Correctional Officer

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet • Lyndon, KY

11d • $39,128 • Onsite

About The Position

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice seeks a Correctional Officer to provide custodial security and transportation services for detained youth. The role requires maturity, reliability, self-discipline, responsible conduct, leadership, and respectful treatment of staff, youth, and other people. The department encourages career growth through training and mentoring opportunities.

The officer transports youth to and from detention, medical and court appointments, and other facilities; escorts juveniles within institutions; and maintains custody and control in a custodial security setting. The position also includes responding to emergencies, performing counts and wellness checks, monitoring access to institutional grounds, supporting youth and families, communicating with detention facilities and law enforcement, and maintaining records and vehicle documentation.

This is a full-time, essential position that may require overtime and any shift as needed. Employees must complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment, as well as required OC spray training and certification. The role is based at 8711 LaGrange Road, Building E, Louisville, Kentucky. The work environment is hazardous due to the correctional or juvenile detention setting and possible hazards associated with operating a motor vehicle. Employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis under applicable state or federal laws.

Requirements

• High school graduation.
• 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 successfully complete required Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray training and certification; employees may be subject to direct or indirect exposure to OC spray.
• Must pass a physical examination and be able to perform all essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must maintain required licenses, certifications, or other credentials for the duration of employment.
• Must be able to work overtime and any shift as needed and directed.
• Must provide appropriate documentation, including a Real ID, if required for air travel or entry into a federal government building.

Responsibilities

• Transport youth detained to the Department of Juvenile Justice and escort juveniles between institutional areas.
• Maintain custody and control of juveniles 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 individuals entering and leaving institutional grounds.
• Maintain physical restraint technique certifications as required by DJJ policies.
• Transport juveniles to and from medical and court appointments and placements in other facilities; use mechanical and safety restraints when needed.
• Support youth and their families, including de-escalating youth and providing families with information about facilities.
• Maintain logs and reports and ensure timely maintenance of automobiles assigned to the unit; document use of other vehicles.
• Communicate with statewide detention facilities and other law enforcement agencies regarding youth behavior.
• Attend required meetings and trainings.

Benefits

• Career growth and advancement 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, based on assigned organizational structure and work county.
• Shift premium of $2.13 per hour for work between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., or $1.13 per hour for work 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