What are the responsibilities and job description for the SOCIAL WORKER 1, 2, OR 3 position at State of Louisiana?
Louisiana Department of
Public Safety & Corrections –
Corrections Services
www.doc.louisiana.gov
LA CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE FOR WOMEN
St. Gabriel, LA
At the Louisiana Department of Corrections, our mission is to promote public safety and strengthen communities through fair, professional, and responsive corrections services. We are committed to protecting the people of Louisiana with integrity, accountability, and a deep respect for the rights and dignity of all.
This is an opportunity to become part of a dedicated team supporting public safety, working in a correctional facility where professionalism, resilience, and teamwork are essential.
The Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Social Worker to join our multidisciplinary team. This role plays a vital part in supporting the rehabilitation, well-being, and successful reentry of the women in our care. We are looking for a professional who is committed to trauma-informed practice, empowerment, and meaningful change within a correctional environment.Why work for DOC?
- Culture: DOC values and supports employees through numerous recognition programs, creating a sense of community, prioritizing internal promotional opportunities, clear communication, and professional development.
- Growth: Professional growth is encouraged at DOC through numerous avenues.
- Benefits: DOC offers a generous benefits package including; a defined benefit pension plan, health insurance that is also available post retirement, at least 10 paid holidays, sick and annual leave that rolls over from year to year, paid or time off accrued for hours worked over 40 per week, a deferred compensation plan, a flexible benefits plan, alternate work schedules etc. Alternative work schedules including 4/10’s MAY be an available benefit for certain positions upon meeting the policy requirements.
Please visit our website by clicking here to learn more about DOC, our facilities, and our mission.
Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice as a Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Certified Social Worker (CSW) plus:A master's degree in social work.
NOTE:
Permanent status will not be granted in this job title without LMSW or LCSW licensure in Louisiana; Certified Social Worker (CSW) credential will not be accepted for granting permanent status.The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.Job Duties:
- Provide Individual and Group Therapy Deliver evidence-based therapeutic services to incarcerated women, addressing trauma, mental health needs, substance use, family dynamics, and reentry challenges. Facilitate structured group sessions that promote emotional regulation, resilience, and pro-social behavior.
- Develop Comprehensive Treatment Plans Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and create individualized treatment plans that outline goals, interventions, and measurable outcomes. Collaborate with mental health staff, security personnel, medical providers, and program coordinators to ensure continuity of care.
- Evaluate New Commitments and Assess Needs Complete intake evaluations for newly admitted individuals, identifying immediate risks, mental health concerns, and service needs. Make initial determinations regarding placement, programming, crisis intervention, and referrals to specialized services.
- Provide Crisis Intervention and Support Respond to acute mental health crises, conduct suicide risk assessments, and implement safety plans in coordination with clinical and security teams.
- Maintain Accurate Documentation and Case Records Prepare timely, thorough clinical notes, assessments, progress updates, and reports in accordance with departmental policy, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate Reentry and Discharge Planning Assist individuals in preparing for release by connecting them with community resources, treatment providers, housing options, and support networks to promote successful reintegration.
- Participate in Multidisciplinary Team Meetings Collaborate with psychologists, medical staff, correctional officers, and program administrators to review cases, adjust treatment plans, and ensure a holistic approach to care.
- Facilitate Access to Supportive Services Provide referrals and advocacy for educational programs, vocational training, substance use treatment, and family reunification services.
Position-Specific Details:
Appointment Type: PROBATION, or PROMOTION OF A PERMANENT, CLASSIFIED LOUISIANA STATE EMPLOYEE
- Current permanent status classified LA State employees may be required to accept a probational appointment if accepted.
- An employee selected for a promotion may be required to serve a trial detail prior to being permanently promoted.
- This posting may also be used to fill a vacancy as a temporary job appointment. If filled as a temporary job appointment, should a permanent position become available, the employee may be converted to a probational appointment.
Compensation: This position has a Special Entrance Rate (SER) at each level. However, the salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
- Social Worker 1 has an SER of $19.88 per hour
- Social Worker 2 has an SER of $21.27 per hour
- Social Worker 3 has an SER of $22.76 per hour
This position also offers premium pay: A rate between $2.00 and $5.00 an hour for each regular hour worked, based on years of service with DOC, in addition to regular pay.
Career Progression Group: SOCIAL WORKER 1, 2, OR 3
- Filled at the highest level of experience of the selected applicant.
- Salary depends on level of experience.
Other Important Information:
- IMPORTANT: In the supplemental questions section, applicants must authorize the HR Office of DPS&C-Corrections Services to contact prior employers to check references under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), to be considered for employment, by answering ‘YES’ to the PREA question.
- Any degree, certificate, special license, or DD-214 must be verified by official documentation prior to hire.
- Any qualifying experience that is based on college credit/college hours should have an accompanying transcript for verification.
- This is a 24-hour facility.
- This Agency is a Drug Free Workplace.
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 this job title 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.
- There is no guarantee that everyone who applies to this posting will be interviewed. The hiring supervisor/manager has 90 days from the closing date of the announcement to make a hiring decision. Specific information about this job will be provided to you in the interview process, should you be selected.
- To view and apply to any of our other postings we currently have available, click HERE.
The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections - Corrections Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any non-merit factor including disability.
For further information about this vacancy contact:
Dave Besse
Human Resources Department
Dave.Besse2@la.gov
Ph: (225) 319-2435
Fax: (225) 342-5968
Salary : $2 - $5