Correctional Captain

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Bowling Green (KY); On-site; USD 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Department of Juvenile Justice seeks a highly responsible Correctional Captain to supervise custodial security staff in a juvenile detention setting in Bowling Green. The role requires leadership, reliability, and a commitment to safety and youth rehabilitation.

Competitive pay and mandatory training are part of the package. Applicants must have a high school diploma and relevant corrections or supervision experience, with supervisory responsibilities in custodial

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate/bachelor degrees may substitute for experience.
• Three years of experience in corrections, law enforcement, or supervision of youth in related settings.
• At least one year in a supervisory capacity within custodial security.

Responsibilities

• Supervises custodial security staff on an assigned shift in a juvenile detention facility.
• Monitors staff performance and ensures policies are followed; coordinates schedules.
• Compiles administrative reports and briefs oncoming staff; transports juveniles as needed.
• Attends meetings, case conferences, and ensures subordinate training.
• Assists youth with work-related and recreational activities as required.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Leadership

Corrections experience

Safety procedures knowledge

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree substitution for experience

Bachelor's degree substitution for supervisory experience

Job description

Advertisement Closes: 10/1/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Job ID: req81383

Title: Correctional Captain

Pay Grade: 14

Salary: $57,288.96 Annually
Locality Premium - $5.228 per hour
Shift Premium - $2.13 per hour between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Shift Premium - $1.13 per hour between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.
Weekend Premium - $2.13 per hour
Holiday Premium - $2.13 per hour

Employment Type: EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 40.0 HR/WK

Hiring Agency: Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Juvenile Justice

Location: 1020 Kentucky Street Bowling Green, KY 42101 USA

Description

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice is a multi-faceted agency that serves juveniles of the Commonwealth. While striving to hold youth accountable for their actions, the Department creates opportunities for sentenced, committed, probated, or detained youth to develop social and career skills that will equip them for re-entry into their communities as productive and responsible citizens.

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice seeks to serve youth in the least restrictive, appropriate placement possible. We aspire to a premier team of professionals committed to providing life-changing services resulting in the positive transformation of children, families, and communities.

For more information about the Department of Juvenile Justice please visit: https://djj.ky.gov/

This is a highly responsible position in the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The employee is expected to perform all duties to the best of their ability, act in a responsible manner at all times, demonstrate leadership qualities, and treat all staff, youth, and persons with respect. This is a demanding position that requires maturity, reliability, and self-discipline. Career growth and advancement are encouraged through training and mentoring opportunities.

Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, due to other applicable state or federal laws, employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis. If you need additional information about this prohibition, you may contact the agency point of contact for additional information.

Responsibilities

• Supervises all custodial security staff on an assigned shift in a juvenile detention facility.
• Supervises assigned security staff during shift and coordinates staff schedules; monitors performance and ensures policies and procedures are carried out.
• Monitors juveniles' behavior and recommends alternative behavior plans. Reports, documents and uplines unusual events and behaviors to management.
• Prepares and reviews incident reports and other documentation necessary for daily operation; reviews juvenile records for treatment methods and documentation; briefs oncoming staff. Transports juveniles as needed.
• Attends staff meetings, case conferences and trainings as required; ensures proper subordinate training.
• Compiles administrative reports and informs supervisors of issues and concerns.
• Perform other physical efforts in assisting youth with recreational and work-related projects.

Additional Information

• This position is deemed essential and has been designated for mandatory operations by the Appointing Authority; therefore, the incumbent is not eligible for Adverse Weather Leave.
• May be required to work overtime and any shift as needed and directed.
• Required to successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy; which entails two weeks on the job training, four weeks (Monday – Friday) at the academy training location (Louisville, Kentucky). Overnight lodging and travel is required for the ACT and provided by the department.
• Applicants are required to successfully pass a physical examination and be able to perform all essential jobfunctions, with or without reasonable accommodation. The cost of the physical examination will be billed through the employee’s health insurance; however, any applicable co‑pays will be reimbursed by the department. For additional information, please contact the program’s administrative staff.

This position has an approved Locality Premium of $5.228, based on the organizational structure and work county it is currently assigned to, in compliance with 101 KAR 2:034 Section 9(1).

Shift Premiums

• Shift Premium - $2.13 an hour between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• Shift Premium $1.13 an hour between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.
• Weekend Premium - $2.13 per hour
• Holiday Premium - $2.13 per hour

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: High school graduate.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have three years of experience in corrections, law enforcement, criminal justice, social work dealing with the rehabilitation of offenders, or in the supervision and care of young adults (ages 12-21) in a residential, correctional, group home, detention or day treatment program or any combination of the above. At least one year of the experience must have been in a supervisory capacity in a custodial security setting.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: An associate's degree from a college or university in corrections, criminal justice, law enforcement or a related field will substitute for six months of the required non-supervisory experience. A bachelor's degree from a college or university in corrections, criminal justice, law enforcement or a related field will substitute for one year of the required non-supervisory experience. For the Department of Juvenile Justice, successful completion of the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy or equivalent training program approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Juvenile Justice will substitute for one year of the required experience.

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): Must be twenty-one years of age. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license to qualify for employment in this job classification. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.

Working Conditions

Work environment is hazardous due to working in a state correctional facility with convicted felons or in a juvenile detention facility.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Robert Barron at [e-mail] or [phone].

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

Click here for more details on state employment.