Permanency Planning Specialist

Job Title

Permanency Planning Specialist – )

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), 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. The role plans and facilitates meetings to advance positive outcomes, serves as liaison for post‑adoptive services for children at risk of disrupting from their permanent placement, and coordinates services for adoptive children and their families.

Our mission at DPHHS is to serve Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. Join our department to perform meaningful public service work for the state and its residents.

The State of Montana offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health care coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. DPHHS, the largest state agency, provides a wide range of advancement opportunities for both new and experienced employees.

Develop and implement permanency plans for children in state foster care. Facilitate meetings to secure positive outcomes and extend support. Liaise with post‑adoptive services agencies for children at risk of disruption from permanent placement. Coordinate services for adoptive children and families.

• Knowledge of social work principles and practices.
• Ability to identify problems in social functioning and develop solutions.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, agencies, and the public.
• Team leadership and member skills.
• Skill in mediation and conflict resolution.
• Calmness and constructive collaboration when confronted.
• Independent work capability.
• Proficiency with personal computer and office equipment (spreadsheets, word processing, databases, email, internet).
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, or a directly related field.
• Two years of social services experience, or equivalent, working with children and families in difficult or volatile situations.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

• Knowledge of laws and rules pertaining to child protection services, including the Indian Child Welfare Act.
• Knowledge of child development, maltreatment prevention and treatment, and family‑centered social work practice.
• Experience working with tribal government entities and/or organizations of native peoples.

Submit the required documents through the State of Montana Careers website and verify attachments by checking the “relevant document” box. Background checks and reference checks will be required before an offer is extended.

This position may be eligible for partial telework within Montana, subject to supervisor approval and state policy. It may also qualify for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective July 1, 2026.

Hourly Rate: $29.05 – $29.05.

Telework Eligibility:
Telework Eligible (Full‑time telework is not available; 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:

Butte

Other Locations:
Bozeman

Agency:
Department of Public Health & Human Services

Union:
Montana Federation of Public Employees

Contact Name:
Makayla Mangold

Contact Email: HHSHumanresources

Contact Phone:

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.