Corrections Recreation Leader

Advertisement closes 8/20/2026. Full-time position within the Justice & Public Safety Cabinet, Department of Corrections at the Central Kentucky Medical Correctional Complex in Lexington, KY.

About the role

The Kentucky Department of Corrections (DOC), Division of Adult Institutions operates 13 correctional facilities that house Kentucky's adult inmate population. The mission of DOC is to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth and to provide a safe, secure, and humane environment for staff and offenders while offering opportunities for offenders to acquire skills that facilitate non-criminal behavior.

This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising recreational activities tailored to the needs, interests, and abilities of inmates within the facility. The role requires accommodating a varied population of offenders through innovative planned activities and daily recreational opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and coordinate recreational activities to meet the needs of correctional clients in a large correctional institution.
• Consult with institutional staff to plan programs for residents.
• Gather information on offender skills, abilities, and interests to recommend, plan, and implement recreational activities.
• Supervise gymnasium sanitation, general maintenance of recreation equipment, and inventory of supplies.
• Attend institution meetings and prepare various reports.
• Maintain records on recreational equipment and inventories.
• Direct leagues, tournaments, and holiday events for all inmate populations.
• Demonstrate capacity to multi-task and effectively communicate with and command large numbers of inmates, serving as referee, umpire, official, and supervisor.
• Assist in training and supervision of inmate recreation workers.
• Exhibit high levels of initiative by making good decisions and carrying out tasks with little supervision.
• Confront inmates to ensure compliance with Recreation Department and institutional rules for safety and security.
• Submit weekly and monthly reports to the Recreation Supervisor as requested.
• Apply general knowledge of card and table games, events, tournaments, and various sporting events (single, partner, and team).
• Work with complex electronic and exercise equipment, perform general maintenance, and recognize when repairs are required.

Requirements

• Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree.
• Experience in planned recreation, physical education, or related activities may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Current or prior military experience may substitute for the required college education on a year-for-year basis.

Skills

• Strong observation and communication skills.
• Self-motivated and well-organized.
• Good judgment, consistency, fairness, cooperation, integrity, and professionalism.
• Ability to work in a hazardous environment within a correctional facility.

Pay

$38,093.28 annually.

Schedule

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Eligible for overtime pay.
• Recreation Department operates 365 days per year.
• Initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months.