Program Specialist III-OJP

State of Mississippi • jackson, ms, United States • 12h ago

Salary: $43,509.31 - $76,464.89 Annually
Location : 61 - RANKIN COUNTY, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: RN
Department: 0729 - Mississippi Law Enforcement Division
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/11/ :59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary: $43,509.31
Agency Maximum Salary: $76,464.89
About the Agency: The Mississippi Department of Public Safety's goal is to make Mississippi a safer place for the state's three million residents. Our employees perform a variety of tasks, including issuing driver's licenses and firearm permits, patrolling our roads and highways, keeping drugs off the streets, providing training and certification to law enforcement agencies, conducting forensic analysis and investigations, and much more. For questions regarding this position please contact
About the Position: This job opportunity is in the Public Safety Planning Division located in PEARL, MS, RANKIN COUNTY. The Program Specialist III performs advanced professional work involving the administration, monitoring, coordination, and evaluation of state and federally funded criminal justice grant programs administered through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety's Office of Justice Programs (OJP). This position provides technical assistance to state agencies, local governments, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, and other eligible subrecipients to ensure compliance with grant requirements and support the effective delivery of public safety initiatives.The incumbent is responsible for managing assigned grant programs throughout the grant lifecycle, including application review, award processing, contract administration, financial and programmatic monitoring, performance measurement, and closeout activities. Work requires independent judgment, extensive knowledge of grant administration principles, and a thorough understanding of applicable federal regulations, state laws, and departmental policies.Essential Duties and Responsibilities• Administer assigned state and federally funded grant programs in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, grant conditions, and agency policies.• Coordinate all phases of the grant lifecycle, including application review, award recommendations, grant agreements, monitoring, reimbursement requests, amendments, reporting, and grant closeout.• Review grant applications for eligibility, completeness, programmatic merit, budget accuracy, and compliance with established funding requirements.• Evaluate funding requests and prepare recommendations for management review and approval.• Monitor subrecipient compliance with federal regulations, state statutes, grant conditions, financial requirements, and program performance measures.• Conduct on-site and virtual programmatic and financial monitoring visits to verify compliance and assess project performance.• Review reimbursement requests, financial reports, supporting documentation, and budget modifications for allowability and compliance.• Analyze performance data and measurable outcomes to determine program effectiveness and achievement of grant objectives.• Prepare monitoring reports, compliance findings, corrective action plans, and follow-up documentation.• Provide technical assistance and training to subrecipients regarding grant management, allowable costs, procurement standards, reporting requirements, financial management, and program implementation.• Assist agencies in resolving grant compliance issues and developing corrective action plans when necessary.• Maintain accurate grant files, financial records, performance reports, monitoring documentation, and electronic grant management records.• Coordinate with federal awarding agencies and state partners regarding grant requirements and program implementation.• Prepare reports, correspondence, presentations, and briefing materials for agency leadership and funding agencies.• Assist in developing grant policies, procedures, manuals, forms, and administrative guidance.• Participate in strategic planning, program development, and funding allocation initiatives.• Monitor changes in federal regulations, grant guidance, and criminal justice best practices and communicate updates to stakeholders.• Collaborate with internal divisions, state agencies, law enforcement organizations, courts, victim service providers, and community organizations to support statewide public safety initiatives.• Participate in grant review committees, planning meetings, conferences, and professional development opportunities.• Perform other related duties as assigned.
What you'll need to be Successful: Communications and interpersonal skills; Analytical skills; Problem solving/decision making skills; Ability to work well independently
Preferred Qualifications: Typically requires a bachelor's degree and 2-4 years of experience. Hiring agency preferred qualifications: Experience in grant administration with strong communication and interpersonal skills, analytical skills, problem solving/decision making skills and the ability to work well independently. Grant Management and monitoring experience preferred.
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
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 .
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.
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