Social Services Specialist III (Gulfport, MS)
Salary
$49,296.00 - $52,416.00 Annually
Location
24 - HARRISON COUNTY, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9798-0374-20260710HN
Department
0374 - MH-MS STATE HOSPITAL
Opening Date
07/10/2026
Closing Date
7/23/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary
$49,296.00
Agency Maximum Salary
$52,416.00
About the Agency
The mission of Specialized Treatment Facility is to promote and strengthen the mental health and the education of up to 48 adolescent males and females who are experiencing behavioral difficulties in their homes, schools, and communities. Employees are charged with the responsibility of promoting and strengthening the mental health of adolescents by exhibiting the core values that are at the heart of this mission: 1. Teamwork 2. Respect 3. Compassion 4. Integrity 5. Safety Specialized Treatment Facility employs Milieu Therapy as the foundation for the treatment of its residents. Milieu Therapy is a planned treatment environment in which everyday events and interactions are therapeutically designed for the purpose of enhancing social skills and building confidence. This therapy uses common structures familiar to all children, such as daily routines, consistent rules and activities. The Social Services Specialist III (Licensed Certified Social Worker (LMSW)) provides relevant, effective therapy to residents pertinent to their individual treatment plans. The LMSW is immediately supervised by the Clinical Director and the Assistant Clinical Director. contact Human Resources for more information (228)328-6000.
About the Position
The LMSW assists adolescents who have been diagnosed with a mental disorder. The LMSW assists treatment providers and all other involved personnel in assessing resident needs, develop appropriate treatment plans, and implement the related interventions necessary for resident to successfully met the goals of the treatment plan. Staff must also interact and de-escalate residents whose mental illness causes violent behavior to transition from living in a controlled residential environment to community living. Responsibilities and Duties The LMSW conducts individual, family and/or group therapy. The LMSW administers and interprets psychological tests/assessments and conducts clinical interviews and psychosocials to determine the needs of residents served. They assist in developing treatment plans and behavioral plans. The LMSW provides therapy for substance use, chronic stress, and trauma, demonstrate appropriate interaction with residents, and assist with de-escalation. The LMSW documents and files in the medical chart and participates in staff training and meetings. LMSWs maintain certifications in Mandt, CPR and first aid. They maintain a valid driver license and liability insurance to be a driver of a state vehicle. Participates in intake and other diagnostic and treatment interviews to collect psychological data. Prepares detailed reports of observations, test findings, and other data when requested. Participates in conferences with Medical, Clinical, and other staff members to review and interpret test data and psychological interview results for diagnosis and treatment of cases. Successfully attend the Special Procedures technique, provide leadership to resident living staff during special procedure incidents, and conduct weekly training to resident living staff. Must be proficient with a computer for maintaining resident information with Microsoft programs, Skype, Outlook, etc. Must be familiar and use structured therapy models - SPARCS, 7 Challenges, TFCBT, CBT, Matrix and other evidence based or best practices. All STF employees are responsible for reading, understanding, and adhering to all policies, protocols, and memorandums. Universal Precautions and Infection Control policies must be adhered by all STF employees.
What youll need to be Successful
Clinical knowledge and therapeutic skills needed to perform this job as a therapist for adolescents.
Preferred Qualifications
Typically requires a bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of experience. Appointing authority may require social worker's license. Hiring agency preferred qualifications: Master of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education accredited university or college and 3-5 years of clinical therapy experience and requires full licensure through the Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists (LMSW).
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