Correctional Officer

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Columbia (KY); On-site; USD 49,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay eligible

Training academy

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky seeks a Correctional Officer in Columbia, KY. The role ensures custody and safety of juveniles, works a 40-hour week with overtime eligibility, and requires completion of DJJ Training Academy within six months.

A high school diploma and valid driver's license are essential, with wage details as listed in the posting. Physical and training requirements are outlined, including OC spray certification and shift/holiday premiums as applicable.

Qualifications

• High school graduate.
• No prior experience required.
• Must be twenty 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.
• OC spray training and certification required.
• Must successfully pass a physical examination.

Responsibilities

• Maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting or related assignments.
• Supervises detained juveniles and maintains a safe and secure atmosphere.
• Takes required actions during emergencies and stands watch.
• Assists juveniles in interpersonal skill development.
• Provides support services for routine maintenance and safety.
• Maintains the booking program to record youth activities and visits.
• Oversees juveniles during program functions at detention centers.
• Completes incident reports and documentation per detention center rules.

Education

High school graduate

Job description

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

2605679

Correctional Officer

Pay Grade: 10

$39,127.68 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: 401 Appleby Drive
Columbia, KY 42728 USA

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

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice seeks to serve youth in the least restrictive, appropriateplacement possible. We aspire to be a premier team of professionals committed to providing life-changingservices 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 toperform all duties to the best of their ability, act in a responsible manner at all times, demonstrateleadership qualities, and treat all staff, youth, and persons with respect. This is a demanding position thatrequires maturity, reliability, and self-discipline. Career growth and advancement are encouraged throughtraining and mentoring opportunities.

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.

Responsibilities

• Maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting or performs related special assignments.
• At beginning level, supervises and monitors activities of detained juveniles; maintaining a safe and secure atmosphere for juveniles in a detention center.
• Takes required actions during emergencies situations and stands watch in each unit.
• Assists juveniles in interpersonal skill development.
• Provides support services for routine maintenance, etc.; checks premises and ensures safety of juveniles; attends staff meetings, case conferences and trainings.
• Maintains the booking program to record youth's daily behaviors and interactions between courts and family visits to document disturbances and other unusual events of behavior.
• Oversees the juveniles during program functions at the detention centers.
• Completes incident reports and other documentation as needed according to detention center rules; assistsjuveniles in complaint procedures.
• Attends staff meetings, case conferences and trainings as required.
• Transports juveniles as needed.

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.
• Successfully complete required Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray training and certification. As a condition of employment, employees will be subject to either direct or indirect exposure to OC spray, based on position and job responsibilities.
• Applicants are required to successfully pass a physical examination and be able to perform all essential job functions, 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).

This job classification is approved for the following shift premiums, in compliance with 101 KAR 2:034 Section 9(2), which are applied to the base salary:

• 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: 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 James Briggs at [e-mail] or 270-384-7528.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D