SOCIAL SERVICE COUNSELOR 1/2/3

About the Role The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) seeks a Social Service Counselor to support the emotional, behavioral, and social development of youth in secure care. The counselor will provide individualized counseling, group facilitation, case management, and collaborative treatment planning to help youth make healthier choices. Qualifications Three years of social services experience; or six years of full‑time experience in any field; or a bachelor’s degree. Experience substitution: each 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university counts as one year of experience toward the six‑year requirement, up to four years (120 semester hours). Special requirement: positions that provide addictive disorder counseling or prevention services must hold certification or be eligible for certification issued by the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA) or its successor. Job Duties Provide individual and group counseling using behavior‑modification, reality‑based, and supportive therapeutic approaches. Collaborate with security, education, and clinical staff to develop comprehensive profiles for 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 dormitory populations 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. Position Details Work Location: Swanson Center for Youth, 4701 S. Grand St., Monroe, LA 71202. Appointment Type: Full‑time Probational, Promotional, Detail to Special Duty, or Job Appointment. Career Progression: This position may be filled as Social Service Counselor 1, 2, or 3. Criminal History: The incumbent must not have been convicted or pled nolo contendere to a crime listed in R.S. 15:587.1 (c). Background Checks & Tests Applicants must pass a drug screening test, possess a valid Louisiana Driver’s License, and clear a background check. This agency participates in the E‑Verify system for verification of citizenship and employment authorization. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Office of Juvenile Justice is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. We are committed to equal opportunity employment in accordance with federal and state laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr