Youth Program Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

About this Job Office of Juvenile Justice Acadiana Center for Youth-Bunkie 1536 Bordelon Road, Bunkie, LA 71322 https://ojj.la.gov/location/acadiana-center-for-youth-bunkie 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 dynamic and experienced leader to serve as a Youth Facility Director and oversee the full operations of one of our secure care facilities. This role is critical to our mission and is responsible for directing all aspects of facility management, including youth care and custody, rehabilitation services, mental and medical health programs, staffing, safety, and community engagement

The Youth Facility Director also leads classification and diagnostic processes, develops institutional policies, coordinates with courts and community agencies, and ensures that youth with complex behavioral and developmental needs receive the support they need. If you are a strong leader with a passion for youth rehabilitation and public service, and you're ready to make a lasting impact, we invite you to apply. Join us at OJJ and help shape brighter futures for Louisiana's youth.

Minimum Qualifications One year of the required experience for the following minimum qualifications must have been at the supervisory level or above: Eight years of experience in juvenile probation and parole, social services, counseling, or in a residential, correctional, behavioral health, or group home setting; OR Six years of full-time work experience in any field plus five years of experience in juvenile probation and parole, social services, counseling, or in a residential, correctional, behavioral health, or group home setting; OR A bachelor's degree plus five years of experience in juvenile probation and parole, social services, counseling, or in a residential, correctional, behavioral health, or group home setting; OR An advanced degree in criminal justice or a social sciences field, counseling, education, public administration, or business administration plus four years of experience in juvenile probation and parole, social services, counseling, or in a residential, correctional, behavioral health, or group home setting. 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. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

NOTES: 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 may be disqualified until relief from the disabilities imposed by State and Federal laws are 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; 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. Job Specification The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties and Other Information Job Duties: The Youth Facility Director oversees all operations of a 24-hour secure care facility, ensuring compliance with state and federal standards, agency policies, and civil service rules. This position provides executive leadership across treatment, security, administration, and rehabilitation programs for youth in custody. Key Responsibilities: Direct and supervise facility operations including treatment, administration, security, recreation, food service, maintenance, education, and medical services.

Manage the facility budget and ensure adherence to agency policies, procedures, and ethical standards. Lead implementation of the Louisiana Model (LaMOD) reform program, fostering a positive facility culture and professional integrity. Administer comprehensive rehabilitation programs, including diagnostic processes, custody classification, and treatment planning for youth with diverse medical, psychiatric, and behavioral needs.

Maintain communication with courts, probation staff, families, and community stakeholders; respond to concerns and ensure collaborative service delivery. Oversee staff development, training, and performance management; supervise interns and practicum students from colleges and universities. Serve as 24/7 on-call leader, responding to emergencies such as escapes, behavioral crises, medical incidents, and natural disasters.

Position-Specific Details: Work Location: This vacancy is located at the Acadiana Center for Youth in Bunkie, Louisiana. Appointment Type: Probational, Promotional 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 will receive a list of eligible applicants ONLY from the people who respond to this posting

How To Apply: 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 Current Job Opportunities page. *Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.* For further information about this vacancy, contact: Garilyn London OJJ/ Human Resources Division Garilyn.London@LA.Gov In the supplemental questions section, 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

The Office of Juvenile Justice is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. For more information on employment-related resources available for those with disabilities, refer to the Louisiana Employment Resource Guide. If you are contacted for an interview, please let us know at that time if you will need special accommodations.

NOTE: Prior to an appointment, the selected applicant must take and pass a drug screening test, possess a valid Louisiana Driver's License, and clear a background check. This agency participates in the E-Verify system for verification of citizenship and employment authorization.