SOCIAL SERVICE COUNSELOR 1/2/3

About the role

The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) seeks a compassionate and skilled Social Service Counselor to play a vital role in the rehabilitation and well-being of youth in secure care. The ideal candidate brings empathy, strong clinical insight, and a commitment to trauma-informed, youth-centered care.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling using behavior-modification, reality-based, and supportive therapeutic approaches.
• Collaborate with security, education, and clinical staff to develop a full profile of 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 a designated dormitory population 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.
• Auxiliary duties include supporting dormitory operations by assisting the Group Leader with daily routines, youth needs, activities, and informal staff oversight; representing supervisory staff when needed.

Requirements

• Three years of social services experience; OR Six years of full-time experience in any field; OR A bachelor's degree.
• Experience Substitution: Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field.
• Necessary Special Requirement: Positions that provide addictive disorder counseling or prevention services will require certification or eligibility for certification issued by the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA), or its successor.

Qualifications

• Demonstrating Accountability: Owns results, meets standards, and responds to feedback professionally.
• Focusing on Customers: Understands customer needs, communicates clearly, and delivers timely, reliable service.
• Making Accurate Judgments: Makes timely, well-reasoned decisions using available info, context, and trade-offs.
• Acting with Ethics and Integrity: Acts with integrity, respects confidentiality, and treats people fairly.
• Adapting to Change: Adjusts quickly and stays effective during change.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Professional development opportunities.

Pay

• Salary range based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

• Full-time schedule.

Contact Information

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application. For further information about this vacancy, contact: Garilyn London, OJJ/Human Resources Division, Garilyn.London@LA.gov.