
• May be required to restrain out‑of‑control juveniles.

Education: A master's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related field.

Experience, Training, or

Skills:

Must have one year of professional social work experience.

Substitute EDUCATION for

EXPERIENCE:

NONE

Substitute EXPERIENCE for

EDUCATION:

A bachelor's degree supplemented by three years of professional social work experience will substitute for the primary education and experience requirements.

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.

Performs job duties in an office/facility 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.

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 Jason Little tle or .

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D