Permanency Planning Specialist

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 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 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.

• Meet minimum qualifications:

o Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services or psychology, or directly-related degree.

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

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

· Preferred:

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

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

o 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

• Resume

• References

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.

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.