JUVENILE JUSTICE SPECIALIST 1/2/3

Office of Juvenile Justice; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice, Lafayette Regional Office, seeks compassionate Juvenile Justice Specialists at levels 1, 2, or 3 to supervise youth in secure care facilities and support rehabilitation.

Duties include supervising youth, modeling constructive communication, keeping accurate records, participating in treatment teams, assisting clinical staff, and ensuring safety through routine security checks.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Supervise youth and help create a safe, structured, and treatment-focused environment.
• Support therapeutic goals by modeling positive communication, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills for youth and staff.
• Maintain accurate records on youth behavior, incidents, assessments, and daily activities, and prepare required reports.
• Participate actively in treatment team meetings, sharing observations and recommendations to support youth progress.
• Assist clinical staff with group activities, therapeutic programming, and crisis intervention when needed.
• Conduct regular security checks of buildings, grounds, doors, gates, and fences to ensure safety and compliance with policy.
• Monitor youth movement, maintain youth counts, and follow all procedures related to contraband control and emergency response.

Education

High school diploma or GED; OR 1 year experience

Job description

Office of Juvenile Justice

Lafayette Regional Office

130 Chappuis Dr., Lafayette, LA 70501

https://ojj.la.gov/location/lafayette-region

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.

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.

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

Job Duties

• Supervise youth and help create a safe, structured, and treatment-focused environment.
• Support therapeutic goals by modeling positive communication, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills for youth and staff.
• Maintain accurate records on youth behavior, incidents, assessments, and daily activities, and prepare required reports.
• Participate actively in treatment team meetings, sharing observations and recommendations to support youth progress.
• Assist clinical staff with group activities, therapeutic programming, and crisis intervention when needed.
• Conduct regular security checks of buildings, grounds, doors, gates, and fences to ensure safety and compliance with policy.
• Monitor youth movement, maintain youth counts, and follow all procedures related to contraband control and emergency response.
• Escort youth inside and outside the facility while maintaining appropriate security measures.
• Participate in required training to enhance knowledge, skills, and job performance.
• Perform related duties as assigned, including responding to emergencies, working shift schedules, and remaining available for 24-hour call.

Position-Specific Details

Work Location: This vacancy is located at the Lafayette Regional Office in Lafayette, LA.

Appointment Type: Full-time, Probational

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 incumbent of this position must not have been convicted or pled nolo contendere to a crime listed in R.S. 15:587.1 (c).

For further information about this vacancy, contact:

Garilyn London

OJJ/ Human Resources

[e-mail]

In the supplemental questions section, applicants must authorize the HR Office of Juvenile Justice to contact prior employers to check references under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) to be considered for employment.

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.

If you are contacted for an interview, please let us know at that time if you will need special accommodations.

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.