Correctional Officer

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Central City (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky is seeking qualified individuals for the Correctional Officer position in Central City, KY. The role involves enforcing facility rules to maintain safety and security for inmates, staff, and the public.

You will supervise inmate activities and respond to medical, visitation, and property needs while ensuring compliance with laws and agency policies. Ideal candidates demonstrate strong communication, keen observation, and teamwork.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Maintains control of the institution to provide safety and security of the facility inmates, staff, and general 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.

Skills

Communication

Observation

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Pressure handling

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Correctional Officer

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

Job Requisition ID: 2604422

Pay Grade: 10

$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 of Corrections 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 to maintain safety and control of offenders.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Maintains control of the institution to provide safety and security of the facility inmates, staff, and general 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 of firearms and ammunition at the time of employment.

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.

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