Entry Level Technical Program Manager Jobs in Helena, MT

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 Disability Employment and Transition Services Division.

The mission of Disability Employment and Transitions Division (DETD) is to advance the independence and employment of Montanans with disabilities. The Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Program Manager serves as a statewide subjectmatter expert and program-lead managing diverse statewide initiatives, projects, and employment models that advance Montana's commitment to Competitive Integrated Employment for individuals with the most significant disabilities. The role manages and provides leadership, strategic planning, oversight, and technical guidance for Employment First (E1) initiatives, Customized Employment (CE), Individual Placement and Support (IPS), and benefits planning within DETD. The Program Manager collaborates with DETD leadership, VR field offices, state and federal partners, community providers, employers, and other stakeholders to strengthen employment pathways and ensure highquality, evidencebased services across Montana.

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.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

• Knowledge of the challenges and opportunities individuals with disabilities face with employment, independence, and equality including general understanding of the types of disabilities served, challenges of disability types, challenges of employment and independence, support required, and cultural challenges.

• Knowledge and understanding of how to build program linkages and partnerships with other Departments at the federal, state, local governments

• Strong and effective project management, collaboration, training, communication, planning and organizational skills.

• Ability to develop strategies to address conflicts, problems, resource limitations, and achieve objectives. 

• Ability to interpret policy, analyze data & systems, identify solutions, recommend solutions, and support statewide systems change.

• Ability to speak effectively before large audiences in a variety of situations, including confrontational or delicate situations.

• Understands the political landscape and its implications and is able to develop the knowledge and awareness needed to navigate stakeholder interests and the potential consequences of actions.

• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships while fostering a collaborative, teamoriented approach to achieving agency goals and program objectives.

• Ability to make decisions and be accountable for those decisions. 

• Meet minimum qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in rehabilitation counseling, disability studies, human services, public administration, social work, education, or a related field

  • Three years progressively responsible professional experience in a disability program.

  • Demonstrated experience engaging businesses and workforce partners to promote the value proposition of disability employment

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

  • Preferred: Experience in a public Vocational Rehabilitation program

How to Apply

To be considered for a DPHHS 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.

• Cover Letter

• 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 may be eligible for partial telework within the state of Montana. Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy.

This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective July 1, 2026.

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