Program Specialist 2

State of Montana; East Helena (MT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State employee benefits

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

The State of Montana Department of Corrections is seeking a PROGRAM SPECIALIST to support tablet-based services, inmate communication technologies, and digital learning platforms within prisons. The role emphasizes data-driven decision-making and operational improvement in a correctional environment.

Based in Helena, MT, the position collaborates with facility administrators, IT/security staff, and educational partners to align services with departmental goals, while ensuring safety and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, social services, public administration or similar field.
• Two years relevant experience.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and perform detailed analysis of inmate tablet usage, digital communications services, and electronic learning programs.
• Evaluate program effectiveness using data metrics, utilization trends, cost analysis, and stakeholder feedback.
• Identify gaps in service delivery, operational risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare comprehensive reports to support decision-making, legislative inquiries, and departmental planning.
• Work with facility administrators, program managers, technology vendors, educational partners, and community organizations to identify program needs and ensure services align with departmental goals.
• Coordinate with internal security, IT, and operations staff to maintain compliance with safety protocols and technology standards. Provide recommendations to enhance digital learning delivery, inmate communication tools, and tablet-based services.
• Assist in developing, updating, and implementing program improvements, pilot initiatives, or service expansions.
• Review and propose updates to program specifications and service contracts based on research findings and operational needs.

Skills

Research

Data analysis

Program evaluation

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, social services, public administration or similar field

Job description

PROGRAM SPECIALIST

CENTRAL OFFICE

HELENA, MT.

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 Rehabilitative and Enterprise Division ensures the physical and mental well-being of inmates, delivers educational and vocational opportunities with prisons, and oversees community facilities dedicated to successfully reintegrating offenders into Montana communities. This division also delivers trauma-informed support to victims of offenders in the correctional system. Join the team responsible for building better tomorrows today!

The Program Specialist is responsible for conducting research, data analysis, and program evaluation related to tablet‑based services, inmate communication technologies, and digital learning platforms within the correctional environment. This position supports evidence‑based decision‑making by providing accurate data, reporting, and recommendations that enhance operational effectiveness, security, and rehabilitative programming.

• Conduct research and perform detailed analysis of inmate tablet usage, digital communications services, and electronic learning programs.
• Evaluate program effectiveness using data metrics, utilization trends, cost analysis, and stakeholder feedback.
• Identify gaps in service delivery, operational risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare comprehensive reports to support decision‑making, legislative inquiries, and departmental planning.
• Work with facility administrators, program managers, technology vendors, educational partners, and community organizations to identify program needs and ensure services align with departmental goals.
• Coordinate with internal security, IT, and operations staff to maintain compliance with safety protocols and technology standards. Provide recommendations to enhance digital learning delivery,
• inmate communication tools, and tablet‑based services.
• Assist in developing, updating, and implementing program improvements, pilot initiatives, or service expansions.
• Review and propose updates to program specifications and service contracts based on research findings and operational needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

The knowledge, skills and abilities for this position are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, social services, public administration or similar field.
• Two years relevant experience

Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

BENEFITS

Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State of Montana Benefits.

State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

NOTICES

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

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.