COUNSELOR

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Pineville, LA
Job Type: Unclassified
Job Number: DMA-142-2026
Department: Gov-Department of Military Affairs
Opening Date: 08/04/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 11:59 PM Central


About this Job
ANNOUNCEMENT NO . 142-2026 BENEFITS

OPENING DATE: August 04, 2026 Retirement: LASERS

CLOSING DATE: August 18, 2026 Insurance: Medical, Dental, & Vision

Paid Holidays: 10 plus proclaimed

*SALARY: Annual Leave: 96 hours per year with tenure increases

ME-415 $46,842 - $56,222 Sick Leave: 96 hours per year with tenure increases

*Salary indicates typical starting range.


Level will be determined by qualifications.
JOB TYPE: Unclassified*


Current Classified employees must give up their designation to accept this position.


Department Mission:
Intervene in and reclaim the lives of 16-to-18-year-old at-risk youth, producing program graduates with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive Louisiana citizens.


WHO WE ARE:
YCP is a voluntary program that target youth who are at risk of not completing high school. We provide an environment for youth so they may focus on completing academic goals while enhancing personal strengths and resiliency. Our program provides a structured environment and teaches discipline, self-control and motivation. We develop the whole person by focusing on 8 core components that support each cadet's personal development: academic excellence, life coping skills, job skills training, responsible citizenship, leader/followership, health & hygiene, physical fitness and service to community.


POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The counselor provides mental health and career counseling to candidates/cadets during the residential phase of the program. The counselor's duties and responsibilities are as follows: Participate in the interviews and selection process of applicants. Participate in the in-processing of candidates on the first day of the program (sign-in, bag check, paperwork, medical files, etc.). Prepare a special needs list for all department heads. Counsel an average of five cadets, five days a week. Keep complete records on each cadet in their assigned teams. Facilitate two, seven week, focus groups (anger management, substance abuse, grief, female issues). Teach Guidance Classes (Conflict Resolution, Stress Management, Goal Setting, Career Exploration, Career planning). Assist in the development of the cadets' Post Residential Action Plan (PRAP). Participate in Quad Meetings throughout the cycle with the cadets' teacher, cadre, and case manager. Refer cadets to the program's contracted medical psychologist and write thorough psychosocial reports. One counselor will be on-call at all times for after hours and weekend emergencies - rotating schedule. Assist in the planning, organization, and implementation of all counseling department activities, such as the following: Natural Helper Training and meetings; ACT testing; COMPASS testing; Career Fair; Graduation Dance, etc. Coordinate passes for the cadets (medical, funeral, etc.). Coordinate the out processing of cadets who have been dropped from the program. Attend Family Days to meet and greet parents and to address any issues that may arise throughout the day. Attend weekly department staff meetings. Attend professional workshops and seminars. All licensed counselors and social workers are required to receive a set amount of CEUs annually. Complete SHARP Training and fosters sexual harassment free environment. Will keep the Lead Counselor abreast of pertinent issues/situations involving cadets, cadets' family, or staff. Responsible for communications with parents regarding disciplinary issues, barracks issues, and other issues as they arise. Responsible for requesting leave and turning in compensatory time sheets in a timely manner. Reports any accidents to Lead Counselor; Attend graduation and handout to the cadets their graduation packets. Must participate in 3 Community Service events per cycle. Perform other duties as assigned.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's Degree in School or Agency/Counseling, Social Work, or Counseling Psychology, required. Must furnish college transcripts for both Bachelor's and Master's Degree with application. Experience working with adolescents in agency or school counseling; individual/group counseling experience; teaching experience preferred. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be available for limited "on call' duty (evenings and weekends).

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have a valid Driver's License, Social Security Card and Birth Certificate
• Must qualify to obtain a Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC) Card.
• Must be available to report to duty during emergency or disaster situations.
  Other periodic travel may be required.
• Must meet physical requirements to perform functions of the position.
• Must attend/complete all Louisiana Military Department (LMD) annual training and other training required for the position.
• Must adhere to the Code of Ethics and foster a Sexual Harassment-Free Environment.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: By submitting an application for employment with the Military Department, the applicant agrees to the following conditions of employment:

• All LMD positions require in-office attendance. This is not a remote position.
• Salary is paid by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) / Direct Deposit Only. A checking or savings account is required for employment.
• For positions requiring computer/email access selected applicant must qualify to obtain a Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC) Card and maintain eligibility.
• LMD is a substance abuse and drug free workplace. The selected applicant must pass a preemployment background investigation and pre-employment drug test. Thereafter, all employees are subject to random drug testing.
• To become an employee of the LMD you must be a current member of the Louisiana National Guard or eligible for membership in the Louisiana State Guard.
• The selected applicant must pass a pre-employment criminal background investigation prior to employment.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: All Applicants must complete a LANG-LMD-H Form 10 (State Application) and attach a legible copy of their Official Birth Certificate, Driver's License and Social Security Card. Resumes are optional and will not be accepted unless they are submitted with the LANGLMD-H Form 10 (State Application).

• State Application: The LANG-LMD-H Form 10 (State Application) is located at

Equal Opportunity Employer and State as a Model Employee (SAME)
Benefits for unclassified employees are determined by the individual hiring authority.