Social Worker, Mental Health

About This Job

The Office of Juvenile Justice, Natchitoches Regional Office, 109 Industrial Dr., Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457. The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) is driven by a powerful mission: protecting the public while transforming the lives of youth through safe, effective, and individualized services. We believe every young person has the potential to grow into a productive, law-abiding citizen—and our team plays a vital role in making that transformation possible.

We are excited to invite a licensed and experienced professional to join us as a Social Worker 5-A, a key leader in delivering advanced clinical services within our secure care settings. In this impactful role, you will provide direct therapeutic support, guide case management efforts, and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to promote rehabilitation, emotional wellness, and successful reintegration. We are seeking someone who brings strong clinical expertise, cultural humility, and a deep commitment to trauma-informed, youth-centered care.

Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice as a Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW) or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) plus a master's degree in social work followed by four years of social services experience.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties:

• Conducts specialized assessments — performs psychosocial and psychosexual evaluations, develops diagnostic impressions, and prepares court-ready documentation.
• Provides therapeutic treatment — delivers individual, group, family, and psycho-educational therapy; creates treatment plans; and documents clinical services.
• Supports detained youth — provides counseling in detention settings and may deliver sex-offender–specific interventions.
• Offers clinical consultation — advises regional staff, contract providers, and community partners; provides training on key clinical topics.
• Develops programs & placements — assists with community placement options, treatment programs, and policy development.
• Participates in QA & audits — contributes to quality assurance reviews, regional boards, and service-improvement initiatives.
• Supports special projects — serves as Employee Assistance Personnel and completes administrative and regional assignments.

Position-Specific Details:

Work Location:

This vacancy is located at the Natchitoches Regional Office in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

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).

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 experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

For further information about this vacancy, contact:
Garilyn London OJJ/ Human Resources Garilyn.

London In the supplemental questions section, applicants must authorize the HR Office of Juvenile Justice to contact prior employers to check references under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) to be considered for employment.

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. If you are contacted for an interview, please let us know…