Permanency Planning Specialist

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Child and Family Services Division.

The mission of the CFSD is to keep children safe and families strong. This position focuses on the development and implementation of permanency planning for children in state foster care to achieve safety, permanency and well-being outcomes for children. The position plans and facilitates meetings to achieve positive outcomes with extended support. The position also serves as the liaison for post adoptive services for children that are at risk of disrupting from their permanent placement and coordinating services to adoptive children and their family.

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 social work principles and practices.

* Ability to identify problems in social functioning, and develop and implement solutions.

* Ability to communicate information both orally and in writing so others will understand.

* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public.

* Ability to work as a team member and provide team leadership.

* Skill in mediation and conflict resolution.

* Ability to remain calm when being confronted and to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.

* Ability to work independently.

* Ability to operate a personal computer and general office equipment as necessary to complete the essential functions, including using spreadsheet, word processing, database, email, internet and other computer programs.

* Meet minimum qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in social work, human services or psychology, or directly-related degree.

* Two years of social services work experience, or directly-related work experience, working with children and families in difficult and sometimes volatile situation.

* Other combinations of directly related education and experience maybe considered on a case-by-case basis.

* Preferred:

* Knowledge of the laws and rules pertaining to child protection services such as child safety, permanency and well-being;
Indian Child Welfare Act.

* Knowledge of child development, child maltreatment prevention and treatment, and family centered social work practice.

* Experience working with tribal government entities and/or other organizations of native peoples is highly preferred.

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

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.