State of Louisiana
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SPECIALIST 3-B
State of Louisiana, Bunkie, Louisiana, United States, 71322
Salary :
$3,186.00 - $5,734.00 Monthly Location :
Bunkie, LA Job Type:
Classified Job Number:
403ACY-211665-GOL Department:
Office of Juvenile Justice Opening Date:
08/08/2025 Closing Date:
8/13/2025 11:59 PM Central
About this Job Office of Juvenile Justice
Acadiana Center for Youth-Bunkie
1536 Bordelon Road, Bunkie, LA 71322 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. Minimum Qualifications
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. 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: Design and lead recreational programs that promote physical, emotional, and social well-being Facilitate group activities that support therapeutic goals and behavioral interventions Collaborate with clinical and facility staff to align programming with individual treatment plans Monitor youth participation and adjust activities to meet developmental and therapeutic needs Maintain accurate records of attendance, progress, and program outcomes Ensure safety and supervision during all recreational activities Promote positive behavior, teamwork, and respectful communication among youth Position-Specific Details:
Work Location:
The incumbent of this position will serve as the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 3-B for Acadiana Center for Youth in Bunkie, Louisiana.
Appointment Type:
This position will be filled as a full time, probational appointment 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.
*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 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. Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.
As a state employee, you will earn competitive pay, choose from a variety of benefits, and have access to a great professional development program: Insurance Coverage
More information can be found at
Parental Leave
- Up to six weeks paid parental leave More information can be found at
Holidays and Leave
- State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:
New Year's Day Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Mardi Gras, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
***** Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor
State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.
Retirement - State of Louisiana employees are eligible to participate in various retirement systems (based on the type of appointment and agency for which an employee works). These retirement systems provide retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers and employees and their beneficiaries. State retirement systems may include (but are not limited to):
Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (), Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (), among others
01
Are you a current classified employee of the Office of Juvenile Justice serving with permanent status?
Yes No
02
Are you currently under indictment for a felony charge or have you ever been on probation or sentenced to jail/prison as a result of a felony conviction or guilty plea to a felony charge?
Yes No
03
If 'YES', give the law enforcement authority (city police, sheriff, FBI, etc.), the offense, place and disposition of case. If 'NO', enter N/A. 04
Have you been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt, or implied threats of force, or coercion, or where the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse?
Yes No
05
If so, when? If "NO", enter N/A. 06
Have you ever been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in any sexual activity in the community or confinement setting?
Yes No
07
If so, when? If "NO", enter N/A. 08
Have you ever engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility or juvenile facility or any other facility type (as defined in 42 U.S.C 1997)?
Yes No
09
If so, when? If "NO", enter N/A. 10
If you have previous employment in a community confinement center, jail, lockup or prison, the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) requires Office of Juvenile Justice Human Resources to contact those employers prior to hiring any applicant for information on substantiated allegations of sexual abuse or any resignation during a pending investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse.Do you authorize the Office of Juvenile Justice, to contact any of your prior employers, whether listed on your employment application or not, to ascertain information required by the Prison Rape Elimination Act, Part 115 of Title 28 of the Code of Federal Regulations? I understand that prior to any offer of employment by the Office of Juvenile Justice that such information must be obtained.IMPORTANT: I also understand that if I do not authorize such contact, I will not be eligible for employment with the Office of Juvenile Justice.Should I be appointed from this announcement, I also understand that this authorization will remain valid for the duration of my employment with the Office of Juvenile Justice.Questions should be directed to Human Resources as noted in the Supplemental Information section of this job posting.
Yes, I understand. You may contact my employers, past or present. No. Do not contact my employers, past or present.
11
If you are qualifying for this position with one of the degree options provide the level of degree, major as given on your official transcript, school name, and date earned for each degree you have completed. Example: (Bachelor in biology at Louisiana State University May 2012)If you are not qualifying under a degree option enter N/A. 12
Are you in possession of certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in accordance with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification?
Yes No
Required Question
$3,186.00 - $5,734.00 Monthly Location :
Bunkie, LA Job Type:
Classified Job Number:
403ACY-211665-GOL Department:
Office of Juvenile Justice Opening Date:
08/08/2025 Closing Date:
8/13/2025 11:59 PM Central
About this Job Office of Juvenile Justice
Acadiana Center for Youth-Bunkie
1536 Bordelon Road, Bunkie, LA 71322 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. Minimum Qualifications
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. 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: Design and lead recreational programs that promote physical, emotional, and social well-being Facilitate group activities that support therapeutic goals and behavioral interventions Collaborate with clinical and facility staff to align programming with individual treatment plans Monitor youth participation and adjust activities to meet developmental and therapeutic needs Maintain accurate records of attendance, progress, and program outcomes Ensure safety and supervision during all recreational activities Promote positive behavior, teamwork, and respectful communication among youth Position-Specific Details:
Work Location:
The incumbent of this position will serve as the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 3-B for Acadiana Center for Youth in Bunkie, Louisiana.
Appointment Type:
This position will be filled as a full time, probational appointment 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.
*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 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. Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.
As a state employee, you will earn competitive pay, choose from a variety of benefits, and have access to a great professional development program: Insurance Coverage
More information can be found at
Parental Leave
- Up to six weeks paid parental leave More information can be found at
Holidays and Leave
- State employees receive the following paid holidays each year:
New Year's Day Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Mardi Gras, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
***** Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor
State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.
Retirement - State of Louisiana employees are eligible to participate in various retirement systems (based on the type of appointment and agency for which an employee works). These retirement systems provide retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers and employees and their beneficiaries. State retirement systems may include (but are not limited to):
Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (), Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (), among others
01
Are you a current classified employee of the Office of Juvenile Justice serving with permanent status?
Yes No
02
Are you currently under indictment for a felony charge or have you ever been on probation or sentenced to jail/prison as a result of a felony conviction or guilty plea to a felony charge?
Yes No
03
If 'YES', give the law enforcement authority (city police, sheriff, FBI, etc.), the offense, place and disposition of case. If 'NO', enter N/A. 04
Have you been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt, or implied threats of force, or coercion, or where the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse?
Yes No
05
If so, when? If "NO", enter N/A. 06
Have you ever been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in any sexual activity in the community or confinement setting?
Yes No
07
If so, when? If "NO", enter N/A. 08
Have you ever engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility or juvenile facility or any other facility type (as defined in 42 U.S.C 1997)?
Yes No
09
If so, when? If "NO", enter N/A. 10
If you have previous employment in a community confinement center, jail, lockup or prison, the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) requires Office of Juvenile Justice Human Resources to contact those employers prior to hiring any applicant for information on substantiated allegations of sexual abuse or any resignation during a pending investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse.Do you authorize the Office of Juvenile Justice, to contact any of your prior employers, whether listed on your employment application or not, to ascertain information required by the Prison Rape Elimination Act, Part 115 of Title 28 of the Code of Federal Regulations? I understand that prior to any offer of employment by the Office of Juvenile Justice that such information must be obtained.IMPORTANT: I also understand that if I do not authorize such contact, I will not be eligible for employment with the Office of Juvenile Justice.Should I be appointed from this announcement, I also understand that this authorization will remain valid for the duration of my employment with the Office of Juvenile Justice.Questions should be directed to Human Resources as noted in the Supplemental Information section of this job posting.
Yes, I understand. You may contact my employers, past or present. No. Do not contact my employers, past or present.
11
If you are qualifying for this position with one of the degree options provide the level of degree, major as given on your official transcript, school name, and date earned for each degree you have completed. Example: (Bachelor in biology at Louisiana State University May 2012)If you are not qualifying under a degree option enter N/A. 12
Are you in possession of certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in accordance with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification?
Yes No
Required Question