Juvenile Justice Specialist -Wae

Office of Juvenile Justice

Swanson Center for Youth-Columbia

132 LA-850, Columbia, LA 71418

(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-columbia

The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) is committed to protecting the public by providing safe and effective individualized services to youth, who will become productive, law‐abiding citizens. We are seeking compassionate, committed, and resilient individuals to serve as Juvenile Justice Specialists at levels 1, 2, or 3 depending on qualifications and experience. These frontline professionals play a vital role in supervising youth in secure care facilities, promoting rehabilitation, and ensuring a safe and structured environment.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people while advancing public safety and community well-being.

Possession of a high school diploma or GED; OR

• One year of experience in any field.

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
• Applicants who have been convicted of a felony or who are under indictment on a felony charge will be disqualified until relief from disabilities imposed by state and federal laws is granted.
• Applicants who have 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 in accordance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) (Part 115:17) of Title 28 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

• Supervise youth and help maintain a safe, structured, and treatment-focused environment that supports rehabilitation and positive behavior.
• Model appropriate communication, problem‑solving, and conflict‑resolution skills while contributing to a therapeutic atmosphere.
• Maintain accurate records of youth behavior, incidents, and daily activities, and prepare required reports in accordance with agency and facility policies.
• Participate in treatment team meetings, sharing observations and recommendations to support youth progress.
• Assist clinical staff with group activities and therapeutic programming, and intervene in crisis situations when necessary.
• Conduct regular security checks of buildings, grounds, doors, gates, and fences to ensure safety and compliance with facility procedures.
• Monitor youth movement, maintain youth counts, and follow all policies related to contraband control, searches, and emergency response.
• Escort youth inside and outside the facility while maintaining appropriate security measures and professional conduct.
• Help maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary unit environment by assisting with cleaning tasks and upkeep of physical surroundings.
• Perform related duties as assigned to support facility operations.

• Work Location: This vacancy is located at Swanson Center for Youth in Columbia, LA.
• Appointment Type: WAE (When Actually Employed [part‑time]/Temporary)
• Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Juvenile Justice Specialist 1, 2, or 3.
• Compensation:
  • The Juvenile Justice Specialist 1 (pay grade level PS‑105) has a Special Entrance Rate of $17.50/Hour.
  • The Juvenile Justice Specialist 2 (pay grade level PS‑106) has a Special Entrance Rate of $18.80/Hour.
  • The Juvenile Justice Specialist 3 (pay grade level PS‑108) has a Special Entrance Rate of $20.11/Hour.
• 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)

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed…