JUVENILE JUSTICE SPECIALIST 5-SHIFT COMMANDER

Office of Juvenile Justice; Columbia (LA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of Juvenile Justice in Columbia, Louisiana, is seeking a dependable Juvenile Justice Specialist 5 – Shift Commander to lead security, movement, and daily operations within a secure-care facility.

The role emphasizes supervision, critical decision-making, and maintaining a safe, orderly environment for youth and staff, with ACA/PbS audits and staff development responsibilities. The position is full-time and on-site at Swanson Center for Youth.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, or one year of related experience.
• Three years of experience in a residential, correctional, behavioral health, or group home setting with responsibility for rehabilitation, custody, or security; OR three years of experience in Probation and Parole.

Responsibilities

• Supervise youth and staff movement to maintain safety and proper control of doors, gates, and facility access points.
• Conduct security rounds of buildings, grounds, and fences in accordance with procedures.
• Oversee daily operations including meals, education, recreation, pill call, and medical/mental-health movement.
• Prepare and review shift documentation including reports, packets, and unusual-occurrence summaries.
• Participate in ACA and PbS audits and assist with policy, SOP, and safety-program development.
• Serve as training and safety coordinator by supporting staff training, safety initiatives, and hazard-abatement tracking.
• Respond to emergencies and conduct searches of youth, staff, property, and living areas to prevent contraband.
• Manage time and attendance and complete CPM planning, evaluations, and staff development activities.
• Provide supervisory guidance through counseling, consultative sessions, and coordination with facility leadership.
• Support facility operations by remaining on 24-hour call and covering duties in the absence of senior leadership.

Job description

The Office of Juvenile Justice is seeking a dependable and experienced Juvenile Justice Specialist 5 – Shift Commander to provide leadership, oversight, and safety management within a secure-care facility. This role is ideal for a professional who excels in supervision, critical decision-making, and maintaining structured, safe operations for youth and staff.

As a Shift Commander, you’ll guide daily movement and security practices, support policy and safety initiatives, and ensure consistent documentation and communication across the shift. You’ll also participate in audits, assist with staff development, oversee emergency responses, and help maintain compliance with facility and agency standards. This position plays a key role in supporting staff performance, coordinating operational needs, and ensuring a safe, orderly environment throughout the facility.

If you’re reliable, calm under pressure, and committed to strong leadership and accountability, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to support OJJ’s mission and lead secure-care operations effectively.

Possession of a high school diploma or GED or one year of experience in any field plus:

• Three 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
• Three 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

• Supervise youth and staff movement to maintain safety, security, and proper control of doors, gates, and facility access points.

• Conduct security rounds of buildings, grounds, and fences in accordance with OJJ and facility procedures.

• Oversee daily operations including meals, education, recreation, pill call, and medical/mental-health movement.

• Prepare and review shift documentation including reports, packets, and unusual-occurrence summaries.

• Participate in ACA and PbS audits and assist with policy, SOP, and safety-program development.

• Serve as training and safety coordinator by supporting staff training, safety initiatives, and hazard-abatement tracking.

• Respond to emergencies and conduct searches of youth, staff, property, and living areas to prevent contraband.

• Manage time and attendance and complete CPM planning, evaluations, and staff development activities.

• Provide supervisory guidance through counseling, consultative sessions, and coordination with facility leadership.

• Support facility operations by remaining on 24-hour call, covering duties in the absence of senior leadership, and performing other assigned tasks.

Position-Specific Details

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

Compensation Information: The Juvenile Justice Specialist 5 title has a Special Entrance Rate of $1,971.20 biweekly. Appointment Type: Full time, probational.

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.