Compliance and Policy Specialist
Salary
$43,509.31 - $65,329.23 Annually
Location
83 - STATEWIDE, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9062-0671-20260526STW1
Department
0671 - EMPLOYMENT SECURITY
Opening Date
06/01/2026
Closing Date
6/5/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary
$43,509.31
Agency Maximum Salary
$65,329.23
About the Agency
The goal of the Mississippi Department of Employment Security is to help Mississippians get jobs. Through our network of WIN Job Centers, MDES matches qualified, prospective employees with employers. Also, at Job Centers, Mississippians can receive job training to sharpen their job skills and become more competitive in the job market. The mission statement for the Mississippi Department of Employment Security is "Helping Mississippians Get Jobs." The email address for the MDES Human Resources Department is HumanCapital@mdes.ms.go,v and the phone number is 601-321-6000.
About the Position
The Mississippi Department of Employment Security is recruiting for a Program Specialist III, working title Compliance and Policy Specialist. This is a statewide position assigned to the Office of Workforce Analytics and Compliance. This position is responsible for performing program compliance, quality review, reporting, auditing, and policy support duties related to the accuracy, integrity, and performance of the unemployment insurance program. The incumbent will assist with monitoring federal and state reporting requirements, reviewing program data, identifying errors, preparing reports, and supporting program improvement efforts. Duties include conducting continuous non-monetary quality reviews to ensure Benefit Timeliness and Quality requirements are met; assisting with quarterly and tripartite reviews; assisting with the transmission of Employment and Training Administration reports; recognizing, analyzing, and reconciling reporting errors; preparing procedural communications; making presentations; assisting with training; and working with technology staff to support program implementation. This position will participate in meetings with the Office of Workforce Analytics and Compliance departments, respond to inquiries, assist with the State Quality Service Plan, and support Data Validation functions. The incumbent will also conduct random quality-control audits within the Benefits Accuracy Measurement unit to assess the accuracy of unemployment insurance payments and program integrity. Duties may include reviewing case files, conducting claimant interviews, reviewing base-period employer payroll information, verifying separation information, confirming employment service registration, and reviewing work-search contacts for the investigated key week. Additional responsibilities include compiling investigation status reports, entering case data into the UIRS system in accordance with United States Department of Labor coding requirements, assembling supporting case documentation, and submitting investigative reports regarding monetary and non-monetary issues identified during audits for appropriate agency action. The position will assist with Benefit Accuracy Measurement peer reviews and conduct system reviews, acceptance sampling, estimation sampling, and compute measures in accordance with Department of Labor guidance. The incumbent will prepare annual reports of findings, conclusions, and recommendations for program improvements and notify management of issues identified through the review process. This position is also responsible for tracking findings throughout the year, gathering information needed to complete annual reviews and reports, completing quarterly Tax and Benefits Data Validation requests, and reporting issues to supervisors or management as necessary. The incumbent will work with Tax, Benefits, technology, and management staff to identify areas for improvement, including training needs, system changes, updated Department of Labor requirements, and other process improvements needed to meet Tax Performance System, Tax Data Validation, Benefit Timeliness and Quality, and Benefits Data Validation requirements. Additional duties include addressing issues identified through Data Validation populations, supporting related Tax and Benefits system review functions, and performing other duties as assigned. This position may require statewide travel. A valid driver's license is required. Applicants must successfully complete an extensive background check.
What youll need to be Successful
The successful candidate should have extensive knowledge of Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax and Benefits programs, the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefits system, state unemployment insurance laws and regulations, written policies, departmental procedures, and applicable federal guidance, including the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) 407 Handbook. The candidate should be able to research and analyze complex program issues, apply available resources, and coordinate with United States Department of Labor (DOL) regional contacts as needed to resolve unexpected problems and support accurate program compliance, reporting, and decision-making.
Preferred Qualifications
Typically requires a Bachelor's degree and 2-4 years of experience. Agency preferred qualifications: Bachelors Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university and three (3) years of MDES Office of ReEmployment Assistance Experience and one (1) year of line or project supervision or management.
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 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?
02
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed?
Required Question
Employer State of Mississippi
Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201
Phone 601-359-1406
601-359-1406