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Social Services Counselor 1-4B

Division: Within the Social Services Department at ELMHS, Located in Jackson, LA

The Mission of ELMHS is to provide mental health evaluation, treatment, habilitation, and consultation for adults. Programs include inpatient interventions, jail-based evaluations, supervised group home and residential programs, forensic evaluation, care, custody, and aftercare; intermediate and long-term psychiatric services are coordinated with the total system of care in Louisiana 

ELMHS is seeking a passionate Social Service Counselor to deliver client-centered services. The ideal candidate will have experience working with diverse populations facing mental health challenges, trauma, or crises.

An ideal candidate should possess the following competencies:
Driving Results: The ability to set and pursue goals, maintain focus amid competing demands, and deliver results.
Making Accurate Judgments: The ability to assess options, weigh risks, and make sound decisions using available information and logical reasoning.
Thinking Critically: The ability to analyze information objectively, identify connections across sources, and form logical, well-supported conclusions.
Displaying Expertise: The ability to demonstrate specialized knowledge, skills, and experience to apply subject-matter expertise in diverse and evolving contexts.
Managing Stakeholders: The ability to identify key stakeholders, manage relationships, and align interests to move work forward.

Requirements

Three years of social services experience; OR

Six years of full-time experience in any field; OR

A bachelor's degree.

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 REQUIREMENT:
Positions that provide addictive disorder counseling or prevention services will require certification or eligibility for certification issued by the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA), or its successor.

Qualifications

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

Job Duties:

In this role, you will:

  • Provides direct services as a leader for the Competency Restoration group with pre-trial clients who enter the facility as not competent to proceed. 
  • Coordinates, implements, and monitors the provision of substance abuse education, treatment, and relapse prevention. 
  • Completes social needs health equity assessments on all intakes and provides statistical data for Total Quality Management (TQM)
  • Documents treatment summaries on each client's chart, specifying progress towards treatment objectives and goals and response to interventions using the BIRP documentation method. Documents daily for all social services provided. 
  • Documents daily pertinent information needed by other treatment team providers for optimal care.
  • Participate in educational trainings that are mandatory for accreditation and licensure of the facility.
  • Maintains current, valid, and unencumbered motor vehicle operator’s license. 

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type:  Probational or Promotional

Career Progression:  This position may be filled as Social Service Counselor 1 – Social Service Counselor 4A/B based on experience 

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday

Compensation: 

  • This position has an SER of 
    • $19.51 an hour or $1560.80 bi-weekly for Social Service Counselor 1
    • $20.87 an hour or $1669.60 bi-weekly for Social Service Counselor 2
    • $25.42 an hour or $2033.60 bi-weekly for Social Service Counselor 3
    • $27.20 an hour or $27.20 bi-weekly for Social Service Counselor 4A/B
  • This position is eligible for Longevity Pay starting at $2.00 Per Hour Physically Worked

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). Resumeswill not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.


Contact Information:

For further information about this vacancy, contact:

Leigh Moore 

ELMHS HR

ELMHS-HR@LA.GOV

225-634-0680 

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.  

Date Posted
05/04/2026
Job Reference
ELMHS5.4.26SSC1-4B
Organization
LDH-Office of Behavioral Health
Location
Jackson, LA 70802
Category
Mental Health/Social Services
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