Training Development Jobs in Jackson, MS (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $43,509.31 - $47,509.31 Annually
Location : 53 - OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 9319-0349-20260609O
Department: 0349 - DRS-SUPPORT SERVICES
Opening Date: 06/10/2026
Closing Date: 6/23/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary: $43,509.31
Agency Maximum Salary: $47,509.31
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 Time-Limited position is with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS). The Economic Development Specialist is responsible for promoting workforce diversity and inclusion by building strong partnerships with businesses to support the hiring, retention, and accommodation of individuals with disabilities. This role collaborates with local business communities to enhance employment outcomes for OVR clients and provide consultation, training, and support on disability-inclusive hiring practices and workplace accommodations.Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:• Identify job leads, arrange work-based learning opportunities, and assist with job placements for OVR clients in community-based, competitive, and integrated employment settings.• Establish and maintain relationships with local employers, industry groups, and community organizations to increase awareness of OVR services and encourage inclusive hiring practices.• Partner with OVR counselors, rehabilitation staff, and educational programs to create pathways for client referrals, ensuring a coordinated approach to employment preparation and support.• Act as a consultant to businesses on disability inclusion, providing expert advice on recruitment, hiring, retention, and accommodation strategies for individuals with disabilities, including ongoing support for employees who acquire a disability.• Market OVR services to businesses by understanding their workforce needs and providing tailored solutions, including disability awareness training, accommodation assistance, and recruitment of qualified individuals with disabilities.• Develop and deliver training sessions for businesses on disability-related topics, including legal requirements, best practices for accessibility, and strategies to enhance workplace inclusivity.• Employ a "dual customer" strategy that considers the needs of both businesses and OVR clients, fostering mutually beneficial relationships to address business concerns while supporting successful employment outcomes for clients.• Keep current on labor market trends, industry needs, and emerging opportunities to provide relevant guidance to OVR clients and staff, helping to align career development efforts with business needs.• Utilize case management systems and mobile technology to document activities, track client progress, and communicate employment outcomes, maintain accurate records of business engagement activities.• Plan and prioritize activities with a focus on maximizing time and resources, balancing multiple appointments and responsibilities to meet organizational goals effectively.• Perform additional tasks as required to support the mission and goals of MDRS and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
What you'll need to be Successful: Must be extremely organized. Must communicate efficiently and professionally (both verbally and written). Must be able to build and sustain relationships easily. Must work collaboratively as well as independently. Should demonstrate the ability to assess, plan, prioritize, and organize in order to meet goals. Travel is required.
Preferred Qualifications: Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree and 0-2 years of experience.Hiring agency prefers: Bachelor's Degree, sales/marketing experience and one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
Characteristics of Work
See for information regarding this classifications
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 relevant 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?

• None
• 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

Required Question