Program Specialist IV

Salary: $51,693.41 - $79,946.20 Annually
Location : 45 - MADISON COUNTY, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 9063-0301-20260915MDN
Department: 0301 - HEALTH BOARD
Opening Date: 09/15/2026
Closing Date: 9/22/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary: $51,693.41
Agency Maximum Salary: $79,946.20
Preferred Qualifications: Typically requires a Bachelor's degree and 4-7 years of experience.
About the Agency: The Mississippi State Department of Health's mission is to protect and advance the health, well-being, and safety of everyone in Mississippi. Questions about this position can be directed to View email address on click.appcast.io.
About the Position: This Time-Limited (14) position will supervise, mentor, and evaluate Compliance Inspectors to ensure consistent, effective, and timely administration of the Medical Cannabis Program, Provide guidance, coaching, and technical assistance to Compliance Inspectors regarding state statutes, department regulations, policies, and procedures governing the Medical Cannabis Program, Monitor staff caseloads and workload distribution to ensure timely completion of inspections, investigations, documentation, and compliance activities, Review and ensure the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of compliance documentation, reports, inspections, and enforcement activities completed by Compliance Inspectors, Oversee staff utilization of the NIC licensing portal, METRC (Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance) system, and Outsystems to ensure accurate case management, documentation, and regulatory oversight, Ensure Compliance Inspectors conduct required site visits, including initial inspections, quarterly compliance visits, complaint investigations, and follow-up inspections in accordance with established program standards, Monitor complaint investigations and provide direction to staff regarding appropriate corrective actions, documentation, and resolution, Foster productive working relationships with licensed facilities by promoting professional communication, technical assistance, and consistent regulatory guidance through the Compliance Officer team, Coordinate staff training, onboarding, and cross-training to ensure continuity of operations and comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of the Medical Cannabis Program, Identify training needs, monitor employee performance, and recommend professional development opportunities to enhance staff competency and program effectiveness, Participate in local, state, and national meetings, conferences, and training opportunities (both in-person and virtual) to remain current on regulatory developments, industry best practices, and emerging trends, Collaborate with program leadership to develop and implement policies, procedures, and process improvements that enhance program efficiency and regulatory compliance, Prepare reports, monitor program metrics, and provide recommendations to leadership regarding compliance trends, operational improvements, and program performance, Serve as a resource for internal staff, external stakeholders, and licensed facilities regarding regulatory interpretation and program requirements, Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Directors.
What you'll need to be Successful: Success in this role requires strong leadership, organization, communication, and decision-making skills, along with a solid understanding of compliance and regulations. The individual should also be skilled at coaching employees, managing workloads, reviewing detailed documentation, resolving issues, and using regulatory databases and technology systems.


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 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?

• 8th grade
• 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
• 9th grade
• 10th grade
• 11th grade

Required Question