Program Specialist IV

Program Specialist IV

Salary

$51,693.41 - $60,000.00 Annually

Location

25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

9063-0371-20261009hinds

Department

0371 - MH-CENTRAL OFFICE

Opening Date

10/09/2026

Closing Date

10/23/2026 11:59 PM Central

Agency Minimum Salary

$51,693.41

Agency Maximum Salary

$60,000.00

About the Agency

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) certifies, provides and/or financially supports a network of services for people with mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. This position is in the Mississippi Department of Mental Healths Central Office, which provides the overall statewide administrative functions for the programs and services that fall under the oversight of the agency. To inquire about this position, you may email COHR@dmh.ms.gov

About the Position

• This is a non-state service, time-limited position.* The essential duties and responsibilities include: • Block Grant Application and Federal Reporting Coordinate development, submission, and reporting for Mississippi's MHBG and SUPTRS BG applications. Develop timelines and coordinate narratives, data, needs assessments, performance measures, and supporting documentation. Ensure submissions are accurate, complete, consistent, and aligned with federal requirements. Coordinate responses to SAMHSA requests and support federal monitoring, audits, and reviews. • Federal Compliance & Policy Monitor SAMHSA guidance, regulations, statutes, and federal requirements affecting block grants. Communicate regulatory changes and provide guidance to DMH staff and partners. Monitor compliance with set-asides, maintenance of effort, priority populations, and other federal requirements. Participate in SAMHSA technical assistance, webinars, and federal meetings. • Statewide Needs Assessment & Planning Coordinate statewide behavioral health needs assessments and planning activities. Analyze demographic, epidemiological, service utilization, workforce, access, and outcome data. Identify service gaps, priority populations, and opportunities for system improvement. Translate identified needs into goals, objectives, strategies, performance measures, and funding priorities. • Program & Funding Coordination Coordinate programs and initiatives supported by MHBG and SUPTRS BG funding. Monitor implementation, deliverables, outcomes, allocations, set asides, and expenditures. Collaborate with program, fiscal, grants, and data staff to ensure alignment with federal requirements. Support allocation and reallocation of resources based on needs and program priorities. • Performance & Evaluation Coordinate performance measures, goals, objectives, and outcome reporting for block grant-funded programs. Track progress, analyze trends and gaps, and support quality improvement. Prepare reports, summaries, presentations, and other materials for leadership and stakeholders. • Planning & Advisory Council Provide coordination and staff support for Mississippi's Mental Health Planning and Advisory Council. Coordinate meetings, agendas, materials, membership requirements, and documentation. Facilitate Council input on statewide needs, priorities, and block grant plans. • Stakeholder & Interagency Coordination Engage CMHCs, providers, individuals receiving services, families, advocates, state agencies, universities, and other partners. Coordinate stakeholder input for needs assessments and statewide planning. Represent DMH in planning meetings, workgroups, learning collaboratives, and technical assistance activities. Maintain effective relationships with SAMHSA and federal partners. • Data, Documentation & Technical Assistance Maintain accurate, organized records of applications, reports, guidance, performance data, and supporting documentation. Develop tracking tools, templates, and processes to improve reporting consistency and efficiency. Provide technical assistance to DMH staff and funded programs regarding block grant requirements. Translate complex federal requirements into clear guidance, tasks, and actionable processes.

What youll need to be Successful

Strong project management and organizational skills; Excellent professional writing and editing skills; Ability to interpret federal guidance and translate requirements into operational activities; Knowledge of behavioral health planning and service systems; Ability to understand and interpret programmatic, fiscal, and performance data; Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; Ability to establish and monitor measurable goals and performance indicators; Ability to coordinate work across multiple divisions and disciplines; Strong interpersonal and stakeholder-engagement skills; Ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership, program staff, providers, federal partners, and community stakeholders; Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and compliance; Ability to manage competing priorities and time-sensitive federal deadlines; Ability to work independently while maintaining effective collaboration across DMH.

Preferred Qualifications

Typically requires a Bachelors degree and 4-7 years of experience. Hiring agency preferred qualifications: • Master's degree in behavioral health related fields such as counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, psychology, public health, or a closely related discipline; • Current professional behavioral health license at the independent practice level, such as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), or an equivalent independent clinical license; • Knowledge of the MHBG and/or SUPTRS Block Grant; • Experience working within a state behavioral health authority, state agency, CMHC, public health agency, or similar organization; • Knowledge of Mississippis public behavioral health system; • Experience with federal grant applications, needs assessments, performance measurement, or program evaluation; • Experience coordinating statewide planning processes or advisory councils; • Familiarity with behavioral health data, federal reporting systems, and grant compliance requirements. Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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?

• 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?

• 8th grade
• GED or High School Equivalency Diploma / High School Diploma
• 30 semester hours
• Associates Degree / 60 semester hours
• 90 semester hours
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Specialist Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• 9th grade
• 10th grade
• 11th grade

Required Question

Employer State of Mississippi

Address 210 East Capitol Street

Suite 800

Jackson, Mississippi, 39201

Phone 601-359-1406

601-359-1406

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mississippi