Correctional Officer

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet • Bowling Green, KY

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice seeks a Correctional Officer to maintain custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting or perform related special assignments. The role includes supervising and monitoring detained juveniles, maintaining a safe and secure detention-center environment, responding to emergencies, and supporting juveniles’ interpersonal skill development. The officer documents youth behavior and unusual events, completes incident reports, assists with complaint procedures, oversees program activities, and transports juveniles as needed. The position also includes routine support and maintenance services, safety checks, and participation in staff meetings, case conferences, and training.

This is a demanding, highly responsible position requiring maturity, reliability, self-discipline, responsible conduct, leadership, and respectful treatment of staff, youth, and others. The position is essential and may require overtime and any shift as directed. The employee must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment. The academy requirement includes two weeks of on-the-job training and four weeks of weekday training in Louisville; overnight lodging and travel are required and provided by the department.

The work environment is hazardous because it is in a state correctional or juvenile detention facility and may involve exposure to hazards associated with operating a motor vehicle during transportation services. The position has a six-month initial and promotional probationary period, subject to the stated statutory exception.

Requirements

• High school graduate.
• Must be at least 20 years of age.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment.
• Must maintain any required licenses, certifications, or other credentials for the duration of employment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting or perform related special assignments.
• Supervise and monitor detained juveniles and maintain a safe and secure atmosphere in the detention center.
• Take required actions during emergencies and stand watch in each unit.
• Assist juveniles in developing interpersonal skills.
• Provide routine support services, including maintenance; check premises and ensure juvenile safety.
• Maintain the booking program to document youth behavior, court and family visits, disturbances, and other unusual events.
• Oversee juveniles during program functions at detention centers.
• Complete incident reports and other documentation as required by detention-center rules, and assist juveniles with complaint procedures.
• Attend staff meetings, case conferences, and training as required.
• Transport juveniles as needed.

Benefits

• Career growth and advancement are encouraged through training and mentoring opportunities.
• Overtime pay eligibility.
• Locality premium of $5.228 per hour.
• Shift premium of $2.13 per hour between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. and $1.13 per hour between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.
• Weekend premium of $2.13 per hour.
• Holiday premium of $2.13 per hour.
• Overnight lodging and travel for required academy training are provided by the department.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED