Correctional Officer

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet • Columbia, KY

4d • 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. This highly responsible role requires maturity, reliability, self-discipline, leadership, and respectful treatment of staff, youth, and others. The employee helps maintain a safe and secure detention-center environment and supports juveniles’ development and daily activities.

The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, and eligible for overtime. The incumbent must complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment. The required academy includes two weeks of on-the-job training and four weeks of weekday training in Louisville, with overnight lodging and travel provided. Successful completion of OC spray training and certification is also required; employees may be directly or indirectly exposed to OC spray. Applicants must pass a physical examination and be able to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

The position is essential and may require overtime and any shift as needed. Work takes place in a hazardous correctional or juvenile detention environment, and transportation duties may involve hazards associated with operating a motor vehicle. Medical cannabis use is prohibited for employees in this position.

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 required licensure, certification, or other credentials for the length of employment.
• Must successfully complete required Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray training and certification and may be subject to direct or indirect OC spray exposure.
• Must successfully pass a physical examination and be able to perform all essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be willing to work overtime and any shift as needed and directed.

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 support services for routine maintenance, check premises, and ensure juvenile safety.
• Maintain the booking program to record youths’ daily behaviors and interactions with courts and family visits, including disturbances and other unusual behavioral events.
• Oversee juveniles during detention-center program functions.
• Complete incident reports and other documentation as required by detention-center rules, and assist juveniles with complaint procedures.
• Attend staff meetings, case conferences, and trainings.
• Transport juveniles as needed.

Benefits

• Career growth and advancement are encouraged through training and mentoring opportunities.
• Overnight lodging and travel for the academy training are provided by the department.
• Applicable co-pays for the required physical examination will be reimbursed by the department.
• Eligible for overtime pay.
• Locality premium of $5.228 per hour.
• Shift premium of $2.13 per hour between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• Shift premium of $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.

What This Job Offers

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