Behavioral Health Specialist I
Salary
$36,624.00 - $40,286.40 Annually
Location
36 - LAFAYETTE COUNTY, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9258-0385-20260930L
Department
0385 - MH-NORTH MS REGIONAL CENTER
Opening Date
09/30/2026
Closing Date
10/13/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary
$36,624.00
Agency Maximum Salary
$40,286.40
About the Agency
The North Mississippi Regional Center in Oxford has provided comprehensive services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1973. The Center is licensed by the Mississippi Department of Health as an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (ICF/IID) and is certified for Medicaid participation. The North Mississippi Regional Centers service area includes the northern 32 counties of Mississippi. The main campus is located in Oxford, where residential and active treatment services are provided by qualified staff from a variety of disciplines. Individuals are served through the Centers other ICF/IID community homes across north Mississippi. NMRC further assists over 1,000 people through other community services and supports. These services include Support Coordination for the ID/DD Waiver and Targeted Case Management for the Community Support Program. Additional NMRC Community Services are the Community Enrichment Programs (CEPS) and the Technology Assistive Device (TAD) Center. The NMRC Diagnostic Services Department is another NMRC community program that provides assessments and evaluations by qualified staff members in a clinical setting for determining eligibility for NMRC ICF/IID level of care, ID/DD Waiver or 1915i program. Dr. Larry Grantham served as the first Director of the North Mississippi Regional Center from 1972 until 1975. Dr. Randy Hendrix served from 1975 until October 1986, when he was appointed Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health - a post he held until his retirement in 2007. Dr. Carole Haney was the third Director of the facility, serving from 1986 until her retirement in June 2007, and Dr. Sandy Rogers served from 2007 until 2011. Dr. Edith M. Hayles was appointed as the current Director on October 1, 2011. The North Mississippi Regional Center is one of the programs operated by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, offering a continuum of services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The current Executive Director of Mental Health is Ms. Wendy D. Bailey, and the Deputy Executive Director of State Operated Programs is Mr. Craig Kittrell. Contact Information: Jacova Jenkins, HR Manager - jjenkins@nmrc.ms.org
About the Position
Third-level Behavioral Health professional work in assessing, identifying, and treating mental health/behavioral concerns. Individuals in this classification provide direct services to individuals, including psychoeducation, individual therapy/supportive counseling, group therapy, assistance with treatment plan development, and behavior support services. Individuals in this classification provide services while under the direct supervision of an appropriately licensed/certified Behavioral Health professional, including the administration of screening assessments of behavioral and emotional functioning, intelligence, achievement, and adaptive functioning. Incumbents may function as mentors and direct the work of employees in less advanced classifications.
What youll need to be Successful
Functional knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Positive Behavior Supports is preferred. • Experience and direct contact with clients and individuals with special needs and/or Intellectual Disabilities is preferred. • Strong working knowledge of behavioral theory and applied behavior analysis. • Understanding of the characteristics and behaviors associated with disorders. • Good communication skills, both verbal and written. • Ability to handle intense emotional situations. • Ability to apply behavioral principles. • Strong interpersonal skills. • Excellent stress management skills. • Proficient skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, etc. Training will be provided for in-house data management programs. • Must be able to manage multiple tasks at once.
Preferred Qualifications
Requires Master's Degree in Psychology or a related field of study acceptable to the hiring agency and may require full licensure or certification (LPC, LMFT, LM/CSW, L/CMHT, L/CIDDT, L/CAT).
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 http://www.pers.state.ms.us
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
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed in Psychology or a related field of study acceptable to the hiring agency?
02
Do you possess full licensure or certification (LPC, LMFT, LM/CSW, L/CMHT, L/CIDDT, L/CAT)?
Required Question
Employer State of Mississippi
Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201
Phone 601-359-1406
601-359-1406
| Location | Oxford, MS |
| Salary | $36,624–$40,286.40 Per Year |
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