Permanency Planning Specialist

State of Montana; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 56,000 - 68,000; 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) - Child and Family Services Division is seeking a Permanency Planning Specialist in Bozeman. The role focuses on developing permanency plans for children in state foster care to ensure safety, permanency and well-being outcomes.

You will plan and facilitate meetings with families and providers, coordinate services for adoptive families, and serve as a liaison for post-adoptive support while navigating state policies and interagency

Qualifications

• Knowledge of social work principles and practices.
• Ability to work in teams and provide leadership.
• Mediation and conflict resolution skills.
• Calmness when confronted and ability to build cooperative relationships.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services or psychology, or related field.
• Two years of social services experience with children and families.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement permanency planning for children in state foster care.
• Plan and facilitate meetings to achieve safety, permanency and well-being outcomes.
• Serve as liaison for post-adoptive services and coordinate services for adoptive families.

Skills

Social work principles

Team leadership

Mediation

Conflict resolution

Calm under pressure

Education

Bachelor's in social work or related

Job description

Job Description - Permanency Planning Specialist (26142507)

Position Title:

Permanency Planning Specialist - (26142507)

To be considered for this position you must complete the state application and attach all required documents through the Montana State Careers site at www.statecareers.mt.gov. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Child and Family Services Division.

The mission of the CFSD is to keep children safe and families strong. This position focuses on the development and implementation of permanency planning for children in state foster care to achieve safety, permanency and well-being outcomes for children. The position plans and facilitates meetings to achieve positive outcomes with extended support. The position also serves as the liaison for post adoptive services for children that are at risk of disrupting from their permanent placement and coordinating services to adoptive children and their family.

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

• Knowledge social work principles and practices.
• Ability to work as a team member and provide team leadership.
• Skill in mediation and conflict resolution.
• Ability to remain calm when being confronted and to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services or psychology, or directly-related degree.
• Two years of social services work experience, or directly-related work experience, working with children and families in difficult and sometimes volatile situation.
• Other combinations of directly related education and experience maybe considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Knowledge of the laws and rules pertaining to child protection services such as child safety, permanency and well-being; Indian Child Welfare Act.
• Knowledge of child development, child maltreatment prevention and treatment, and family centered social work practice.
• Experience working with tribal government entities and/or other organizations of native peoples is highly preferred.

Additional Information

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

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

30.05 - 30.05 Yearly

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, 50 % of the Time

Primary Location

Bozeman

Other Locations

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

Posting Date

Oct 2, 2026, 9:02:03 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Nov 2, 2026, 6:59:00 AM

Contact Name : Cortney Rose | 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.