Correctional Sergeant

Locality: Columbia, KY (401 Appleby Drive, Columbia, KY 42728)

About the role

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is a multi-faceted agency serving juveniles of the Commonwealth. While holding youth accountable for their actions, DJJ creates opportunities for sentenced, committed, probated, or detained youth to develop social and career skills for re-entry into their communities as productive and responsible citizens. This position is highly responsible, requiring maturity, reliability, and self-discipline, with a focus on leadership, respect, and professional growth through training and mentoring.

Note: Due to applicable state or federal laws, employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis.

Responsibilities

• Functional supervision and coordination of employees or inmates for specialized programs or details.
• Perform custodial security functions and supervise Correctional Officers.
• Supervise and monitor activities of DJJ juveniles; assist in interpersonal skill development.
• Complete evaluations, approve time and attendance, and maintain shift logs on juveniles' activities.
• Notify supervisors of issues, complete incident reports, and assist juveniles in complaint procedures.
• Provide support services for routine maintenance and ensure premises safety.
• Attend staff meetings, case conferences, and trainings.
• Assist in group counseling sessions and assignments.
• Transport juveniles to off-campus outings and appointments.
• Exert physical effort in the proper restraint of residents based on behavior.
• Assist youth with recreational and work-related projects.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience in corrections, law enforcement, criminal justice, social work (rehabilitation of offenders), or supervision/care of young adults (ages 12-21) in residential, correctional, group home, detention, or day treatment programs.
• Substitute education for experience: Associate’s degree in corrections, criminal justice, law enforcement, or related field substitutes for six months of experience; Bachelor’s degree substitutes for one year of experience.
• Successful completion of the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy or equivalent program substitutes for one year of experience.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy within six months of employment.
• Must maintain required licensure, certification, or credentials for the duration of employment.

Working Conditions

• Hazardous work environment in a state correctional or juvenile detention facility.
• Exposure to risks associated with operating a motor vehicle for transportation.
• Position is deemed essential; not eligible for adverse weather leave.
• May require overtime and shift work as needed (including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays).
• Must successfully pass a physical examination (cost covered by health insurance; co-pays reimbursed by the department).
• Initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months.

Pay

• Annual salary: $43,046.16 (Pay Grade 11).
• Locality Premium: $5.228 per hour.
• Shift Premium: $2.13 per hour (3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.).
• Shift Premium: $1.13 per hour (11:01 p.m. – 6:59 a.m.).
• Weekend Premium: $2.13 per hour.
• Holiday Premium: $2.13 per hour.
• Eligible for overtime pay.

Schedule

• Full-time (40 hours per week).
• Training Academy: Two weeks on-the-job training, followed by four weeks (Monday–Friday) in Louisville, KY (overnight lodging and travel provided).