Behavioral Health Care Planner

State of Montana; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Leave & Holidays

Retirement Plan

Job summary

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) at Grasslands in Helena seeks a Behavioral Health Care Planner to assess, plan treatment, and coordinate care for patients with serious mental illness in a hospital setting.

This grant-funded role requires a Bachelor's in social work or related field and 1 year of mental health care experience, plus strong communication and collaboration skills, with a focus on discharge planning and community linkage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, or related field.
• One year experience in mental health care social work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess, treatment planning, and supportive follow up for seriously mentally ill patients in hospital.
• Case coordination/management and development of treatment/discharge plans.
• Ensure effective communication between patient, family/guardian, and community providers/resources.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, or related field

Job description

Job Description - Behavioral Health Care Planner (26142700)

Position Title:

Behavioral Health Care Planner - ( 26142700 )

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within Montana State Hospital - Grasslands.

This position is located in Helena, MT at the Grasslands facility, which is an off-site facility of the Montana State Hospital. It is funded through June 30, 2027. After this date, the position may be funded permanently or may be subject to a reduction in force (RIF).

Behavioral Healthcare Planners provideassessment, treatment planning, and supportive individual follow up to persons who are seriously mentally ill and are hospitalized . Provides case coordination/management and development of treatment plans and reviews. Develops and implements discharge plans. Acts to ensure functional communication of needs between the patient, family/guardian, and community providers/resources.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence . By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Required for the first day of work:

• Knowledge of principles of social work, human behavior, contemporary social, and economic conditions, needs, and problems relating to the patient family background, and principles of federal and state legislation pertaining to social welfare community resources.
• Knowledge of treatment for patients with serious mental illness, as well as chemical dependency, developmental disabilities, personality disorders, etc.
• Effectively utilize knowledge and skills and apply them to practical assessment and treatment modalities for patients.
• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing
• Ability to analyze, assemble, and organize information.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, or related field
• One year experience in mental health care social work preferred

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

Additional Information:

This position is grant funded through June 30, 2027.

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

28.05 - 28.05 Hourly Telework Eligibility : Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

Number of Openings

: 1 Employee Status : Regular Schedule : Full-Time

Job Type

: Standard

Shift

Shift

: Day Job

Travel

: Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location

Primary Location

: Helena Agency : Department of Public Health & Human Services Union : Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

Posting Date

: Oct 22, 2026, 4:00:55 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Nov 22, 2026, 6:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials : Resume

Contact Name : Kathleen Tarkalson | Contact Email : [e-mail] | Contact Phone : [phone] Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.
State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.