Correctional Officer

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet•Bowling Green, KY

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) seeks a Correctional Officer to help serve juveniles across the Commonwealth. DJJ works to hold youth accountable while helping them develop social and career skills for re-entry into their communities. This is a highly responsible, demanding position requiring maturity, reliability, self-discipline, responsible conduct, leadership, and respectful treatment of staff, youth, and others. Training and mentoring opportunities support career growth and advancement. The position maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting and provides transportation and related support. The employee must successfully complete the DJJ Training Academy within six months of employment. The role is designated essential and may require overtime and any shift as needed and directed. Academy training includes two weeks of on-the-job training and four weeks of weekday training in Louisville, with required overnight lodging and travel provided by the department. Employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis due to applicable state or federal laws. A physical examination is required, and the employee must be able to perform all essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation. Travel by air or entry into federal government buildings may require appropriate documentation, including a Real ID.

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.
Must successfully pass a physical examination and be able to perform all essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Provide transportation for youth detained to DJJ and transport juveniles to and from medical and court appointments and placements in other facilities.
Escort juveniles between institutional areas and maintain custody and control of them in a custodial security setting.
Take appropriate action during emergencies to prevent escapes and suppress disorder.
Complete transportation requests efficiently and perform counts and wellness checks for juveniles.
Monitor people entering and leaving institutional grounds.
Maintain required certifications in approved physical restraint techniques and use mechanical and safety restraints when needed.
Support youth and their families, including de-escalating youth and informing families about residential and private facilities.
Maintain logs and reports, ensure timely maintenance of assigned automobiles, and document other vehicles used.
Communicate with detention facilities statewide and other law enforcement agencies regarding youth behavior.
Attend required meetings and training.