Social Service Counselor 5-B

State of Louisiana•Bunkie, LA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Social Service Counselor 5-B serves as a senior counselor within a secure care facility, providing advanced counseling and case management services to youth. This role focuses on individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, treatment planning, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams to support rehabilitation and positive outcomes. The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) is committed to restoring lives while building careers. We provide safe, effective, and individualized services to youth in secure care facilities, helping them become productive, law-abiding citizens. As part of our team, you’ll join a mission-driven agency that values rehabilitation, accountability, and professional growth.

Requirements

Six years of social services experience; OR Six years of full-time experience in any field plus three years of social services experience; OR A bachelor's degree plus three years of social services experience; OR An advanced degree in a social sciences field plus two years of social services experience.
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.
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.
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.
Selected applicant must possess a valid Louisiana Driver's License.
Selected applicant must clear a background check.

Nice To Haves

Communicating Effectively: Communicates clearly, listens actively, and explains complex ideas well.
Developing Performance: Gives clear, balanced feedback, reviews work quality, and supports individual growth through learning opportunities.
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

Supervise and evaluate staff providing daily counseling and treatment planning for adjudicated youth.
Review case histories, custody level placements, and treatment plans; ensure appropriate referrals for specialized services such as substance abuse, anger management, or psychiatric evaluations.
Collaborate with school officials to develop and implement individualized educational plans.
Lead or participate in multidisciplinary teams, staffing committees, and therapeutic groups (e.g., pro-social skills, victim awareness, family sessions, crisis counseling).
Monitor PbS folders, review court orders for accuracy, and maintain YouthCARE information.
Provide release planning, crisis intervention, and counseling in coordination with families, community agencies, and facility staff.
Serve as facilitator or co-facilitator for group processes including LaMOD reform programming.
Counsel and train subordinate staff, conduct performance evaluations, and ensure staff development.
Perform related duties as assigned, including serving as Social Services Counselor when needed.