Trauma-Informed Youth Counselor

State of Louisiana; Columbia (LA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice invites applications for a Social Service Counselor at Swanson Center for Youth in Columbia, LA. The counselor provides direct counseling, case management, and treatment planning to support youth in secure care, focusing on trauma-informed, youth-centered care to promote healthier choices and safer communities.

Responsibilities include individual and group counseling, coordinating with security and education staff, preparing reports for courts,

Qualifications

• Three years of social services experience; OR six years of full-time experience; OR a bachelor's degree.
• Every 30 semester hours earned substitutes for one year of experience toward six years; max 120 semester hours substitutes for four years.
• ADRA certification or eligibility may be required for addictive disorder counseling roles.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling using behavior-modification, reality-based, and supportive approaches.
• Collaborate with security, education, and clinical staff to develop a full profile of each youth.
• Represent youth in Reclassification, Code of Conduct, and other classification-related meetings.
• Monitor PbS data quarterly and participate in in-service training; liaise across facility departments.
• Deliver targeted counseling for a designated dormitory population with significant behavioral and emotional challenges.
• Initiate, coordinate, and track psychiatric and psychological referrals; distribute clinical reports to relevant departments.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate multidisciplinary groups and programs (substance abuse, crisis counseling, Thinking for a Change, pro-social skills, victim awareness, LAMOD, family groups, regional staffings).
• Prepare progress reports, closing summaries, and correspondence for courts, probation, parole, and other agencies.
• Make recommendations for early release, step-down placement, or transfer to more secure settings when appropriate.
• Maintain complete and accurate case records, including counseling notes, visitation updates, custody levels, and required documentation for courts and families.
• Support dormitory operations by assisting the Group Leader with daily routines, youth needs, activities, and informal staff oversight; represent supervisory staff when needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, including Social Services Counselor responsibilities.

Skills

Accountability

Customer focus

Judgment

Ethics & Integrity

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The State of Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice invites applications for a Social Service Counselor at Swanson Center for Youth in Columbia, LA. The counselor provides direct counseling, case management, and treatment planning to support youth in secure care, focusing on trauma-informed, youth-centered care to promote healthier choices and safer communities.

Responsibilities include individual and group counseling, coordinating with security and education staff, preparing reports for courts,