Social Services Specialist I (0660)

Salary : $37,461.00 - $39,540.80 Annually

Location : 55 - PEARL RIVER COUNTY, MS

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 9796-0571-20251024PRV

Department : 0571 - DHS-YOUTH SERVICES

Opening Date : 10 / 25 / 2025

Closing Date : 11 / 7 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Central

Agency Minimum Salary : $37,461.00

Agency Maximum Salary : $39,540.80

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 mdhsrecruitment@mdhs.ms.gov.

About the Position : Positions at this level work under the supervision of higher levels to create and / or maintain a service plan throughout the duration of a case, including performing assessments, coordinating, and may deliver direct services with community partners and documenting all relevant activities, actions taken, and contacts involved with a case. (No License)

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.

Characteristics of Work

See for information regarding this classifications

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 601.948.8191.

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 relevant experience do you have?

• 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?

03

Do you have a valid social worker's license?

Required Question