Program Specialist- Mental Health Block Grant

State of Montana; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Montana is seeking a Program Specialist in Helena to oversee the Mental Health Block Grant and advance evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery services for mental health disorders, including MOUD. The role involves coordinating with providers, communities, and technical assistance entities to implement programs with fidelity and evaluate impact.

The position emphasizes collaboration, grants management knowledge, and public communication.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of evidence-based programming.
• Knowledge of program development and quality improvement practices.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws related to grants and contracts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Ability to facilitate stakeholder meetings.
• Bachelor’s degree in health science, health education, behavioral or social science, public administration, or a related field.
• Two years of job-related experience in health programming or health education, including administration of federal grant program.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all activities under the Mental Health Block Grant.
• Lead development of evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery services for mental health disorders.
• Coordinate strategic initiatives with service providers, communities, and TA providers to implement programs to fidelity.

Skills

Evidence-based programming

Program development

Quality improvement

Grant & contracts laws

Public speaking

Stakeholder facilitation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in health science, health education, behavioral or social science, public administration, or a related field

Job description

Job Description - Program Specialist- Mental Health Block Grant (26142513)

Position Title:

Program Specialist- Mental Health Block Grant - ( 26142513 )

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 Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division.

This position is located in the Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division. This position oversees all activities under the Mental Health Block Grant, which seeks to increase access to comprehensive community-based mental health services. This position is responsible for leading the development of evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery services for mental health disorders, including Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). This position will coordinate strategic initiatives with service providers, communities, and technical assistance providers in order to implement programs to fidelity, evaluate the impact of programs, and support programs sustainability.

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 of evidence-based programming.

Knowledge of program development and quality improvement practices.

Knowledge of federal and state laws related to grants and contracts.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.

Ability to facilitate stakeholder meetings.

Bachelor’s degree in health science, health education, behavioral or social science, public administration, or a related field.

Two years of job-related experience in health programming or health education, including administration of federal grant program.

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

Additional Information

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

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.

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, 25 % of the Time

Primary Location

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

Posting Date

Oct 5, 2026, 10:49:32 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Dec 5, 2026, 6:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials : Cover Letter, Resume, References

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.