Find & Apply For Youth Counselor / Worker Jobs in La Porte, Indiana

 Work for Indiana Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana. 

About LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility:

 LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility is a multi‑level security facility located in LaPorte, Indiana, and houses up to 62 incarcerated juvenile females. It is the only female juvenile facility in the state and serves as the intake site for female youth entering the Indiana Department of Correction. The campus spans 60 acres and features housing, dining, and administrative areas in the main building. Programming focuses on education, treatment, and individualized services to support rehabilitation. Staff provide a structured and supportive environment that emphasizes growth and positive change. The facility works closely with courts to complete diagnostic evaluations. To learn more about LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility, click here.

Role Overview:

 Your work will follow Department of Correction and ACA guidelines, requiring sound judgment in responding to unexpected situations and in developing lesson plans that meet course objectives. You will work with students who may have diverse needs, including physical or mental disabilities, and must adapt your approach accordingly.

The supervisor provides general direction and may offer guidance on lesson planning or unique challenges, but you will make many independent, non‑routine decisions regarding instructional methods and student progress. Work is reviewed periodically for compliance with relevant laws and standards.

In emergency situations, you must demonstrate effective leadership, as errors could have serious consequences.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package. A Day in the

Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

Conduct mental health assessments of incarcerated youth to determine risk level and needs.

Assess youth needs in social, educational, occupational, emotional, and physical areas to inform treatment planning.

Establish treatment plans for incarcerated youth to support rehabilitation and development.

Monitor youth progress throughout the treatment plan to ensure appropriate interventions and adjustments.

Plan and implement cognitive behavior programs best suited to youth development and treatment needs to promote positive behavioral change.

Consult and liaise with various social service agencies and institutions to secure needed services for incarcerated youth.Document youth progress, attendance, counseling sessions, referrals, pre‑release paperwork, and visiting lists to maintain accurate records.

Maintain youth information in the Electronic Data Base to ensure up‑to‑date case management data.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for

Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

Ability to consult and liaise with various social service agencies and institutions.

Ability to document youth progress, attendance, counseling sessions, referrals, and other required information clearly and accurately.

Ability to assess youth needs in social, educational, occupational, emotional, and physical areas.

Ability to gather needed information to determine risk level and needs.

Ability to plan and implement cognitive behavior programs best suited to youth development and treatment needs.

Ability to establish treatment plans for incarcerated youth.

Ability to monitor youth progress throughout the treatment plan and adjust interventions as needed.

Ability to maintain youth information in the Electronic Data Base.

Ability to manage documentation requirements including pre‑release paperwork, referrals, and visiting lists.

A degree is not required. However, at least 1+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs. Benefits of Employment with the

State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

Wellness Rewards Program:

Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewardsHealth savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contributionDeferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer matchTwo (2) fully-funded pension plan optionsA robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothersUp to 15 hours of paid community service leaveCombined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off12 paid holidays, 14 on election yearsEducation Reimbursement ProgramGroup life insuranceReferral Bonus programEmployee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visitsQualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness ProgramFree Parking for most positionsFree LinkedIn Learning access 

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.

IN.gov.