Social Services Specialist II (0146)

State of Mississippi; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Mississippi’s Mississippi Department of Human Services Division of Youth Services seeks a Social Services Specialist II in Hinds County. The role involves probation and aftercare duties, preparing court reports, counseling youths, and coordinating services to aid rehabilitation.

Located in Jackson, MS, the position emphasizes ethical conduct, strong communication, and collaboration with community agencies, with a bachelor’s degree and 1–3 years of experience as typical requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 1–3 years of related experience.
• Social worker’s license may be required by appointing authority.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related programs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare social, educational, and home-life histories for court use and for the Oakley Youth Development Center.
• Provide counseling within youth courts and supervise youth probation cases.
• Serve as probation agents and support aftercare activities for youths under supervision.
• Advise and counsel children in MDHS/DYS institutions and coordinate placement environments.
• Coordinate with community agencies to aid social rehabilitation and aftercare services.
• Provide or arrange services leading to rehabilitation within or through partner agencies.
• Offer counseling to children under ten years when needed and court requests.
• Supervise aftercare programs and conduct revocation investigations as required.
• Implement standardized risk assessment tools for community use.
• Perform duties related to placement and supervision after release from institutions.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Communication

Ethical conduct

Interpersonal skills

Advocacy for children

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Social Services Specialist II (0146) in 25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS | GovernmentJobs.com page has loaded.

State of Mississippi

$41,517.84 - $50,054.60 Annually

Location: 25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS

Full-Time

Job Number: 9797-0571-20261016hind

0571 - DHS-YOUTH SERVICES

Opening Date: 10/16/2026

10/30/2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada)

Agency Minimum Salary: $41,517.84

$50,054.60

About the Agency

The Mississippi Department of Human Services is dedicated to serving others while providing a wide range of public assistance programs, social services, and support for children, low-income individuals and families. The agency seeks to empower families so they can become self-sufficient and responsible for their future success. This position is with the Division of Youth Services and will be located in HINDS. If you have any questions, you may contact us at [e-mail].

Duties

"Based on Mississippi Statute 43-27-20 the Mississippi Department of Human Services Division of Youth Services (MDHS/DYS) is responsible for assigning probation and aftercare workers to the youth courts of the various court districts throughout the state of Mississippi.MDHS/DYS shall assign duties to Social Services Specialists (probation and aftercare workers) which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:(1) Preparing the social, educational and home-life history and other diagnostic reports on the child for the benefit of the court or the Oakley Youth Development Center (OYDC).(2) Serving in counseling capacities with the youth courts.(3) Serving as probation agents for the youth courts.(4) Serving, advising and counseling children in the various institutions under the control of MDHS/DYS as may be necessary to the placement of the children in proper environment after release and the placement of children in suitable jobs where necessary and proper.(5) Supervising and guiding of children released or conditionally released from institutions under the control of MDHS/DYS.(6) Counseling in an aftercare program.(7) Coordinating the activities of supporting community agencies which aid in the social adjustment of children released from the institution and in an aftercare program.(8) Providing or arranging for necessary services leading to the rehabilitation of delinquents, either within the division or through cooperative arrangements with other appropriate agencies.(9) Providing counseling and supervision for any child under ten (10) years of age who has been brought to the attention of the court when other suitable personnel is not available and upon request of the court concerned.10) Supervising the aftercare program and making revocation investigations at the request of the court.11) Implement a standardized risk assessment tool for use in the community."

What you'll need to be Successful

Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and related program software. Excellent Communication Skills, Ability to Conduct Oneself in an Ethical Manner, Excellent Interpersonal Skills, Ability to Adapt Quickly, and an Advocate for Children.

Preferred Qualifications

Typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 1-3 years of experience. Appointing authority may require social worker’s license. Hiring agency prefers:A bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Counseling, Social Work, or a directly related field; and two to four (2-4) years of experience in work related to the described duties.

Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201