THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SPECIALIST 3-B
State of Louisiana, Columbia, LA, United States
Office of Juvenile Justice – Swanson Center for Youth – Columbia
132 LA-850, Columbia, LA 71418
Job Overview The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) is committed to protecting the public by providing safe and effective individualized services to youth that 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.
Qualifications
Four years of experience as a teacher, instructor, or counselor in a recreational program plus two years of experience in recreation therapy
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
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
An advanced degree in a rehabilitation, recreation, or therapy field, a physical education field, or psychology plus one year of experience in recreation therapy
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).
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.
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Job Overview The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) is committed to protecting the public by providing safe and effective individualized services to youth that 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.
Qualifications
Four years of experience as a teacher, instructor, or counselor in a recreational program plus two years of experience in recreation therapy
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
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
An advanced degree in a rehabilitation, recreation, or therapy field, a physical education field, or psychology plus one year of experience in recreation therapy
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).
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.
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