JUVENILE JUSTICE SPECIALIST 4-GROUP LEADER

State of Louisiana; Bunkie (LA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental Leave

Holidays and Leave

Sick and annual leave

Retirement benefits

Job summary

State of Louisiana seeks a dedicated Juvenile Justice Specialist 4 – Group Leader to supervise youth in a secure-care environment and support therapeutic programming. You will conduct security checks, monitor movement, respond to crises, and help run daily operations while leading unit staff and coordinating care with treatment teams.

The role emphasizes leadership under pressure, commitment to youth rehabilitation, and a structured, mission-driven setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or one year of experience in any field plus two years of experience in a residential/correctional/behavioral health/group home setting with responsibility for rehabilitation of delinquent youth, clinical care, custody, or security; OR two years of experience in Probation and Parole.
• Two years of relevant residential/correctional experience required; ability to supervise youth, maintain safety, and support treatment.

Responsibilities

• Supervises youth and supports treatment; models communication and problem-solving skills.
• Participates in treatment programming; attends treatment team meetings and assists clinical staff.
• Maintains security and safety; conducts checks, monitors movement, enforces policies, responds to emergencies.
• Provides crisis intervention during disturbances while following policy.
• Supervises and schedules staff; oversees unit staff, approves leave, ensures coverage, and conducts planning sessions.
• Completes documentation and reports; maintains records per regulations.
• Engages in professional development and performs additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Two years experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

About This Job

Location: 1536 Bordelon Rd., Bunkie, LA 71322. https://ojj.la.gov/location/acadiana-center-for-youth-bunkie

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.

Minimum 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.

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 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 Acadiana Center for Youth in Bunkie, 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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Benefits

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