Probation And Parole Program Specialist - Juvenile

State of Louisiana•Natchitoches, LA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Juvenile Justice is seeking a detail-driven, analytical, and mission-focused Probation & Parole Program Specialist – Juvenile to support statewide contract programs and strengthen services for youth across Louisiana. This role is ideal for someone who excels at coordination, compliance, and partnership-building — and who is passionate about improving outcomes for adjudicated youth. As a Program Specialist, you’ll help develop and monitor contracts for residential and community-based programs, conduct site visits, review invoices, support IV-E compliance, and assist with statewide audits. You’ll collaborate with courts, providers, and regional staff to ensure youth receive high-quality services in safe, supportive environments. Your work will directly influence program quality, fiscal accountability, and statewide service delivery. If you’re organized, confident, and ready to make a meaningful impact on juvenile justice programming, this role offers a powerful opportunity to support OJJ’s mission and strengthen services for youth and families.

Requirements

Four years of experience as a probation or parole officer, or in counseling, psychology, social work, education, criminal justice, or administrative services plus one of the following: 1. Three years of experience in corrections or law enforcement 2. Three years of continuous active military duty (all Military Occupational Specialties apply) 3. Six years of full-time experience in any field 4. A bachelor's degree OR Three years of experience as a probation or parole officer, or in counseling, psychology, social work, education, criminal justice, or administrative services plus a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, education, business administration, public administration, or a criminal justice field.
An applicant who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or a felony, or who is under indictment on a felony charge will be disqualified until relief from the disabilities imposed by state and federal laws is granted.
Possession of a current Louisiana driver's license.
This position may require the incumbent to handle and carry firearms.
Successful completion of the Corrections Juvenile Services-Agent Curriculum.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Manages statewide contract programs — Develops, monitors, and evaluates residential, tracker, mentor, reintegration, and diversion contracts, including RFP scoring, amendments, compliance reviews, and site visits.
Ensures fiscal and regulatory compliance — Monitors IV-E utilization, reviews TANF invoices, verifies Medicaid benefits, and ensures costs claimed by providers meet federal and state standards.
Provides training & technical assistance — Delivers orientation and ongoing staff development, trains regional reviewers, and supports courts, providers, and OJJ staff on contract, placement, and IV-E requirements.
Conducts audits & quality assurance — Participates in federal compliance audits, conducts semi-annual reviews, assists with ACA preparation, and develops corrective action plans and audit tools.
Serves as statewide liaison — Collaborates with judges, DAs, DCFS, courts, and community providers; strengthens partnerships; and identifies additional resources for youth.
Oversees documentation & reporting — Maintains contract files, prepares status reports, documents site visits, and completes performance evaluations for contract periods.
Supports placement & program operations — Participates in case staffings, assists with regional provider meetings, and helps resolve incidents or issues within residential programs.