Correctional Officer

Correction Officer

The purpose of this position is to participate in the academic and physical recruit training programs of the Louisville Metro Corrections Academy. Participates in a battery of exams to determine suitability for the position of Correction Officer. This class works under close supervision according to set procedures.

Examples of Duties

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

Custody & Security and Community Corrections Center

• Attends classes in personnel procedures, regulations, current laws, the criminal justice system, human behavior and a variety of other topics related to corrections work.
• Learns about various operational units to gain familiarity with the functions of the Louisville Metro Corrections Department.
• Participates in practical training including firearm usage, defensive tactics, arrest procedures, use of corrections equipment and a variety of other procedures and activities related to corrections work.
• Takes tests to measure knowledge gained, evaluates performance, and determines progress made.
• Participates in physical fitness and strength training.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Graduation or GED equivalent.
• Two (2) years of experience as a full-time Correction Officer or Law Enforcement Officer in the United States or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or have any criminal action pending against them.
• Misdemeanor convictions will be considered on an individual basis.
• Must submit to a pre-employment drug screening.
• Must submit to a pre-employment polygraph test.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical, stress and medical examination.
• Must wear personal protective equipment as mandated by OSHA.
• Must wear safety equipment as mandated by OSHA.
• Must be vaccinated for hepatitis B, have provided evidence of immunity, or have signed a declination form within ten days of initial assignment.
• Must pass an annual tuberculin test.
• Must work a varied schedule.
• Applicants who have illegally bought, sold, or trafficked, as defined in KRS 218A.010 and KRS 218A.1431, controlled substances, other than marijuana, within six years of application will be disqualified.
• Applicants who have used an illegal controlled substance other than marijuana within the last six years of application will be disqualified.
• Applicants who have illegally bought, possessed, or used marijuana, including medicinal cannabis, within six months of application will be disqualified.
• Applicants who have illegally sold marijuana, including medicinal cannabis, within one year of application will be disqualified.
• Applicants who have used a prescription-controlled substance without a prescription more than once within the last six years of application will be disqualified.
• Applicants who have used a prescription-controlled substance without a prescription on a single occasion within the last six years of application will be disqualified for one year since the last use without a prescription.
• Must not be a current user of illegal drugs.
• Must not be prohibited by federal or state law from possessing a firearm.
• Must be eligible for certification as a State Peace Officer.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must complete an abbreviated LMDC Corrections Officer academy within six months of hire.
• Applicants and employees in positions which perform job duties that may require contact with offenders in the custody or supervision of the Department of Juvenile Justice or with youth in the care, custody, or supervision of Youth Development.
• Must meet qualifications pursuant to the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act, 28 CFR 115.17 and 115.317, to include periodic post-employment criminal background checks.
• Must not have ever engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution (as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997).
• Must not have ever been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community, facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse.
• Must not have ever been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in the previous question.

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, lifting, digging, pushing and raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
• Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
• Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
• Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
• Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
• Traffic; Moving machinery.
• Electrical shock; Heights.
• Radiation; Disease/pathogens.
• Toxic/caustic chemicals; Explosives; Violence.
• Other extreme hazards not listed above

Louisville Metro Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Louisville Metro Government to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Louisville Metro Government.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.