Federal Program Director Jobs in Jackson, MS (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $56,345.82 - $72,678.36 Annually
Location : 25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 9063-0653-20260805H
Department: 0653 - DRS-VOC REHAB FOR THE BLIND
Opening Date: 08/05/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary: $56,345.82
Agency Maximum Salary: $72,678.36
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 for the Blind (OVRB) and will function as the Program Director for the Older Individuals who are Blind (OIB) and Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) programs. The employee will work under the leadership of the OVRB Director. The primary duties of this position include, but are not limited to:• Assist with programmatic reporting as needed.• Maintain accurate records of services requested and provided.• Attend trainings or certificate programs related to position.• Educate consumers regarding Assistive Technology Network resources.• Submit individual quarterly report to the Director of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind.• Network with other professionals in the field of AT or IL Services throughout the state.• Other related duties as assigned.
What you'll need to be Successful: Must be able to communicate effectively, both written and verbally, with staff and supervisors/directors in a professional manner to provide clear delivery of instructional training. Must be able to follow directions and adapt well to change.
Preferred Qualifications: Typically requires a Bachelor's degree and 4-7 years of experience. Agency preferred qualifications:Bachelor's degree in counseling, Rehabilitation Teaching or Orientation & Mobility or related field, or Master's Degree in Social Services, Psychology, Human Services, Rehabilitation Counseling and 4-7 years of experience in any of the following areas: disability services, an employment agency, educational institution, or an advocacy-related organization.This position will require the following:• Experience in providing individual counseling to beneficiaries seeking employment and intensive follow-up services to ensure that they are using the work incentives appropriately.• Experience in providing confidential services to people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI} and/or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI}• Experience in educating beneficiaries on how employment will affect their public benefits such as SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, subsidized housing, and food stamps.• Experience with intakes and assessments of consumers current abilities and evaluate their individual needs.• Experience developing Independent Living Plans based on individual consumer needs using choice options counseling.• Experience in collection necessary Information and/or referral to appropriate community based organizations as needed. Assessment of Assistive Technology needs and eligibility of services.
No available description
Health/Prescription InsuranceEligible 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 LeaveFull-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
• Associate's Degree / 60 semester hours
• 90 semester hours
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Specialist Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• 9th grade
• 10th grade
• 11th grade

Required Question