Program Specialist III Position Available In Madison, Mississippi

Program Specialist III

Salary
$45,000.00

• $53,718.54 Annually
  Location 45
• MADISON

COUNTY, MS

Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9062-0331-20250227ma
Department
0331

• DRS-OFFICE

OF VOC REHABILITATION

Opening Date
02/27/2025
Closing Date
3/12/2025 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary
$45,000.00
Agency Maximum Salary
$53,718.54
About the Agency
The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) is a state agency dedicated to helping Mississippians with disabilities to live and work independently. MDRS serves through four major programs: Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind (VRB), Office of Special Disability Programs (OSDP), and Disability Determination Services (DDS). Services also include support through Assistive Technology, the Office of Business Development and much more. It is the mission of MDRS to provide appropriate and comprehensive services in a timely and effective manner. Programs and services assist individuals with disabilities to gain employment, retain employment, and to live independently. MDRS is always looking for qualified and passionate employees to help fulfill its mission. To inquire about this position please email @ careers@mdrs.ms.gov.
About the Position
This position is with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and functions as the State Coordinator for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service. The incumbent is responsible for planning, training, directing, and coordinating services provided by Rehabilitation Counselors for the Deaf (RCDs) and other staff serving individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind. This position will oversee the development and implementation of policies, rules, and regulations related to service delivery, ensuring compliance with federal and state vocational rehabilitation guidelines. The coordinator will collaborate with the Mississippi School for the Deaf, public-school systems, and other agencies to enhance Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

Essential duties and responsibilities are:

• Interpret, formulate, recommend, and implement policies, rules, and regulations to improve service delivery for individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind.
• Oversee the statewide Deaf and Hard of Hearing VR program, ensuring alignment with state and federal guidelines.
• Provide guidance and technical assistance to Rehabilitation Counselors for the Deaf and other VR staff.
• Ensure that assistive technology, communication access services (e.g., interpreters, CART services, videophones, etc.), and other accommodations are available for VR clients.
• Develop and conduct ongoing training programs for VR counselors and staff on best practices for serving individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
• Educate staff on American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf culture, assistive technology, and accommodations to enhance service delivery.
• Support professional development and certification requirements for Rehabilitation Counselors for the Deaf (RCDs).
• Establish and maintain partnerships with the Mississippi School for the Deaf, public-school systems, community organizations, and employers to support transition services for students.
• Work closely with state and local agencies, disability advocacy organizations, and businesses to promote inclusive employment opportunities.
• Serve as the liaison between the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS), educational institutions, and community programs to facilitate smooth service coordination.
• Provide consultation and support to VR counselors handling complex cases involving individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind.
• Ensure the provision of effective communication access in VR services, including the use of qualified interpreters, captioning services, and assistive listening devices.
• Monitor compliance with federal and state laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Collect and analyze program data and outcomes to evaluate service effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Prepare and submit reports on the performance of Deaf and Hard of Hearing services to MDRS leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.
• This position requires frequent statewide travel.

Work hours may include overnight lodging, based on department and agency needs.
What you’ll need to be Successful
A thorough knowledge of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind regions’s operations and the OVRB policies and procedures which are related to the functional areas of rehabilitation counseling casework are required. Successful employees need to have excellent multitasking, organizational, and communication skills. Employees must prioritize work to meet deadlines and be an effective team player. Employees at this level are required to have a knowledge of the procedures, and processes applicable to the performance of the work, and to organize their work on a daily or weekly basis by exercising independence and judgment. Candidate should demonstrate excellent leadership skills, customer service, good rapport with blind managers and community partners.
Preferred Qualifications
Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years of experience.

Hiring Agency prefers:

Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Deaf Education, Special Education, Social Work, or a related field, plus 2-4 years of experience working with individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind, preferably in a vocational rehabilitation setting. Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) or eligibility for certification preferred.
Characteristics of Work
See MSPB Careers for information regarding this classifications
Employer
State of Mississippi
Address
210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201
Phone
601-359-1406
601-359-1406
Website
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/mississippi/default.cfm

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