Program Specialist 1

State of Montana; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Leave & Holidays

Retirement Plan

Job summary

State of Montana, Department of Corrections, is seeking a Placement Unit Program Specialist to support offender screening, documentation accuracy, and placement workflow efficiency. The role involves QA checks, interdepartmental communication, and process improvements to ensure compliant and timely placement decisions.

The position emphasizes independent work, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail within a collaborative team setting, with a focus on safety and regulatory

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Strong organizational skills across multiple tasks.
• Excellent written and oral communication abilities.
• Effective decision-making and policy application.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough reviews and quality assurance checks on offender screening packets prior to placement.
• Ensure all documentation is complete and aligned with DOC standards and policies.
• Communicate clearly with internal units, community partners, and facility representatives to facilitate placement decisions.
• Track and coordinate movements between placements and maintain updated records.
• Assist in developing and improving placement-related processes and tools.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Decision making

Independent work

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Job Description - Placement Unit Program Specialist (26142634)

Position Title:

Placement Unit Program Specialist - ( 26142634 )

The Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) is creating a safer Montana through Accountability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment. If you want to work making positive changes in your community, the Montana Department of Corrections is the place for you!

The Placement Unit Program Specialist plays a critical role in the Department’s community corrections process by supporting the quality assurance and screening of offenders referred to Community Corrections facilities. This position ensures accurate documentation, reviews data for accuracy and completeness, adheres to established procedures, and supports consistent, policy‑aligned placement decisions. The specialist will work closely with internal teams, facility partners, and supervisory staff to maintain consistency, professionalism, and efficiency throughout the placement workflow.

Conduct thorough reviews and quality assurance checks on offender screening packets prior to placement into Community Corrections facilities.

Ensure all documentation is complete, accurate, and aligned with Department standards and policies.

Communicate clearly and professionally with internal units, community partners, and facility representatives to facilitate timely and appropriate placement decisions.

Track and coordinate movements between placements, maintaining updated records and ensuring a seamless transition process.

Use sound decision‑making and critical‑thinking skills to resolve discrepancies, identify issues, and recommend appropriate next steps.

Work both independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment to meet deadlines and maintain operational efficiency.

Assist in developing and improving placement-related processes and tools to better support program goals.

Assist in developing and improving placement-related processes and tools to better support program goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey information professionally and succinctly.

Effective decision-making skills, with the ability to analyze information and apply policy appropriately.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing positively to a team.

Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accuracy and compliance in all work products..

Successful applicants will be subject to:

Criminal history check

Reference checks

The Department of Corrections participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/

NOTICES

Brady Act & Lautenberg Amendment- Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or is the subject of a court order of protection for “an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner” cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 922(g)(91)). Candidates who have been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or were issued a court order of protection are not qualified for this position.

Prison Rape Elimination Act- Any person who has 1) engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution; 2) been convicted of engaging in or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or 3) been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in activity as described in the latter, are not qualified for this position.

Tobacco Free- The use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products and tobacco substitutes is prohibited in Department of Corrections buildings. In secure care facilities possession of tobacco products is prohibited.

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: $

29.55 - 29.55 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

Number of Openings: 1 Employee Status : Regular Schedule : Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Shift: Day Job

Travel

Yes, 10 % of the Time

Primary Location

Primary Location: Helena

Other Locations

Bozeman, Billings, Butte, Missoula Agency : Department of Corrections Union : Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

Posting Date: Oct 20, 2026, 9:14:28 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Nov 9, 2026, 6:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials : Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name : Jared Hardman | 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.