Juvenile Justice Specialist -Group Leader

About This Job

The Office of Juvenile Justice Acadiana Center for Youth-Bunkie 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.

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) 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).

How To Apply:

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…