Licensed Social Service Specialist III
Salary
$48,256.00 - $52,416.00 Annually
Location
37 - LAMAR COUNTY, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9798-0372-20260713lama
Department
0372 - MH-EAST MS STATE HOSPITAL
Opening Date
07/14/2026
Closing Date
7/22/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary
$48,256.00
Agency Maximum Salary
$52,416.00
About the Agency
South Mississippi State Hospital in Purvis is an acute care, regional behavioral program with the primary purpose to offer a continuum of services for adults with mental illness within the patient's region of residence. The closer proximity allows family, friends, and community to more actively support the treatment, recover, and aftercare of the patient. South Mississippi State Hospital serves Lamar, Forrest, Marion, Perry, Greene, Wayne, Jones, Covington, Jefferson Davis, Pearl River, Stone, Hancock, Harrison, George, Jackson, Pike, Walthall, Lawrence, Franklin, and Amite counties. To inquire about this position, please contact Human Resources at hr@smsh.ms.gov.
About the Position
Social Services Specialist III Third-level professional position accountable for possessing a thorough knowledge of social service policies, practices, and techniques, having mastered the technical job content, perform work of greater complexity, exercise greater independence in making decisions, and have an established reputation and credibility both within the agency and community. Positions at this level may perform the duties described at the lower levels and demonstrate expertise in a particular area of social service (e.g., adoption, medical, etc.) OR in specific core processes such as case management, relationship management, and/or knowledge of community resources OR provide work coordination, case review, consultation, technical assistance, policy development, and training to the lower levels. * This position is Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm with weekends and state holidays off.
What youll need to be Successful
Integrity, attention to detail, punctuality, organization skills, teamwork, professionalism, excellent and effective communication skills, problem solving skills, ability to multi-task, dependability, ability to conduct oneself in an ethical manner, ability to maintain confidentiality, and compassion.
Preferred Qualifications
Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree and 3-5 years of experience. Appointing authority may require social worker's license. AGENCY PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Requires Valid Drivers License and Proof of Auto Insurance
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
How many years of experience do you have? (Refer to the job posting for an explanation of related experience.)
02
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed from an accredited four-year college or university?
03
Do you possess a valid social worker's license?
Required Question
Employer State of Mississippi
Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201
Phone 601-359-1406
601-359-1406