JUVENILE JUSTICE SPECIALIST 5-TACTICAL

About This Job

The Office of Juvenile Justice Acadiana Center for Youth-Bunkie 1536 Bordelon Rd., Bunkie, LA 71322 The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) is driven by a powerful mission to protect our communities while transforming the lives of youth through safe, effective, and individualized services. We believe in the potential of every young person—and we are committed to helping them grow into confident, productive, law-abiding citizens. We are excited to announce an opportunity for a dedicated and experienced professional to join our team as a Juvenile Justice Specialist 5, a senior-level leader who plays a vital role in the heart of our secure care operations. In this dynamic position, you will guide daily facility functions, support and mentor staff, and help create a structured, trauma-informed environment where youth can heal, grow, and succeed. This role is essential in advancing agency policies, strengthening safety and accountability, and championing positive youth development across the facility.

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a high school diploma or GED or one year of experience in any field plus: Three years of experience in a residential, correctional, behavioral health, or group home setting with responsibility for one or more of the following: rehabilitation of delinquent youth, clinical care, custody, or security; OR Three years of experience in Probation and Parole. Necessary Special Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. An applicant who has been convicted of a felony or who is under indictment on a felony charge will be disqualified until relief from disabilities imposed by state and federal laws is granted. In accordance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) (Part 115:17) of Title 28 of the Code of Federal Regulations an applicant who has been found to have engaged in any form of sexual abuse; engaged in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable or refused will be disqualified.

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:

• Lead with purpose as the Tactical Response Captain for one of OJJ's secure care facilities, providing strong, mission-driven supervision to the Tactical Response Unit and supporting the safety of adjudicated male youth.
• Maintain a secure environment by conducting regular rounds, ensuring all gates, windows, and exits are properly secured, and completing monthly inspections of tactical gear and equipment to guarantee operational readiness.
• Keep your team informed and prepared by briefing staff on daily activities, youth movement, and updates to policies and procedures.
• Respond swiftly and decisively to alarms, disturbances, and critical incidents, guiding officers through high-pressure situations and ensuring rapid, effective actions that protect life, property, and the facility environment.
• Support statewide and regional tactical missions, shakedowns, and training initiatives, while interpreting strategic directives and coordinating tactical plans that align with agency goals.
• Maintain strong situational awareness by understanding facility structures, monitoring operational functions, and ensuring tactical decisions are well-documented and clearly communicated.
• Partner with facility leadership to uphold safety and security, supervise youth movement during meals, recreation, special events, and off-site activities, and enforce contraband control procedures through thorough searches and accurate documentation.
• Remain available for 24-hour call, serve in the absence of the Tactical Response Major, and carry out additional duties that support the agency's mission and operational needs.

Position-Specific Details: Work Location: This vacancy is located at Acadiana Center for Youth in Bunkie, Louisiana. Compensation Information: The Juvenile Justice Specialist 5 title has a Special Entrance Rate of $1,971.20 biweekly. 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). 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.

Benefits

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