Public Health Program Specialist (Behavioral Health)

bhamt; Montana; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana Public Health Institute is seeking a Program Specialist (Behavioral Health) to advance crisis redesign and strengthen public health systems in Montana. The role reports to the Senior Program Officer for Behavioral Health and collaborates with DPHHS/BHDD and statewide partners.

The ideal candidate brings a public health background, experience in tribal health, and a track record of leading system-wide improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with formal training or experience in public health or community health.
• Familiarity with behavioral health crisis efforts in Montana and experience leading systems change.
• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in behavioral health, tribal health or human services, public health, or related field.
• Knowledge of Montana’s American Indian Tribes and Tribal people and Montana public health systems.
• Proven ability to develop and implement programs addressing health-related issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and attention to detail.
• Experience working with state, local, and tribal health leaders is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance to empower communities to design a no-wrong-door crisis system.
• Support locally-led coalitions and navigate partnerships with state partners (DPHHS/BHDD).
• Work on efforts to address behavioral health needs and crisis redesign in Montana.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Initiative

Collaboration

Public health systems knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Posted On: February 13, 2026 February 13, 2026

Job Type: Full-time

Position Requirements:

• Our ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, including formal training or experience in public health or community health, familiarity with behavioral health crisis efforts in Montana, and experience leading systems change.
• Demonstrated capacity to meet contract deliverables, including the creation of statewide public health initiatives, management and coordination of sub-contractors, and effective collaboration with state, local, and tribal health leaders.
• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience, including experience in supporting or leading programs and services in behavioral health, tribal health or human services, public health, healthcare, or related field.
• Knowledge of and/or life experience with Montana’s American Indian Tribes and Tribal people.
• Knowledge of Montana’s public health, behavioral health and healthcare systems, health issues, needs, opportunities and the policy environment.
• Proven ability to support, develop, and implement programs and services that effectively address health-related issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and an excellent attention to detail.
• An overall commitment to excellence in quality of work and outcomes.
• Experience is preferred working with local/tribal public health departments, a state health department, or related agencies to support community health improvement.
• Track record of adaptability, personal accountability, and initiative.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to adapt to new software systems.

Description:

A full job posting and application directions available of the Montana Public Health Institute web site: https://www.mtphi.org/careers.

Montana Public Health
Program Specialist (Behavioral Health).
MTPHI is a non-profit organization dedicated to optimizing the health and quality of life of
Montanans by strengthening the public health system through collaboration, leadership, and
the advancement of health equity. The MTPHI supports state, local and tribal public health
agencies, healthcare and behavioral health system partners, statewide health organizations and
community-based organizations, to deliver effective public health programs, services, and
protections. In particular, MTPHI programs and services seek to offer capacity and support to
frontier, rural and tribal communities.
The Public Health Program Specialist (PHPS) will report to the Senior Program Officer for
Behavioral Health. The work of the PHPS will be focused on efforts to address behavioral health
needs, specifically related to supporting community-driven mental health crisis re-design. This
position will work closely with the Department of Public Health and Human Services
(DPHHS)/Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division (BHDD) Treatment Bureau
and other statewide partners, to strengthen behavioral health crisis systems. This position will
provide technical assistance and look for opportunities to empower communities to design a no
wrong door approach for people experiencing crisis.
In considering applicants, emphasis will be placed on demonstrated experience or ability to
work with diverse partners to improve health or human service systems. Successful applicants
should also be prepared to support locally-led coalitions and navigate critical partnerships with
state partners.

Questions can be directed to Jennifer McCully at [e-mail] or 406-283-1983.