Correctional Sergeant

Advertisement closes 8/17/2026. Hiring Agency: Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Corrections. Location: 1200 River Road, Central City, KY 42330, USA.

About the role

The Correctional Sergeant is essential to the operation of a correctional institution, providing training and direction to Correctional Officers and inmates by utilizing experience with custody, security, and safety measures.

Responsibilities

• Supervises correctional officers in maintaining custody and control of inmates
• Supervises and conducts periodic inmate counts
• Conducts searches of inmate persons, packages, and cells for contraband
• Responds appropriately in emergency situations
• Completes investigations to include disciplinary reports, grievances, theft reports, or any other investigation assigned
• Ensures reports are completed in a timely manner
• Completes evaluations on employees

Requirements

• High school graduate
• One year of experience in corrections, law enforcement, criminal justice, social work dealing with the rehabilitation of offenders, or in the supervision and care of young adults (ages 12-21) in a residential, correctional, group home, detention, or day treatment program or any combination of the above
• Must be twenty-one years of age
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license
• Must meet all federal and state laws applicable to the carrying, use, and possession of firearms and ammunition at the time of employment
• Employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis, despite its legalization in Kentucky
• 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

Qualifications

• Strong observation skills
• Strong communication skills
• Leadership abilities
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to establish teamwork
• Possess decision-making skills

Substitutions

• An Associate's degree in corrections, criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field substitutes for six months of the required experience
• A bachelor's degree in corrections, criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field substitutes for the year of required experience
• For the Department of Juvenile Justice, successful completion of the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy or equivalent training program substitutes for one year of the required experience

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 when providing transportation

Pay

$43,046.16 annually.

Schedule

Full time, 40 hours per week. Eligible for overtime pay. Initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months.