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Correctional Recreation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Commonwealth of Kentucky

$38K/yr

Plan, direct, and coordinate recreational activities to meet needs of correctional clients in a largecorrectional institution. * Consult with various institutional staff in planning programs for ...

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How much do correctional recreation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for correctional recreation in the United States is $32.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is correctional recreation?

Correctional recreation refers to organized physical, recreational, and leisure activities provided to inmates within correctional facilities. These programs are designed to improve inmates' physical health, mental well-being, and social skills, while also reducing stress and promoting positive behavior. Correctional recreation can include sports, fitness classes, arts and crafts, and other group activities, all supervised by trained staff. These activities also support rehabilitation and can help reduce recidivism by teaching teamwork and discipline.

How does a Correctional Recreation Specialist collaborate with other staff to ensure successful programming for inmates?

Correctional Recreation Specialists work closely with correctional officers, counselors, and administrative staff to coordinate and implement recreational activities that support inmate rehabilitation and well-being. They often communicate regularly with security personnel to ensure all activities comply with safety protocols and facility guidelines. Additionally, they may consult with mental health professionals to adapt programs for individuals with specific needs, fostering a structured and supportive environment within the facility. This teamwork is essential for maintaining safety and maximizing the positive impact of recreation programs on inmate development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Correctional Recreation Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Correctional Recreation Specialist, you need a background in recreation, physical education, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree and experience in program planning. Familiarity with safety protocols, incident reporting systems, and scheduling software is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, conflict resolution abilities, and leadership are vital for engaging inmates and maintaining a positive environment. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, structured, and rehabilitative recreational programs within correctional facilities.

What is the difference between Correctional Recreation vs Correctional Counseling?

AspectCorrectional RecreationCorrectional Counseling
Required CredentialsCPR/First Aid, sometimes certifications in recreation or leisure studiesDegree in psychology, social work, or counseling; licensure often required
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, prisons, detention centersCorrectional facilities, prisons, detention centers
Employer & Industry UsagePrison systems, juvenile detention centersPrison systems, juvenile detention centers
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Correctional Recreation focuses on developing leisure activities to improve inmates' well-being, while Correctional Counseling involves providing psychological support and behavioral interventions. Both roles work within correctional facilities but serve different rehabilitative purposes.

What states have the most Correctional Recreation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Correctional Recreation jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Correctional Recreation jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Correctional Recreation jobs are:

Correctional Recreation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Correctional Recreation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,872 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Corrections Recreation Leader

Commonwealth of Kentucky

On-site

$38K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Advertisement Closes
9/6/2026 (11:59 PM ET)
2604565
Corrections Recreation Leader
Pay Grade12
Salary
$38,093.28 Annually
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH FULL TIME ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY 18A 40.0 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
Justice & Public Safety Cabinet Department of Corrections
Location
505 Prison Connector
Sandy Hook, KY 41171 USA
Description
The Kentucky Department of Corrections (DOC), Division of Adult Institutions operates thirteen correctionalfacilities that house Kentucky's adult inmate population. The mission of DOC is to protect the citizens of theCommonwealth and to provide a safe, secure, and humane environment for staff and offenders in carrying out themandates of the legislative and judicial processes; and, to provide opportunities for offenders to acquireskills, which facilitate non-criminal behavior.
The Corrections Recreation Leader at Little Sandy Correctional Complex is responsible for planning,organizing, and supervising recreational activities to meet specific needs, interests, and abilities ofinmates within the facility. This position will need to accommodate a varied population of offenders with avariety of innovative planned activities and daily recreational opportunities.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Plan, direct, and coordinate recreational activities to meet needs of correctional clients in a largecorrectional institution.
  • Consult with various institutional staff in planning programs for residents.
  • Gather information on offender skills, abilities, and interests in an effort to recommend, plan, andimplement recreational activities.
  • Supervise institution gymnasium sanitation, general maintenance of recreation equipment, and inventoryof supplies.
  • Attend institution meetings.
  • Prepare various reports.
  • Maintain records on recreational equipment.
  • Direct leagues, tournaments, and holiday events for all inmate populations.
  • Maintain records and inventories of recreational equipment.
This position requires a security minded individual who can creatively develop a wide range of offenderactivities to accommodate varying skill levels and interests. Strong communication skills are essential incommunicating with institutional staff and offenders. Innovative thinking and flexibility are a necessity toimplement recreational activities around the security needs of the institution.
Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION:Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:NONE
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:NONE
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:Experience in planned recreation, physical education, or related activities will substitute for the required education 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.):NONE
Working Conditions
Work is generally performed within a correctional institution. Work environment is hazardous due to working in a state correctional facility with inmates.
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 Rita Harris at Rita.Harris@ky.gov.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

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