Behavioral Health Program Specialist

Taleo; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Leave & Holidays

Retirement Plan

Telework Eligible

Job summary

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) seeks a Behavioral Health Program Specialist to develop and oversee behavioral health initiatives, including the Crisis Diversion Grant program. You will manage RFPs, contracts, budgets, and invoicing, while collaborating with counties, tribes, and statewide partners to improve crisis response and jail diversion services.

The role involves policy development, performance metrics, and data-driven decisions to align with national

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, public health, behavioral health, or related fields.
• Two years of professional experience in health care, public health, behavioral health, or general program management.
• Knowledge of Medicaid program and contracts (federal/state laws).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Crisis Diversion Grant RFP and contracting process.
• Manage contracts and budgets, and process invoices.
• Develop policy and ensure compliance with regulations at multiple levels.
• Collaborate with county/tribal governments and statewide partners.
• Facilitate meetings (virtual and in-person) and provide technical assistance.
• Develop performance metrics and review reporting to improve crisis response.

Skills

Public speaking

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field

Job description

Job Description - Behavioral Health Program Specialist (26142473)

Position Title:

Behavioral Health Program Specialist - ( 26142473 )

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division.

This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing behavioral health programs and initiatives aimed at reducing reliance on physical health systems, state hospitals, and local law enforcement, including the Crisis Diversion Grant program. Crisis Diversion Grants provide statutorily obligated funding through contracts awarded via Request for Proposal (RFP) to eligible county and federally recognized tribal governments to support the implementation of crisis intervention and jail diversion services. The Crisis Diversion Grant program supports Montana communities that are focusing on diverting individuals experiencing behavioral health crises from jail and the Montana State Hospital and enhancing system-level support.

This position is responsible for overseeing the Crisis Diversion Grant RFP and contracting process, the management of contracts and budgets, invoice processing, policy development, and ensuring compliance with Department, State, Federal, and other applicable regulations. The role will collaborate directly with county and tribal governments, local behavioral health and crisis coalitions, behavioral health care providers, and various statewide partners and stakeholders.

This role facilitates virtual and in-person meetings as needed to provide technical assistance, develop and review performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness, support data-driven decisions to implement and improve crisis response and jail diversion services. Reviewing and synthesizing regular reporting and strategic policy revisions are essential aspects of the role, ensuring that programs align with national standards and effectively address the needs of underserved populations.

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 w hether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

General knowledge of fiscal and program management principles.

General knowledge of behavioral health service delivery and reimbursement systems.

Knowledge of program development and quality improvement practices.

Knowledge of federal and state laws related to Medicaid programs and contracts.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.

Bachelor’s degree in human services, public health, behavioral health, or related fields.

Two years of professional experience in health care, public health, behavioral health, or general program management.

Other combinations of related education and experience may be considered on a case‑case basis.

Additional Information

This position may be eligible for partial teleworkwithin the state of Montana.Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy.

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants.

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

34.09 - 34.09 Hourly Telework Eligibility : Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

1 Employee Status : Regular Schedule : Full-Time Job Type : Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 10 % of the Time

Primary Location

Helena

Other Locations

Butte, Missoula

Agency

Department of Public Health & Human Services

Union

Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

Sep 30, 2026, 9:34:43 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Nov 30, 2026, 6:59:00 AM

Contact Name : Jamie Closson | 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.

DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.