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 people 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.
Prefer the following credential: Certified Psychologist (CP), Licensed Psychologist (LP), Licensed
Psychological Practitioner (LPP), Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA), Licensed Professional Clinical
Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
(LMFT), Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (MFTA), License Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and, or, Certified
Social Worker (CSW). Also prefer candidates to have three (3) years of inpatient or out patient clinical
experience.
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:
Administers the mental health program and associated activities for all youth within a Department of
Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Juvenile Detention Center or Youth Development Center facility with intellectual
disabilities and, or, behavioral health conditions; and performs other duties as required.
- Provides direction, integration and coordination of the provision of behavioral health services,
coordinating and supervising the treatment program in accordance with mental health protocols, SOP’s, and
policies.
- Coordinates all the therapeutic functions of the DJJ facility with the authorization of support plans,
incident follow-up, provider certification and programmatic utilization revisions.
- Review, complete and approve all juvenile behavioral health screening and assessments.
- Administer and
interpret mental health screening tools, complete Violent Felony Offender assessments and provide individual
counseling and group counseling services to youth.
- May consult with public and private agencies or other community organizations for the purpose of
maintaining community relations concerning a youth’s intellectual disabilities or behavioral health problem.
- Evaluates the effectiveness of program services.
- Initiates and coordinates service approvals for admission,
discharge, and court resources.
- Monitors and evaluates clinical, rehabilitative or community support services in the facility settings.
- Prepares routine, special and technical reports on activities of the program.
- Provides clinical and
administrative oversight of counseling staff. - Provides training on behavioral health issues to include suicide
prevention and intervention.
