Juvenile Justice Specialist -Dorm Group Leader

Office of Juvenile Justice Swanson Center for Youth-Monroe

4701 South Grand St., Monroe, LA 71202

The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) is committed to protecting the public by providing safe and effective individualized services to youth, who will become productive, law‑abiding citizens. We are seeking a dedicated and experienced professional to serve as Juvenile Justice Specialist 4, responsible for supervising staff and supporting the daily operations of secure care facilities for youth. This role plays a key part in maintaining safety, promoting rehabilitation, and ensuring that staff deliver consistent, trauma‑informed care aligned with agency standards.

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;
• Two years of experience in Probation and Parole.

• 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) (Part 115:17) of Title 28 of the Code of Federal Regulations an applicant who has been found to have engaged in any form of sexual abuse or 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.

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

• Youth Supervision & Rehabilitation (25%)
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly environment.
  • Oversee youth work assignments and teach life skills to support rehabilitation.
  • Conduct performance evaluations, assist with portfolios/resumes, and prepare youth for future employment.
  • Provide progress updates during staffings and to supervisors.
• Monitoring & Recordkeeping (25%)
  • Track daily youth movement and maintain detailed records of behavior, health, and security concerns.
  • Document incidents such as behavioral issues, threats, or escape attempts.
  • Complete assessments and guide staff on security considerations.
• Staff Supervision & Security (25%)
  • Ensure facility security through checks of doors, gates, buildings, and grounds.
  • Supervise staff and youth movement during medical visits, pill calls, and other activities.
  • Consult with supervisors on operational challenges.
• Team Participation & Training (15%)
  • Actively contribute to treatment team meetings with observations and recommendations.
  • Conduct performance evaluations for staff and identify training opportunities.
  • Provide training and document staff issues for supervisor review.
• Emergency Response & Contraband Control (5%)
  • Respond to emergencies and conduct searches to prevent contraband.
• Additional Duties (5%)
  • Remain available for 24‑hour call and perform other related tasks as assigned.

Work Location: This vacancy is located at the Swanson Center for Youth in Monroe, 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).

The Office of Juvenile Justice is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

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…