About this opportunity
State of Mississippi lists this Social Services Specialist I (0660) opportunity in jackson, Mississippi. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Salary: $37,461.00 - $49,000.00 Annually
Location : 55 - PEARL RIVER COUNTY, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: PR
Department: 0571 - DHS-YOUTH SERVICES
Opening Date: 09/22/2026
Closing Date: 10/6/ :59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary: $37,461.00
Agency Maximum Salary: $49,000.00
About the Agency: The Mississippi Department of Human Services is dedicated to serving others while providing a wide range of public assistance programs, social services, and support for children, low-income individuals and families. The agency seeks to empower families so they can become self-sufficient and responsible for their future success. This position is with the Division of Youth Services and will be located in PEARL RIVER. If you have any questions, you may contact us at
About the Position: "Based on Mississippi Statute the Mississippi Department of Human Services Division of Youth Services (MDHS/DYS) is responsible for assigning probation and aftercare workers to the youth courts of the various court districts throughout the state of Mississippi.MDHS/DYS shall assign duties to Social Services Specialists (probation and aftercare workers) which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:(1) Preparing the social, educational and home-life history and other diagnostic reports on the child for the benefit of the court or the Oakley Youth Development Center (OYDC).(2) Serving in counseling capacities with the youth courts.(3) Serving as probation agents for the youth courts.(4) Serving, advising and counseling children in the various institutions under the control of the MDHS/DYS as may be necessary to the placement of the children in proper environment after release and the placement of children in suitable jobs where necessary and proper.(5) Supervising and guiding of children released or conditionally released from institutions under the control of MDHS/DYS.(6) Counseling in an aftercare program.(7) Coordinating the activities of supporting community agencies which aid in the social adjustment of children released from the institution and in an aftercare program.(8) Providing or arranging for necessary services leading to the rehabilitation of delinquents, either within the division or through cooperative arrangements with other appropriate agencies.(9) Providing counseling and supervision for any child under ten (10) years of age who has been brought to the attention of the court when other suitable personnel is not available and upon request of the court concerned.10) Supervising the aftercare program and making revocation investigations at the request of the court.11) Implement a standardized risk assessment tool for use in the community.Has this PIN been advertised in the last 6 months? NoJustification In furtherance of our obligatory requirements, MDHS /DYS must provide probation and aftercare services to adjudicated youth. It is crucial that MDHS/DYS have qualified staff providing linkage and referrals connecting youth to the appropriate interventions and counseling services. Providing theses safety nets and wraparound services needed for court-involved youth successful integration and reintegration into societyIn consideration of the aforementioned duties and requirements, MDHS/DYS is requesting to advertise Social Services Specialist II (PIN 0944) in Attala County to meet the professional requirements as specified for the Social Services Specialist II position within the Mississippi Dept of Human Services Division of Youth Services."
What you'll need to be Successful: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and related program software. Excellent Communication Skills, Ability to Conduct Oneself in an Ethical Manner, Excellent Interpersonal Skills, Ability to Adapt Quickly, and an Advocate for Children.
Preferred Qualifications: Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree and 0-2 years of experience. Appointing authority may require social worker's license. Hiring agency prefers:A bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Counseling, Social Work, or a directly related field; and one to four (1-4) years of experience in work related to the described duties.
No available description
Health/Prescription Insurance Eligible employees have the opportunity to participate in the state's health and prescription insurance program. Employees may select either single or family coverage with affordable co-payments. More detail can be found at Know Your Benefits.
Wellness Benefits
Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program. This plan provides annual benefits for certain services with first-dollar coverage with no deductible.
Life Insurance
All eligible employees receive an actual term life insurance policy upon employment. The policy coverage is two times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $100,000. More detail can be found at Life Insurance Choices.
Optional Insurances
Many agencies offer discounted premiums for dental, vision, and cancer insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Many state agencies provide opportunity for employees to participate in pre-tax spending accounts. These accounts allow employees to withhold childcare expenses and unreimbursed medical expenses prior to application of state and federal taxes.
Paid Personal Leave and Sick Leave Full-time employees receive paid time off for personal needs and for sick leave. Leave begins accruing after one month of employment and may be used as it is accrued. Employees earn approximately 18 days of personal leave annually and 12 days of sick leave annually.
Military Leave
In accordance with federal law, all employees serving in the armed forces or the military reserves are entitled to 15 days per year for military training.
Holidays
Employees receive up to 10 paid holidays to enjoy many of our nation's celebrations with family and friends.
Retirement Programs
The State of Mississippi provides all its employees a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Retirement Program. Employees become vested in the State's retirement system after 8 years of employment. Both you and your employing agency contribute toward your retirement. More detailed information regarding the State's retirement program can be found at
Deferred Compensation
State agencies offer several opportunities for their employees to participate in a deferred compensation voluntary retirement savings plan. More information can be found at Deferred Compensation.
State Credit Union
All state employees are eligible to participate in the Mississippi Public Employees' Credit Union. This organization offers state employees special savings and borrowing plans. For more information about this program, call .
Tuition Reimbursement
Many state agencies provide opportunities for their employees to achieve higher education through tuition reimbursement. Common programs include medical and nursing fields, accounting, and business/administrative fields.
Career Development and Training
The Mississippi State Personnel Board offers several management and administrative certification programs, as well as professional development courses to enhance employee value to the agency. Individual agencies also offer technical training and allow membership in professional organizations to employees in their specific fields of employment.
Promotional Opportunities
Employees who have completed 6 or more months of service are eligible for promotional opportunities within state government employment. Minimum qualifications must be met.
Career Ladders
Many job classifications provide career-ladder opportunities based upon attainment of competencies. These career ladders can increase an individual's salary, provided funds are available within the agency.
01
How many years of experience do you have? (Refer to the job posting for an explanation of related experience.) No experience
1 year of experience
2 years of experience
3 years of experience
4 years of experience
5 years of experience
6 years of experience
7 years of experience
8 years of experience
9 years of experience
10 years of experience
More than 10 years
02
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed from an accredited four-year college or university? None
GED or High School Equivalency Diploma / High School Diploma
1 year / 30 semester hours
Associate's Degree / 2 yrs / 60 semester hours
3 years / 90 semester hours
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Specialist Degree
Doctorate Degree
03
Do you possess a Social Worker's license? Yes
No
Required Question
Worksite address
jackson, MS, 39200, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.