| Location | Jackson, MS |
| Salary | $34,272–$39,092 Per Year |
Vocational Training Instructor III
Salary
$34,272.00 - $39,092.00 Annually
Location
25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9357-0653-20261027HDS
Department
0653 - DRS-VOC REHAB FOR THE BLIND
Opening Date
10/27/2026
Closing Date
11/9/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary
$34,272.00
Agency Maximum Salary
$39,092.00
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 (VRB) and performs a full range of professional vocational rehabilitation assignments and work. This position is located at the Addie McBryde Rehabilitation Center for the Blind. This is highly specialized work involved in the instruction of blind and visually disabled clients in the state adjustment center or clients homes. Work involves evaluation of clients instructional needs; development of plans, methods, and materials to meet those needs; and providing proper and adequate instruction. - Examples of work performed in this classification include, but are not limited to, the following: • Instructs blind, visually impaired, and disabled clients in the development of knowledge, skills, and abilities to enhance their overall rehabilitation. • Manages case record information in accordance with Independent Living Skills and Personal Adjustment Skills guidelines set by the agency, state, and federal regulations. • Establishes and maintains support, referral networks, and community resources. • Utilizes evaluative and analytical techniques for identifying needs of individual clients in the instructors area and establishes goals and plans to meet those needs. • Plans and develops courses of instruction based on the specific needs of the blind or visually disabled client to facilitate their adjustment. • Devises instructional material, methods, and aids to assist in the rehabilitation process. • Instructs clients in the area of specialty to ensure development of knowledge, skills, and abilities which will enhance total rehabilitation. • Prepares and submits comprehensive evaluations of clients achievements within the area of specialty. • Develops schedules, programs, etc. for the area of specialty as required. • Initiates research appropriate to his/her department. • Contributes to the departments curriculum planning, development, and upgrading, utilizing expertise derived from experience and/or education. • Instructs the client in the use of tactile and kinesthetic senses; traveling locally; safety in travel; cane techniques in travel, including negotiating steps; optical detection; and other techniques. • Instructs the client in traveling in adverse conditions, use of public transportation, and the availability of other means of travel such as sighted guides and guide dogs. • Performs related or similar duties as required or assigned.
What youll need to be Successful
Knowledge of counseling techniques, vocational assessment, job placement and interviewing techniques, and community resources. Ability to provide proper and adequate instructions. Excellent communication, creativity, problem-solving, evaluation of services, and time management skills; Ability to be flexible, handle multiple tasks, maintain a professional demeanor, and show empathy.
Preferred Qualifications
Typically requires a High School Diploma or high school equivalency and 3+ years of relevant experience/education and/or relevant certifications/licenses. - Hiring Agency Prefers: A Bachelor's Degree in Rehabilitation Teaching or Orientation & Mobility, or a Bachelor's degree in a disability-related field from an accredited college/university and a minimum of one (1) year of experience in the use of assistive technology for individuals who are blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, and/or deaf/blind OR a Master's Degree in a disability-related field, a Teaching Certificate with certification/endorsement in Visual Impairment, and/or a Teaching Certificate with a certification/endorsement in Special Education.
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 related experience do you have? (Refer to the job posting for an explanation of related experience.)
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