Correctional Sergeant

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet • Columbia, KY

18h • Onsite

About The Position

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice seeks a Correctional Sergeant to support its work with sentenced, committed, probated, or detained youth. The department aims to hold youth accountable while helping them build social and career skills for successful re-entry into their communities. This is a highly responsible position requiring maturity, reliability, self-discipline, leadership, and respectful treatment of staff, youth, and others. Training and mentoring opportunities support career growth and advancement.

The position coordinates and supervises work, performs custodial security duties, supervises juveniles and Correctional Officers, and supports youth development and safety. It is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position eligible for overtime. The incumbent may be required to work overtime and any shift as needed. The role is designated for mandatory operations and is not eligible for Adverse Weather Leave.

New employees must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment. The academy includes two weeks of on-the-job training and four weeks of weekday training in Louisville; overnight lodging and travel for the academy are required and provided by the department. Employees must also complete OC spray training and certification and may be subject to direct or indirect OC spray exposure. Applicants must pass a physical examination and be able to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

The work environment is hazardous because it takes place in a state correctional facility with convicted felons or in a juvenile detention facility. Transportation duties may involve hazards associated with operating a motor vehicle. Medical cannabis use is prohibited for employees in this position despite its legalization in Kentucky, due to other applicable state or federal laws.

Requirements

• High school graduate.
• At least one year of experience in corrections, law enforcement, criminal justice, social work involving offender rehabilitation, or supervision and care of young adults ages 12–21 in a residential, correctional, group home, detention, or day treatment program, or an equivalent combination of these experiences.
• Must be at least 21 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, unless an approved equivalent training program applies.
• Must maintain any required licenses, certifications, or other credentials throughout employment.
• Must successfully pass a physical examination and be able to perform all essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must successfully complete required Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray training and certification; direct or indirect exposure to OC spray may occur.
• Medical cannabis use is prohibited for employees in this position.

Responsibilities

• Functionally supervise and coordinate the work of employees or inmates assigned to a specialized program or detail.
• Perform custodial security functions.
• Supervise and monitor juvenile activities and assist juveniles in developing interpersonal skills.
• Supervise Correctional Officers; complete evaluations and approve time or attendance.
• Maintain shift logs of juvenile activities, notify supervisors of issues, complete incident reports as needed, and assist juveniles with complaint procedures.
• Provide support services for routine maintenance, check premises, and ensure juvenile safety.
• Attend staff meetings, case conferences, and trainings.
• Assist with group counseling sessions and assignments.
• Transport juveniles to off-campus outings, appointments, and other destinations.
• Exert physical effort to properly restrain residents based on their behavior.
• Perform other physical efforts when assisting youth with recreational and work-related projects.

Benefits

• Career growth and advancement through training and mentoring opportunities.
• Overnight lodging and travel for the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy are provided by the department.
• Applicable co-pays for the required physical examination will be reimbursed by the department.
• 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.
• Eligible for overtime pay.

What This Job Offers

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