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) 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.