Request for Applications (RFA) Legal Assistant Developer (LAD) RFx# 3140004566   The Mississippi State Unit on Aging (SUA) is seeking a Legal Assistance Developer (LAD) to oversee and strengthen the delivery of legal assistance services statewide in alignment with the Older Americans Act and Final Rule requirements.   This role is responsible for program oversight, compliance monitoring, and system improvement within the existing structure where Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) procure legal service providers. The LAD will ensure that all providers operate in compliance with federal and state requirements and that services are accessible, equitable, and accountable. The LAD will also coordinate with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, including adherence to any required Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to ensure clear role delineation and avoid duplication of services related to elder rights and advocacy.   Contract Details: Position Type: Contract Worker (Full-Time Equivalent) Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Compensation: $80,000.00 annually (No additional reimbursement for overtime or fringe expenses) Location: Mississippi (in-state travel required) Overtime: Not permitted under this contract   Required Documents to Submit: Applicants must submit: • Completed application • Current resume • Vision Statement (1–2 pages): Describe your approach to overseeing and strengthening an existing statewide legal assistance program, including compliance, access for priority populations, coordination with Ombudsman services, and ensuring accountability and quality   Scope of Services: 1. Program Oversight & Compliance • Monitor AAA-contracted legal providers for compliance with OAA Title III-B and Final Rule requirements • Ensure prioritization of services to older adults with greatest economic and social need • Confirm all services fall within allowable legal assistance categories • Ensure services are delivered by qualified legal professionals and maintain independence of legal judgment • Coordinate with the Ombudsman program and ensure alignment with any required MOU   2. Data, Reporting & Accountability • Oversee accurate and timely reporting in WellSky or other designated systems • Validate data related to units, persons served, and outcomes • Conduct trend analysis to assess reach and effectiveness of services • Identify disparities in service delivery and recommend corrective strategies • Develop and enforce corrective action plans for noncompliant providers   3. Quality Assurance & Monitoring • Conduct desk reviews, case file reviews, and on-site monitoring • Ensure documentation meets federal and state standards • Maintain standardized monitoring tools aligned with Final Rule • Issue formal monitoring reports with required corrective actions and timelines   4. Access, Equity & Outreach • Evaluate provider efforts to reach underserved and priority populations • Support development of outreach strategies addressing barriers to access • Promote coordination across the aging network, including APS, Ombudsman, SHIP, and caregiver programs   5. Technical Assistance & System Improvement • Provide ongoing technical assistance to AAAs and legal providers • Develop and update policies, procedures, and statewide guidance • Support system-wide improvements to strengthen consistency, quality, and compliance   6. Coordination & Travel • Participate in required meetings with SUA staff, AAAs, and partners • Conduct in-state travel for monitoring, training, and technical assistance   Detailed Deliverables The contractor will be responsible for producing the following deliverables, aligned with contract timelines and SUA expectations: 1. Statewide Legal Services Monitoring Plan • Develop and submit an annual monitoring plan outlining schedule, methodology, and risk-based approach • Identify high-risk providers and prioritize monitoring activities accordingly 2. Monitoring Reports & Corrective Action Documentation • Complete written monitoring reports for each provider reviewed (desk and on-site) • Include findings, compliance determinations, and required corrective actions • Track and document provider responses, corrective action progress, and resolution status 3. Quarterly Performance & Data Reports • Produce quarterly reports summarizing: o Units of service and persons served o Demographic reach (priority populations) o Identified service gaps and disparities o Provider performance trends • Include data analysis with clear recommendations for system improvements 4. Data Validation & Integrity Reviews • Conduct routine data quality checks within WellSky or applicable systems • Document discrepancies and implement corrective actions with providers • Provide written summaries of data integrity findings and resolutions 5. Policy & Procedure Development • Develop and/or update statewide policies and procedures related to legal assistance services • Ensure alignment with OAA Final Rule and state requirements • Provide written guidance documents for AAAs and providers 6. Technical Assistance & Training Documentation • Deliver ongoing technical assistance to AAAs and legal providers • Develop training materials, guidance tools, and reference documents • Maintain logs of technical assistance provided, including topics, frequency, and outcomes 7. Access & Equity Assessment Report • Conduct an annual assessment of service accessibility across priority populations • Identify barriers to access and provide actionable recommendations • Document strategies to improve equitable service delivery 8. Ombudsman Coordination Documentation • Develop or support required Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ombudsman program • Document coordination protocols and role clarity between legal services and Ombudsman functions 9. Annual Program Summary Report • Provide a comprehensive annual report summarizing: o Program performance o Compliance status across providers o Key challenges and risks o System improvements implemented o Strategic recommendations for the upcoming year Minimum Qualification (Required): • Active license to practice law in Mississippi (MS Bar required) • Some Knowledge of the Older Americans Act and legal assistance provisions • Experience in legal services, compliance, or program monitoring • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills Preferred Qualifications: • Experience working within aging services or AAA networks • Familiarity with federal grant compliance and monitoring processes • Experience with data systems such as WellSky • Experience developing policies, procedures, or statewide guidance Additional Information: • This is a contract worker position and does not establish an employer-employee relationship • Standard business hours apply; overtime is not permitted • Travel is required to support statewide monitoring and engagement Application Information: MDHS will accept applications until 4:00 p.m. CT, Thursday, June 18, 2026, for the purpose of hiring a contract worker. Applications can be found online by visiting the MDHS website at https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/support/procurement/open/. Application packets (containing all required documents) can be submitted to Kimbley Hendrix via electronic mail to procurement.services@mdhs.ms.gov or by hand to 200 South Lamar Street, Jackson, MS 39201 during the business hours of 8:00a.m., CT to 4:00p.m.CT. For more information, please contact Kimbley Hendrix at the above email address or by phone at 601-359-4500. PERS: If the chosen applicant is a PERS retiree, the retiree must be in compliance with the obligations outlined for the employer in Miss. Code Ann. § 25-11-127 (1972, as amended).   PERS Form 4B must be completed by the employee to be in compliance, Follow PERS instructions. The form may be accessed through the following link, https://www.pers.ms.gov/Content/Forms/Form4B.pdf. June 1,8,2026          12349769