Program Specialist

PROGRAM SPECIALIST DIRECTOR’S OFFICE HELENA, MT

The Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) is creating a safer Montana through Accountability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment. If you want to work making positive changes in your community, the Montana Department of Corrections is the place for you!

The Director’s Office provides critical support to the department’s executive team through communications, financial services, legal services, and human resources. The landscape of corrections is constantly evolving, and this team is at the front‑line of managing this change on behalf of Montana citizens. Join us today!

The Program Specialist works within the Office of Innovation, serving as Co‑Lead of the Compass Project and functions as the primary point of contact for Compass change requests. The Compass Project is the new offender management system acquired by the DOC. The project began in January 2025 and is expected to go live for end‑users in February 2027. This role will assist in the daily meetings with the vendor and subject matter experts to ensure that this new system captures the business needs across the Agency.

In addition, the Program Specialist will support project planning and implementation activities and provide input on Compass change control and implementation budgets by acting as a business analyst for the change requests in the future. This role works closely with internal and external partners to analyze business needs, manage system change requests from initiation through implementation, and ensure effective rollout of Compass enhancements.

The position also serves as the lead Compass trainer for DOC, requiring statewide travel and coordination of trainers across the department. Responsibilities include overseeing training development and delivery, coordinating with on‑site trainers, managing administrative aspects of the project related to training and change requests, and ensuring staff readiness following system updates. The Program Specialist collaborates with program partners, the policy unit, and subject matter experts to ensure Compass system functionality aligns with program requirements and that policies accurately reflect the Compass program.

• Bachelor’s degree
• 2 years of related experience

Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State of Montana Benefits.

State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

To initiate an application and be considered, you must attach your resume, cover letter, and mark the attachments as a "Relevant File". In your cover letter, state why you are applying for the position and anything that makes you uniquely qualified. Applications missing required documentation may not be considered.

Successful applicants will be subject to:

• Criminal history check
• Child/patient/offender abuse registries
• Reference checks

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) - Any person who has
1) engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution;
2) been convicted of engaging in or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or
3) been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in activity as described in the latter, are not qualified for this position.

Tobacco Free - The use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products and tobacco substitutes is prohibited in Department of Corrections buildings. In secure care facilities possession of tobacco products is prohibited.