Licensing Specialist 1/2

State of Louisiana•Statewide, LA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Juvenile Justice is seeking detail-oriented, mission-driven Licensing Specialists to help ensure the health, safety, and well-being of youth placed in licensed juvenile facilities across Louisiana. This role is ideal for professionals who excel in compliance work, documentation, communication, and field-based inspections. As a Licensing Specialist, you’ll conduct statewide inspections, review facility operations, investigate complaints, and assess compliance with licensing laws and standards. You’ll prepare detailed reports, lead exit conferences, and provide guidance to facility administrators and direct care staff. You’ll also deliver training to both licensing personnel and facility staff, maintaining certifications in key safety and professional topics. In addition, you’ll support OJJ’s recruitment and retention efforts by participating in job fairs, coordinating outreach, and documenting recruitment activities. If you’re organized, observant, and committed to protecting youth through strong oversight and quality assurance, this position offers a meaningful opportunity to support OJJ’s mission and strengthen licensed juvenile facilities statewide.

Requirements

Five years of experience in hospital, nursing home, or day care center administration, early childhood development program regulation, social services, administrative services, or education; OR Six years of full-time work experience in any field plus two years of experience in hospital, nursing home, or day care center administration, early childhood development program regulation, social services, administrative services, or education; OR A bachelor's degree plus two years of experience in hospital, nursing home, or day care center administration, early childhood development program regulation, social services, administrative services, or education; OR An advanced degree plus one year of experience in hospital, nursing home, or day care center administration, early childhood development program regulation, social services, administrative services, or education.
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. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.
Possession of a current Louisiana driver's license at time of appointment.
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)
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.
Selected applicant must take and pass a drug screening test, possess a valid Louisiana Driver's License and clear a background check.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrating Accountability: Owns results, meets standards, and responds to feedback professionally.
Following Policies and Procedures: Applies and explains policies accurately, adapts in routine cases, and helps improve procedures.
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.

Responsibilities

Conducts statewide facility inspections — evaluates licensed juvenile facilities for compliance with laws, rules, and regulations related to client rights, safety, quality of services, physical environment, nutrition, and staff training.
Performs investigations and compliance reviews — reviews records, interviews staff and youth, observes facility operations, investigates complaints, and prepares findings that may result in corrective action or legal proceedings.
Prepares reports and leads exit conferences — compiles inspection results, assesses compliance levels, recommends next steps, and chairs exit conferences with facility administrators.
Provides regulatory guidance — explains licensing laws and standards to direct care staff and administrators, offering consultation on areas found out of compliance.
Trains licensing staff and facility personnel — delivers intensive training to new Licensing Specialists and provides ongoing training to facility staff; maintains instructor certifications in defensive tactics, CPR/First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens, Ethics, Sexual Harassment, and other required topics.
Supports recruitment and retention — acts as liaison between OJJ and job applicants, participates in job fairs, uses databases and networks to identify candidates, and prepares quarterly reports on recruitment activities.
Performs additional duties — completes tasks assigned by administrators to support licensing, training, and workforce development functions.