This contractual position is available at the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH).
I. Purpose
The 988 Project Coordinator (PC) will provide dedicated coordination, partnership development, outreach, and program support to strengthen Mississippi’s statewide 988 crisis response system. The position will support the implementation of the 988 State and Territory Local Capacity Building Grant and ensure that activities are coordinated with statewide priorities, grant requirements, and the goals and objectives of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH).
The Project Coordinator will serve as a key point of contact among the Mississippi Department of Mental Health and partners involved in the statewide 988 crisis response system. The position will support collaboration among behavioral health providers, law enforcement agencies, 911 centers, healthcare organizations, community organizations, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, and other stakeholders.
II. Scope of Services
The 988 Project Coordinator will provide services in the following areas:
A. Statewide Partnership and Collaboration
- Develop, establish, and maintain effective working relationships with statewide and local partners involved in the 988 crisis response system.
- Foster collaboration among 988, 911, law enforcement, behavioral health providers, emergency response agencies, healthcare organizations, community organizations, and other key stakeholders.
- Support the development of partnerships that improve access to appropriate crisis services and community-based resources.
B. 988 Outreach and Community Engagement
- Develop and support statewide outreach and engagement strategies to increase awareness and understanding of 988 services.
- Represent the Mississippi 988 program at conferences, health fairs, community meetings, school and college events, faith-based initiatives, and other public events.
- Develop and maintain relationships with schools, colleges, faith-based organizations, community groups, civic organizations, healthcare organizations, and other community partners.
- Coordinate educational activities regarding 988 services, crisis resources, and appropriate access to behavioral health supports.
- Identify underserved or underrepresented communities and support targeted outreach strategies to increase awareness and access to 988 services.
- Track and document outreach activities participation.
C. Program and Grant Coordination
- Support the implementation of grant-funded activities in accordance with approved goals, objectives, timelines, and deliverables.
- Coordinate project activities and monitor progress toward established milestones.
- Maintain appropriate documentation related to program activities, stakeholder engagement, outreach, and grant deliverables.
- Assist with preparation of grant reports, progress updates, presentations, and other required documentation.
- Support compliance with applicable grant requirements, policies, procedures, and reporting expectations.
D. Training and Technical Assistance
- Coordinate or support educational opportunities related to 988, crisis response, suicide prevention, behavioral health, and related services.
- Promote consistent understanding of the role of 988 within Mississippi's broader crisis response system.
E. Communication and Information Sharing
- Maintain consistent communication with internal and external stakeholders regarding 988 initiatives, activities, resources, and opportunities.
- Maintain current information regarding statewide 988 resources, services, and community partnerships.
- Disseminate relevant information and resources to stakeholders and community partners.
- Support communication between state-level initiatives and local communities to promote coordination and consistency.
F. Data, Documentation, and Evaluation
- Assist with identifying performance measures and documenting progress toward program goals.
- Participate in program evaluation and continuous quality improvement activities.
- Provide information and reports to DMH leadership and other authorized entities as requested.
III. Expected Outcomes
The 988 Project Coordinator is expected to contribute to the following outcomes:
- Increased coordination and collaboration among 988, 911, law enforcement, behavioral health providers, and community partners.
- Strengthened statewide partnerships supporting Mississippi's crisis response system.
- Increased awareness and understanding of 988 services among individuals, families, professionals, and communities.
- Increased outreach to underserved and diverse communities throughout Mississippi.
- Improved communication and coordination among organizations involved in crisis response and behavioral health services.
- Successful completion and documentation of grant-funded activities and deliverables.
- Increased availability and dissemination of 988 educational and outreach resources.
- Strengthened statewide infrastructure supporting Mississippi's 988 crisis response
- network.
IV. Education Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health, Behavioral Health, Social Work, Psychology, Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, Human Services, Emergency Management, or a related field.
Preferred:
- Master's degree in Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, Behavioral Health, Public
- Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
- Coursework or professional training in crisis response, suicide prevention, behavioral health, emergency response, community engagement, grant management, or program administration.
Equivalent Experience:
- Relevant professional experience in behavioral health, crisis services, public health,
- program coordination, community outreach, or related areas may be considered in lieu of some educational requirements, consistent with applicable DMH and state personnel policies.
V. Minimum Experience
- A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in program coordination, project management, behavioral health, public health, crisis services, social services, community outreach, grant administration, or a related field.
- Experience coordinating projects, managing timelines and deliverables, developing
- partnerships, conducting community outreach, or working with multiple stakeholders is preferred.
VI. Term and Work Environment
- The 988 Project Coordinator will provide statewide program coordination and outreach support and may be required to travel throughout Mississippi to attend meetings, conferences, trainings, community events, stakeholder engagements, and other activities associated with the implementation of the 988 program and grant objectives.
- The position will work collaboratively with DMH leadership, statewide partners, local communities, and other stakeholders to support the continued development, coordination, and strengthening of Mississippi's 988 crisis response system.
Salary: $35.00 per hour
This is a contractual position with the Department of Mental Health. Contract personnel are not eligible to participate in the Public Employees’ Retirement System nor receive leave benefits as employees of the State of Mississippi.
Contract personnel may purchase the base plan of the State and School Employees’ Health Insurance Plan provided that such person pays the full price of such plan without contribution from the employer.
Hours: Flexible, 20 – 32 per week, Monday - Friday
Deadline to apply: October 23, 2026
The Mississippi Department of Mental Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Type: Contract
Pay: $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
Education:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Jackson, MS 39201
