Youth Service Counselor - Trauma-Informed Care

State of Louisiana; Monroe (LA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) in Monroe invites applications for a Social Service Counselor to provide direct counseling, case management, and collaborative treatment planning for youth in secure care. The role emphasizes trauma-informed, youth-centered care in a tight-knit facility setting.

You will lead individual and group sessions, coordinate referrals, document progress, and collaborate with dormitory staff to support rehabilitation, safety, and successful outcomes for

Qualifications

• Three years of social services experience; OR
• Six years of full-time experience in any field; OR
• A bachelor's degree.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling using behavior-modification, reality-based, and supportive therapeutic 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; serve as liaison 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 Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) in Monroe invites applications for a Social Service Counselor to provide direct counseling, case management, and collaborative treatment planning for youth in secure care. The role emphasizes trauma-informed, youth-centered care in a tight-knit facility setting.

You will lead individual and group sessions, coordinate referrals, document progress, and collaborate with dormitory staff to support rehabilitation, safety, and successful outcomes for