Correctional Officer

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Newport (KY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Locality premium pay

Shift premium (3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.)

Shift premium (11:01 p.m.–6:59 a.m.)

Weekend and holiday premium

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky's Department of Juvenile Justice in Newport is seeking a Correctional Officer in a high‑responsibility role within a juvenile detention setting. You will maintain custody and safety of youth, monitor activities, and respond to emergencies while supporting program objectives and daily operations.

Minimum requirements include a high school diploma, no prior experience required, must be at least 20, and possess a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• No prior experience required.
• Must be twenty years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.

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; assists juveniles in complaint procedures.
• Attends staff meetings, case conferences and trainings as required.
• Transports juveniles as needed.

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Advertisement Closes
9/7/2026 (11:59 PM ET)
2604606
Correctional Officer
Pay Grade 10
Salary
$39,127.68 Annually
Locality Premium – $5.228 per hour
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
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
590 Columbia Street
Newport, KY 41071 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 be 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 Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following

• 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; assists juveniles 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.
• Applicants must 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 will receive locality premium pay ($5.228 added to the hourly rate) pursuant to 101 KAR 2:034. The locality premium pay is not considered a raise or part of base pay; rather, it is a temporary measure being taken by the department to improve recruitment and retention to meet the continuing critical staffing needs in these counties.
• Additionally, a shift premium of $2.13 an hour has been approved for all correctional series positions working between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., a $1.13 an hour between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m., and $2.13 an hour on weekends and holidays.

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 Jessica Johnson at [e-mail] or 859-292-6371.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D