About MDES
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 the Job Centers, Mississippians can obtain job training to sharpen their work skills and make themselves more competitive in the job market.
In addition, MDES administers the unemployment benefits program that provides payments to Mississippians who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. This temporary compensation enables unemployed individuals to concentrate on securing new jobs.
Through these programs, MDES works to expand employment, improve workforce skills, and enhance productivity in our state.
Mission Statement:
Helping Mississippians Get Jobs
Programs at a Glance
Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) is committed to the economic and employment needs of the people of Mississippi. The programs listed here help us meet that commitment. While not an exhaustive list, the following programs are available to Mississippians as part of the funded services provided by MDES. We are happy to discuss individual needs and provide the most current information to help Mississippians find jobs.
These benefits provide temporary financial assistance for eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own.
Wagner-Peyser
A funding source for job placement services, including resume preparation, interview skills, job search assistance, and referrals to job openings.
A program to assist individuals receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits by connecting participants with in-person or virtual assessments and reemployment services through the WIN Job Centers.
A service for employers to provide unemployment insurance coverage for their workers in the event of a layoff or business interruption.
The Job Fair Network is a series of community-sponsored, one-day events that bring together a diverse group of employers actively looking for employees. MDES partners with other agencies and industry organizations to host each event.
Our dedication to Veterans includes priority of service, which includes providing all the assistance within our power and every service possible to help Veterans obtain and maintain employment successfully.
This free insurance bond helps reduce the hiring risks for individuals with criminal records, including those recovering from drug addictions. It offers employers coverage between $5,000 and $25,000 for six months, with no deductible.
A federal income tax credit for employers hiring individuals facing employment obstacles. The credit ranges from $1,200 to $9,600, depending on the target group and employee factors. Target groups include long-term unemployed, SNAP recipients, vocational rehabilitation referrals, and SSI recipients.
A program that offers dislocated workers early re-employment. This assistance program encourages eligible unemployed workers to create their own jobs by starting small businesses.
A federal program that helps U.S. workers who have lost or may lose their jobs due to foreign trade. It provides workers with opportunities to obtain the skills, credentials, resources, and support necessary to become re-employed.
This act provides career and training services for adults, dislocated workers, and youth entering the workforce. It also provides business services for employers to find qualified workers through on-the-job training, internships, extern-ships, and apprenticeships.
WIOA On-the-Job Training
A program that helps businesses hire and train workers by reimbursing a portion of the expenses incurred during the initial training process.
WIOA Individual Training Account
A service that provides workforce grants and funding for educational/occupational skill training for eligible job seekers.
An industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce. Individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a nationally recognized, portable credential. The five key components of the program include: a paid job, work-based learning, mentorship, classroom learning, and credentials.
This early intervention service assists both employers and employees affected by layoffs or plant closures. It provides access to user-friendly resources and information to help transition affected workers into reemployment.
An employment training program for Mississippians aged 55 years and older. The program provides subsidized, part-time work experience for a limited time through community service, enabling seniors to obtain the skills necessary for permanent employment. Participants in the program learn new skills and talents or enhance existing ones to become competitive in today’s workforce.
Partner Agency Referrals
Based on customer needs, MDES makes referrals to partner agencies, such as MCCB, MDHS, and MDRS, for programs like Adult Education, TANF, SNAP, and Vocational Rehabilitation.
A real-time, integrated web and mobile solution that provides labor exchange services to job seekers and employers. MS Works provides customized labor market information with each job listing so that job seekers can determine if a job is a potentially good fit.
Mississippi’s network of WIN Job Centers provides easy access to employment-related services offered by multiple workforce partners.
This call center provides remote assistance to job seekers who cannot travel to a WIN Job Center or who do not have internet access at home.
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