JUVENILE JUSTICE SPECIALIST 1/2/3

State of Louisiana; Columbia (LA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Louisiana, Office of Juvenile Justice, Swanson Center for Youth-Columbia, Columbia, LA, seeks Juvenile Justice Specialists 1–3 to supervise youth in secure facilities and promote rehabilitation. Positions are full-time with progression to levels 1–3 based on qualifications, located in Columbia, Louisiana.

Requires a high school diploma or GED or one year of experience; PREA requirements apply. Initial pay rates range biweekly: PS-105 $1,400; PS-106 $1,504; PS-108 $1,608.80.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; OR one year of experience in any field.

Responsibilities

• Receives on-the-job training in various areas of the unit by security and treatment personnel.
• Maintains locked doors and gates as per facility policy.
• Follows facility policies in control and prevention of contraband on grounds (this includes youth, employees, and visitors).
• Monitors youth movement and provide youth count as per facility policy.
• Makes security checks of buildings, grounds, fences, doors and gates to ensure that the integrity of security is intact; refers problems and/or deficiencies to proper authority.
• Follows procedure for searching youth, living quarters, etc. to control contraband.
• Maintains security and follows instructions in handling emergency situations such as riots, fire, etc.; must maintain a level of functioning which does not induce panic among youth or employees.
• Institute security measures when escorting youth inside and outside the facility.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

About This Job

Office of Juvenile Justice
Swanson Center for Youth-Columbia
132 LA 850, Columbia, LA 71418
https://ojj.la.gov/location/swanson-center-for-youth-columbia
THIS IS A CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT.
The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) is committed to protecting the public by providing safe and effective individualized services to youth, who will become productive, law-abiding citizens. We are seeking compassionate, committed, and resilient individuals to serve as Juvenile Justice Specialists at levels 1, 2, or 3 depending on qualifications and experience. These frontline professionals play a vital role in supervising youth in secure care facilities, promoting rehabilitation, and ensuring a safe and structured environment. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people while advancing public safety and community well-being.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED; OR
• One year of experience in any field.

Necessary Special Requirements

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
An applicant who has been convicted of a felony or who is under indictment on a felony charge will be disqualified until relief from disabilities imposed by state and federal laws is granted.
In accordance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) (Part 115:17) of Title 28 of the Code of Federal Regulations an applicant who has been found to have engaged in any form of sexual abuse; engaged 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 or refused will be disqualified.

Job Specification

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here

Job Duties

Job Duties and Other Information

• Receives on-the-job training in various areas of the unit by security and treatment personnel
• Maintains locked doors and gates as per facility policy
• Follows facility policies in control and prevention of contraband on grounds (this includes youth, employees, and visitors).
• Monitors youth movement and provide youth count as per facility policy.
• Makes security checks of buildings, grounds, fences, doors and gates to ensure that the integrity of security is intact; refers problems and/or deficiencies to proper authority.
• Follows procedure for searching youth, living quarters, etc. to control contraband.
• Maintains security and follows instructions in handling emergency situations such as riots, fire, etc.; must maintain a level of functioning which does not induce panic among youth or employees.
• Institute security measures when escorting youth inside and outside the facility.

Position-Specific Details

Work Location: This vacancy is located at the Swanson Center for Youth in Columbia, Louisiana.

Appointment Type: Full-time. Probational, Promotional, or Job Appointment

Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Juvenile Justice Specialist 1,2, or 3.

Compensation

• The Juvenile Justice Specialist 1 (pay grade level PS-105) has a Special Entrance Rate of $1,400.00 biweekly.
• The Juvenile Justice Specialist 2 (pay grade level PS-106) has a Special Entrance Rate of $1,504.00 biweekly.
• The Juvenile Justice Specialist 3 (pay grade level PS-108) has a Special Entrance Rate of $1,608.80 biweekly.

The Office of Juvenile Justice is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. For more information on employment-related resources available for those with disabilities, refer to the Louisiana Employment Resource Guide.

NOTE: Prior to an appointment, the selected applicant must take and pass a drug screening test, possess a valid Louisiana Driver's License and clear a background check.

This agency participates in the E-Verify system for verification of citizenship and employment authorization.

Contact Information

For further information about this vacancy, contact:
Garilyn London
OJJ/ Human Resources
[e-mail]

Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.

As a State Employee, You Will Earn Competitive Pay, Choose From a Variety Of Benefits, And Have Access To a Great Professional Development Program:

Insurance Coverage: More information can be found at https://info.groupbenefits.org/

Parental Leave – Up to six weeks paid parental leave

More information can be found at https://www.civilservice.louisiana.gov/Parental-Leave/Default.aspx

Holidays and Leave

State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
• Mardi Gras,
• Good Friday,
• Memorial Day,
• Independence Day,
• Labor Day,
• Veteran's Day,
• Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
• Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor

State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.

Retirement

State Of Louisiana Employees Are Eligible To Participate In Various Retirement Systems (based On The Type Of Appointment And Agency For Which An Employee Works). These Retirement Systems Provide Retirement Allowances And Other Benefits For State Officers And Employees And Their Beneficiaries. State Retirement Systems May Include (but Are Not Limited To):

• Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (www.lasersonline.org). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
• Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (www.trsl.org),
• Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (www.lsers.net), among others