Correctional Officer

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4/26/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)

26-01857

Correctional Officer

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

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Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Juvenile Justice

Location

8711 LaGrange Road, Building E
Louisville, KY 40242 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:

• Provides transportation to youth detained to DJJ. Escorts juveniles between various institutional areas. Maintains custody and control of juveniles in a custodial security setting. Takes appropriate action during emergencies to prevent escapes and suppress disorder.
• Completes transportation requests providing services in the most efficient manner. Performs counts and wellness checks for juveniles. Monitors individuals entering and leaving institutional grounds. Maintains approved physical restraint technique certifications as required by DJJ policies.
• Transports DJJ juveniles to and from medical and court appointments as well as placements in other facilities. Uses mechanical and safety restraints when needed.
• Assists in providing support services to youth and their families, such as de-escalating youth and informing families about facilities, residential and private.
• Maintains appropriate logs and reports as needed and ensures proper/timely maintenance on automobiles assigned to the unit. Maintains documentation on other vehicles used.
• Communicates with detention facilities statewide and other law enforcement agencies regarding youth behavior. Attends meetings and trainings as required.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Minimum Requirements

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 David Rodgers at David.Rodgers@ky.gov or 502-545-1699.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D