Security Officer III

Salary: $26,185.60 - $44,676.18 Annually
Location : 38 - LAUDERDALE COUNTY, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 9681-0372-20260908LL
Department: 0372 - MH-EAST MS STATE HOSPITAL
Opening Date: 09/08/2026
Closing Date: 9/14/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary: $26,185.60
Agency Maximum Salary: $44,676.18
Preferred Qualifications: Typically requires a High School Diploma and 2-4 years of relevant experience.
About the Agency: East Mississippi State Hospital is a state-operated psychiatric facility under the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, providing comprehensive inpatient and residential mental health services to individuals across the region. EMSH serves a diverse population through a multidisciplinary approach that emphasizes safety, quality care, and recovery-focused treatment. In addition to psychiatric services, the hospital supports multiple programs and facilities dedicated to meeting the complex clinical and operational needs of those we serve, while maintaining compliance with state, federal, and accreditation standards.
About the Position: The Security Officer performs security and protective services for East Mississippi State Hospital campuses to help maintain safety, security, and orderly operations for patients, visitors, employees, and state property. Functioning within the Security Officer III classification, this position is responsible for patrolling assigned areas, responding to calls for service, monitoring admissions and discharges, supporting transportation and Main Gate operations, conducting rounds, documenting security concerns, and assisting with special events, codes, and incidents involving patients, visitors, staff, and property. The Security Officer supports safe facility operations through visibility, timely response, accurate documentation, and professional interaction across EMSH locations.
What you'll need to be Successful: To be successful in this position, the employee must demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and the ability to provide consistent security support in a healthcare environment. The employee should be able to remain alert, respond appropriately to incidents and calls for service, maintain accurate documentation, communicate effectively with patients, visitors, and staff, and carry out assigned duties with courtesy and sound judgment. Success in this role also requires schedule reliability, accountability, attention to safety, and a strong commitment to protecting people, property, and the orderly operation of EMSH facilities.


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 View phone number on click.appcast.io.
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? (Refer to the job posting for an explanation of related experience.)

• 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 in a relevant area?

• 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