Correctional Officer

National Police; Central City (KY); On-site; USD 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kentucky Department of Corrections is seeking motivated individuals to join its correctional team in Central City, KY. As a Correctional Officer, you will help maintain safety and order inside the facility, supervise inmate activities, and ensure compliance with rules and procedures.

Ideal candidates demonstrate strong communication, good observation, and the ability to work under pressure as part of a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• High school graduate required.
• No prior experience required.

Responsibilities

• Maintains safety and security of facility and inmates.
• Supervises inmate activities in housing, dining, recreation and work areas.
• Attends to medical, visitation and property needs of inmates.
• Inspects grounds for contraband and security risks.
• Completes reports and daily logs.
• Conducts inmate counts, security rounds and searches.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Observation skills

Team player

Attention to detail

Work under pressure

Education

High school graduate

Job description

Advertisement Closes

8/30/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Pay Grade10

Salary

$39,127.68 Annually

• Locality Premium - $5.23 per hour
• Shift Premium - $2.13 per hour
• 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 Corrections

Location

1200 River Road

Central City, KY 42330 USA

Description

Creating a Better, Safer Kentucky

Do you want to kick-start your career in Criminal Justice? Look no further! The Kentucky Department ofCorrections is seeking motivated individuals who are up for the challenge.

Correctional Officers fill a critical role within correctional institutions by working together as a team tomaintain safety and control of offenders.

• Maintains control of the institution to provide safety and security of the facility inmates, staff, andgeneral public by enforcing rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Supervises inmate activities in housing units, dining areas, recreation and work areas.
• Attends to the medical, visitation, personal property, and recreational needs of the inmates.
• Inspects and patrols the grounds for contraband, unauthorized personnel, and for other security risks.
• Completes required reports and daily logs.
• Conducts inmate counts, security rounds, and searches.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Strong communication skills.
• Observation skills.
• Be a team player.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure.

All applicants must meet all federal and state laws applicable to the carrying, use, and possession offirearms and ammunition at the time of employment.

Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, due toother 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 foradditional information.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION:High school graduate.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:NONE

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:NONE

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):Must be twenty years of age. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license to qualify for employment in this job classification. For the Department of Juvenile Justice, must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment. 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. May be exposed to hazards and dangers associated with operating a motor vehicle while providing transportation services.

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 Vicki Allen at [e-mail].

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D