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Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 3-B

State of Louisiana | LA

Posted Date 4/19/2026
Description


Office of Juvenile Justice
Swanson Center for Youth-Columbia

132 LA-850, Columbia, LA 71418

https://ojj.la.gov/location/swanson-center-for-youth-columbia

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 creative and compassionate professional to serve as Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 3-B, responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing structured recreational and therapeutic activities for youth in secure care. This role supports emotional wellness, social development, and rehabilitation through purposeful engagement, helping youth build coping skills, self-esteem, and positive peer relationships.Four years of experience as a teacher, instructor, or counselor in a recreational program plus two years of experience in recreation therapy; OR

A bachelor's degree in a rehabilitation, recreation, or therapy field, a physical education field, or psychology plus two years of experience in recreation therapy; OR

Possession of certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in accordance with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification plus two years of experience in recreation therapy; OR

An advanced degree in a rehabilitation, recreation, or therapy field, a physical education field, or psychology plus one year of experience in recreation therapy.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties:

  • Oversee and coordinate all therapeutic recreation services to ensure compliance with ACA standards, agency policies, and Civil Service rules.
  • Develop, manage, and implement a comprehensive therapeutic recreation curriculum including structured recreation, health education, and creative arts.
  • Support facility culture reform by modeling professionalism, ethical behavior, and positive engagement with staff and youth.
  • Lead youth in exercise, sports, relaxation techniques, and group activities; organize special events and outings.
  • Implement therapeutic milieu components such as problem-solving activities, circle-ups, meditation, incentives, and daily recreation schedules.
  • Work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency response during weather or facility incidents.
  • Participate in youth treatment planning and support canteen operations with accuracy and accountability.
  • Follow chain-of-command for reporting incidents; document youth and staff incidents promptly and thoroughly.
  • Prepare and submit requisitions for supplies; maintain accurate written and verbal reporting.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by the Facility Director.

Position-Specific Details:

Work Location: This vacancy is located at the Swanson Center for Youth in Columbia, Louisiana.

Appointment Type: Full-time, Probational

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.

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. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

For further information about this vacancy, contact:
Garilyn London
OJJ/ Human Resources
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.
Salary3,250.00 - 5,855.00 Month
Field
Corrections

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