Office of Juvenile Justice
Natchitohes Regional Office
109 Industrial Dr., Natchitoches, LA 71457
https://ojj.la.gov/location/natchitoches-region
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.
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.
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.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
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.
The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.
Job Duties:
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.
Position-Specific Details:
Work Location: This vacancy is located at the Natchitoches Regional Office in Natchitoches, Louisiana
Appointment Type: Full time, Probational
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 .
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)
How To Apply:
No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.
The Office of Juvenile Justice will receive a list of eligible applicants ONLY from the people who respond to this posting.
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.
* Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). *Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.*
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.
If you are contacted for an interview, please let us knowat that timeif 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.
For further information about this vacancy contact:
Garilyn London
OJJ/ Human Resources
[email protected]
