Job Description

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7/6/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)

2603294

Program Investigator III

Pay Grade
15

Salary

$47,531.28 - $71,298.00 Annually

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

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Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Juvenile Justice

Location

1025 Capital Center Drive, 3rd Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601 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 (DJJ) 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:

Under Statutory authority serves as lead investigator and perform most sensitive and intricate
investigations to identify and eliminate fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement of Justice programs. Conducts
special investigations focusing on complex issues. Other duties as assigned.
Conducts complex, in depth, sensitive investigations as assigned by the Justice & Public Safety Cabinet
using standard investigative interviewing techniques.
Interviews employees, managers, executives, contractors, vendors, and citizens and public officials to
determine facts and to analyze facts to conclude whether or not departmental policies have been followed or if
KRS's have been violated.
Investigates serious accidents and internal affairs incidents to determine if policy, procedural, or
criminal violations were involved. Summarizes investigative findings in standardized report documents. Makes a
formal recommendations to the Cabinet Secretary, Commissioner, Executive Directors, Superintendent or Facility
Managers, as to the results of the investigation as required.
Maintain current knowledge of general policy, procedures, regulations and statutes. Testify in
judicial, administrative and / or personnel board hearings as required. Formulates and recommends operational
policy and procedure. Interact with Departmental and Cabinet personnel, law enforcement and the general
public.
Statewide travel required.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION:
Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:
Must have four years of experience in the field of investigation, administrative, business, or social work/eligibility experience.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:
Graduate study in the above fields will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:
Experience in one of the above fields will substitute for the required college on a year-for-year basis. Current or prior military experience will substitute for the required college on a year-for-year basis.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license prior employment in this job classification. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.

Working Conditions

Typical working conditions include both extensive field work in a variety of settings and normal office work. Travel throughout the state may be required to conduct interviews, perform surveillance activities, and to obtain information and evidence. Interviews may be confrontational. Overnight travel and working irregular hours may be required. Working outdoors for extended periods and working in all types of weather may be required.

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 Richard Hoffman at RichardD.Hoffman@ky.gov or 502-564-8235.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

About Commonwealth of Kentucky

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For employment opportunities with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, visit careers.ky.gov.

Industry

Government & Public Safety

Company Size

5,001-10,000 employees

Headquarters

Frankfort, Kentucky

Year Founded

1792

Website

kentucky.gov

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