JUVENILE JUSTICE SPECIALIST 4-GROUP LEADER

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of Juvenile Justice's Columbia Center for Youth in Columbia, Louisiana seeks a Juvenile Justice Specialist 4 – Group Leader to supervise youth, support treatment programs, and maintain safe operations in a secure-care setting.

This role requires leadership under stress, adherence to policies, and collaboration with treatment teams; incumbents will conduct security checks, schedule staff, complete documentation, and participate in planning sessions while advancing youth rehabilitation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Two years of experience in a residential, correctional, behavioral health, or group home setting with responsibility for rehabilitation of delinquent youth, clinical care, custody, or security; OR two years of experience in Probation and Parole.

Responsibilities

• Supervises youth and supports treatment — Oversees youth in assigned areas, models communication and problem-solving skills, and contributes to a therapeutic environment.
• Participates in treatment programming — Attends treatment team meetings, provides behavioral observations, and assists clinical staff with group and therapeutic activities.
• Maintains security and safety — Conducts building and perimeter checks, monitors youth movement, enforces contraband-control policies, and responds to emergencies.
• Provides crisis intervention — Intervenes during disturbances or high-risk situations while maintaining calm, control, and adherence to policy.
• Supervises and schedules staff — Oversees subordinate unit staff, approves leave, ensures coverage, and conducts annual Planning & Rating Sessions.
• Completes documentation and reports — Prepares required reports and maintains accurate records per agency and facility regulations.
• Engages in professional development — Participates in educational programs and performs additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Crisis intervention

Security procedures

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Office of Juvenile Justice

Columbia Center for Youth

132 LA-850, Columbia, LA 71418

https://ojj.la.gov/location/columbia-center-for-youth

The Office of Juvenile Justice is seeking a dedicated and confident Juvenile Justice Specialist 4 – Group Leader to support youth development and maintain safety within a secure-care environment. This role is ideal for someone who leads by example, communicates with clarity, and thrives in a structured, mission-driven setting.

As a Group Leader, you’ll supervise youth, support therapeutic programming, and help create an environment that promotes positive behavior and emotional growth. You’ll conduct security checks, monitor movement, respond to crises, and ensure daily operations run smoothly and safely. You’ll also supervise unit staff, manage schedules, complete documentation, and participate in treatment team meetings to support individualized care.

If you’re steady under pressure, committed to youth rehabilitation, and ready to take on a leadership role that makes a meaningful impact, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to support OJJ’s mission and help shape positive outcomes for youth.

Qualifications:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED or one year of experience in any field plus:
• Two years of experience in a residential, correctional, behavioral health, or group home setting with responsibility for one or more of the following: rehabilitation of delinquent youth, clinical care, custody, or security; OR
• Two years of experience in Probation and Parole.

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:

• Supervises youth and supports treatment — Oversees youth in assigned areas, models communication and problem-solving skills, and contributes to a therapeutic environment.

• Participates in treatment programming — Attends treatment team meetings, provides behavioral observations, and assists clinical staff with group and therapeutic activities.

• Maintains security and safety — Conducts building and perimeter checks, monitors youth movement, enforces contraband-control policies, and responds to emergencies.

• Provides crisis intervention — Intervenes during disturbances or high-risk situations while maintaining calm, control, and adherence to policy.

• Supervises and schedules staff — Oversees subordinate unit staff, approves leave, ensures coverage, and conducts annual Planning & Rating Sessions.

• Completes documentation and reports — Prepares required reports and maintains accurate records per agency and facility regulations.

• Engages in professional development — Participates in educational programs and performs additional duties as assigned.

Position Specific Details:

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

Appointment Type: Full-time, probational

Compensation: The Juvenile Justice Specialist 4 title has a Special Entrance Rate of $1,842.40 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.