The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within Montana State Hospital - Grasslands.
This position is located in Helena, MT at the Grasslands facility, which is an off-site facility of the Montana State Hospital. It is funded through June 30, 2027. After this date, the position may be funded permanently or may be subject to a reduction in force (RIF).
Behavioral Healthcare Planners provide assessment, treatment planning, and supportive individual follow up to persons who are seriously mentally ill and are hospitalized. Provides case coordination/management and development of treatment plans and reviews. Develops and implements discharge plans. Acts to ensure functional communication of needs between the patient, family/guardian, and community providers/resources.
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 whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.
Required for the first day of work:
- Knowledge of principles of social work, human behavior, contemporary social, and economic conditions, needs, and problems relating to the patient family background, and principles of federal and state legislation pertaining to social welfare community resources.
- Knowledge of treatment for patients with serious mental illness, as well as chemical dependency, developmental disabilities, personality disorders, etc.
- Effectively utilize knowledge and skills and apply them to practical assessment and treatment modalities for patients.
- Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing
- Ability to analyze, assemble, and organize information.
Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, or related field
- One year experience in mental health care social work preferred
How to Apply
To be considered for a MSH position, submit the following required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position.
- Resume
Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.
Additional Information:
This position is grant funded through June 30, 2027.
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: $ 28.05 - 28.05 Hourly Telework Eligibility: Not Telework Eligible 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, 5 % of the Time Primary Location: Helena Agency: Department of Public Health & Human Services Union: Montana Federation of Public Employees Posting Date: Jul 28, 2026, 10:16:41 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Aug 12, 2026, 5:59:00 AM Required Application Materials: Resume Contact Name: Kathleen Tarkalson | Contact Email: kathleen.tarkalson@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-693-7392 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.