Careers

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

PINE HILLS CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

MILES CITY, MT

JOB OVERVIEW 

The Administrative Assistant performs routine or non-routine clerical and administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.

• Answer telephones and give information to callers, record messages and transfer calls to appropriate individuals.
• Handle incoming and outgoing mail, emails, and faxes.
• Manage paper or electronic filing systems, recording and verifying information, updating paperwork, or maintaining documents, such as correspondence and other materials.
• Operate office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile machines, voice mail systems, and personal computers.
• Prepare responses to correspondence containing routine inquires.
• Maintain and enter information into databases.
• Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.
• Schedule and confirm appointments, events, travel, or meetings for clients, customers, or supervisors.
• Provide services to staff or customers, such as order placement, account information, or invoice processing.
• Type and distribute meeting agendas, notes, routine correspondence, or routine reports or take meeting minutes.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma
• One year of experience performing a variety of office support or clerical work.

Other combinations of education and experience may be substituted.

APPLICATION MATERIALS – Applications missing required documentation may not be considered.

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• State of Montana Application

Materials submitted but not requested may not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT.

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

BENEFITS 

Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

ADULT BASIC EDUCATION TEACHER

EDUCATION SERVICES BUREAU - MONTANA STATE PRISON

DEER LODGE, MT

JOB OVERVIEW

• Prepares materials/classrooms and teaches Adult Basic Education courses including life skills classes and cell study.
• Instructs and supervises adult male inmate students in the classroom and housing units on an individual basis and/or group meeting utilizing competency based instructional techniques.
• Adapts lessons to changes in class size, or student abilities, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Advises students regarding respective courses and programs that are available at Montana State Prison and implements learning activities within the scope of the assigned curriculum and state standards.
• Works with individual students to challenge them and improve their abilities.
• Assesses student’s progress by grading assignments, papers, exams, and other work.
• Performs all work tasks in a proper and safe manner following established policies, general safety rules and safe operating procedures in compliance with Department of Corrections, Office of Public Instruction and Montana State Prison.
• Participates in professional education and training opportunities to maintain current licensure and teaching practices.
• Confers with professionals for establishing additional activities and/or instruction; performs related work as required. 
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in education or related field 
• State of Montana Teaching Credential (or the ability to obtain by start date)
  
  

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS 

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• State of Montana Application 

Applications submitted without required materials will not be considered

Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

BENEFITS

Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

CASE SPECIALIST

HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION

DEER LODGE, MT

JOB OVERVIEW - This position provides social and rehabilitation services to assist with offenders in custody though work in the Rehabilitation and Programs Division.

• Responsibilities include assess and analyze offender data, evaluate the need for program participation, analyze and interpret test results and produce post-program reports. Candidates will assess offender programing needs on a continuous basis to evaluate offender progress and develop and revise case plans and goals.
• Complete assessments and group interventions. Motivate and deliver effective correctional programs conforming to stringent quality assurance standards that meet with the specific needs of the offenders.
• Liaise with other employees to ensure the exchange of relevant information about treatment plans
• This position will work in a facility that houses felony offenders. Some of the population can be sex offenders, individuals with substance use disorder, or mental health needs.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Associates degree required in criminal justice, sociology, social work, criminology psychology, education, social science, addiction counseling, therapy, or a related field.
• 2 years of experience working with sex offenders, individuals with substance use disorder, and/or mental health needs, or other vulnerable populations preferred but not required.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS 

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• State of Montana Application

Applications submitted without required materials may not be considered.

Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT.

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

BENEFITS

• Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF. Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!
  
  

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

CLINICAL THERAPIST

MONTANA STATE PRISON

DEER LODGE, MT

JOB OVERVIEW – The Montana State mental health bureau mission is to "deliver evidence-based services to meet the needs of incarcerated individuals who suffer from severe and persistent mental illness, acute emotional disturbances, and to prevent suicide and self-harm."

• The clinical therapist positions will ensure that the clinical needs of the inmate population are provided through clinical assessments, evaluations, diagnoses, therapeutic groups and individual sessions, emergency evaluations and management, and to provide clinical consultations.
• Observe patients to detect indications of abnormal physical or mental behavior.
• Manage case files and records for patients in treatment for mental and emotional illness.

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in social work, psychology, or counseling.
• 1 year of job-related experience. 
• Must be licensed or able to be licensed as a licensed clinical social worker or licensed clinical professional counselor by the state of Montana.
• Must be licensed within a year of hire date.
  
  

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

Applications submitted without required materials may not be considered.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• State of Montana Application

Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT.

Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

BENEFITS

• Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!
  
  

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

CONTRACT MONITOR

MONTANA STATE PRISON

DEER LODGE, MT

JOB OVERVIEW – The Contract Placement Bureau is in the Montana State Prison Division of the Montana Department of Corrections.  The Contract Placement Bureau is responsible for the placement of all adult male offenders in state private prisons, regional prisons and contracted out of state correctional facilities.  The Bureau monitors the operations of facilities to ensure strict compliance with all applicable laws and contract provisions. The on-site Contract Monitor is a member of the Contract Placement Bureau and is the liaison between the Department of Corrections – Contract Placement Bureau and the assigned Contract Facility. The position provides contract compliance oversight for the Department.

• Investigate complaints and suspected violations.
• Review industry-specific rules, regulations and statutes to determine nature of violations or discrepancies and the type of action to be taken.
• Prepare reports, submissions or recommendations about findings
• Determine liability or penalty for violations.
• Follows up with managers or entities regarding corrections and recommended actions addressing violations
• May review contracts to evaluate if an entity’s actions meet governmental requirements. 
• Assist with developing rules and regulations.
• Advise individuals and groups concerning regulations, inspection, and investigation findings; encourage voluntary action to correct problems.
• Confer with officials and technical or professional specialists.
• Interview individuals to obtain information or clarify facts.
• Interpret governmental regulations for individuals and employers.
• Review contracts to determine an entity’s actions required to meet governmental provisions.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Associate degree in business or a related field.
• Two years of directly related work experience.
• Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted.
  
  

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• State of Montana Application
• Applications submitted without required materials may not be considered.
• Materials submitted but not requested may not be considered in the selection process.
• If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.
• Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.
  
  

BENEFITS

Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

MONTANA WOMEN’S PRISON

BILLINGS, MT

This position is responsible for the overall safety and security of inmates, staff and visitors of Montana Women’s Prison. Correctional Officers help ensure the institution is operated for the safety of the public, as well as the incarceration, treatment and rehabilitation of the inmate population. Correctional Officers oversee all aspects of the basic needs and welfare of adult female felons assigned to housing units utilizing special training, listening skills, verbal communication skills, the ability to provide empathy and compassion as situations warrant, tact, knowledge of policies, the inmate, the situation at hand, motivational techniques, the ability to create, foster and maintain a degree of trust.

QUALIFICATIONS - High school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver’s license are required.

A background check including criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries will be required prior to being hired.

UPON HIRE - Successful completion of Corrections & Detention Officer Basic Training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy within the first year of employment.

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER INFORMATION

This position requires POST Basic Certification after attending training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and successfully completing one year of employment with the Department of Corrections.  In addition to the training and experience requirements, to be POST Certified, the successful candidate(s) must:

 Be a citizen of the United States of America;

1. Be at least 18 years of age;
2. Be fingerprinted for a criminal history search;
3. Not have been convicted of a crime for which s/he could have been imprisoned in a federal or state penitentiary;
4. Be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background screen;
5. Be a high school graduate or issued a GED or its equivalent; AND,
6. Possess or be eligible for a valid Montana driver’s license.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS – State of Montana Application

Applications submitted without required materials may not be considered.

Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT.

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

BENEFITS 

• Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

PINE HILLS CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

MILES CITY, MT

JOB OVERVIEW 

• Responsible for the overall safety and security of inmates, staff and visitors of Montana Women’s Prison.
• Helps ensure the institution is operated for the safety of the public, as well as the incarceration, treatment and rehabilitation of the inmate population.
• Oversees all aspects of the basic needs and welfare of adult female felons assigned to the facility utilizing special training, listening skills, verbal communication skills, the ability to provide empathy and compassion as situations warrant, tact, knowledge of policies, the inmate, the situation at hand, motivational techniques, the ability to create, foster and maintain a degree of trust.

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER INFORMATION

This position requires POST Basic Certification after attending training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and successfully completing one year of employment with the Department of Corrections.  In addition to the training and experience requirements, to be POST Certified, the successful candidate(s) must:

1. Be a citizen of the United States of America;
2. Be at least 18 years of age;
3. Be fingerprinted for a criminal history search;
4. Not have been convicted of a crime for which s/he could have been imprisoned in a federal or state penitentiary;
5. Be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background screen;
6. Be a high school graduate or issued a GED or its equivalent; AND,
7. Possess or be eligible for a valid Montana driver’s license.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

Applications missing required documentation may not be considered.

• State of Montana Application

Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT.

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• A background check and check of DPHHS Child Abuse Registry will be required prior to being hired.

UPON HIRE

Successful completion of Corrections & Detention Officer Basic Training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy within the first year of employment.

BENEFITS

Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

LICENSED ADDICTION COUNSELOR

MONTANA STATE PRISON

DEER LODGE, MT

JOB OVERVIEW – This position provides group and individual counseling in a non-therapeutic environment.  Provide and maintain appropriate documentation.  Case management, as needed, of admitted clients.

• Diagnosing chemical dependency in prospective clients and subsequent placement in appropriate modality of treatment. 
• Facilitating groups and maintaining individual contacts as needed to move the chemically dependent criminal offender from resistance to self-change through participating in treatment services.
• Developing individual treatment plans for each admitted client to address problems created by chemical use.
• Utilize motivational enhancement strategies to encourage clients to overcome any defense mechanisms that may excuse further chemical use.
• Uses best practices for the field and maintains minimum education requirements for renewal of licensure.
• Ability to implement programs, lead group therapy, provide individual treatment, make differential diagnosis of substance abuse, establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors and inmates, to communicate effectively in writing and develop treatment plans.
• Ability to respond to crises situations involving substance abuse and institutional need.
• A working knowledge of chemical dependency therapy techniques, interview skills, and problems associated with substance abuse criminal personality issues and their impact in chemical dependency treatment, as well as treatment delivery problems in a prison environment.  
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate Degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling or a Bachelor of Arts or Science with specific course work related to chemical dependency. 
• Licensure or license eligible as an Addiction Counselor. Maintaining licensure through continuing education.
  
  

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

Applications missing required documentation may not be considered.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• State of Montana Application
• References

Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT.

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

BENEFITS

• Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!
  
  

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

PROBATION & PAROLE OFFICER

BOZEMAN PROBATION OFFICE

BOZEMAN, MT

JOB OVERVIEW - This position, guided by the Department of Corrections (DOC) mission, plays a central role in managing the correctional population, promoting public safety and encouraging offenders to make positive life changing decisions for their future. To carry out this responsibility:

• The officer cooperates with, and solicits information from, the public and criminal justice system and supervises and counsels 80-100 offenders.
• Must have skills and abilities to equally balance social work and law enforcement duties.
• The officer conducts pre-sentence investigations and makes placement recommendations concerning those offenders sentenced to DOC. These investigations are completed with cooperation from other criminal justices’ agencies and by using investigative skills; knowledge of laws, rules and regulations pertaining to probation, parole, incarceration, rehabilitation and treatment programs, as well as knowledge of behavioral science.
• The officer then makes recommendations for rehabilitation, treatment plans, conditions of probation, the need for incarceration, and appropriate level (i.e. local jail or Montana State Prison) to the District Court and Parole Board through a written pre-sentence investigation report.
• Officers refer offenders to appropriate resources or programs using departments supervision standards, a risk and needs assessment as well as knowledge of state and community resources and monitors the progress of the client for compliance.
• Officers investigate alleged violations of probation or parole using knowledge of policies & procedures pertaining to violations, search warrants & investigations.
• Officers arrest and detain violators and testify in district court and information hearings relative to sentencing or revocation of client’s probation or parole status.
• Officers are trained to handle situations if probation & parole offenders or inmates become hostile & pose a physical threat. This requires the use of Oleoresin Capsicum “O.C. Spray” and firearms and carrying handcuffs.
• Work is of the nature that Officers may work varying schedules to include nights and week-end hours and that the Officer may be called back to work at any hour of the day or night and be available 24/7 when called upon to assist any Department of Corrections Facility or Law Enforcement Agency. The Officer needs to physically make an arrest, defend selves, in high-risk volatile scenarios in and away from the office.  
• Travel for job may be required up to 10% of the time in addition to travel for training.

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER INFORMATION

This position requires POST Basic Certification after attending training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and successfully completing one year of employment with the Department of Corrections.  In addition to the training and experience requirements, to be POST Certified, the successful candidate(s) must:

1. Be a citizen of the United States of America;
2. Be at least 18 years of age;
3. Be fingerprinted for a criminal history search;
4. Not have been convicted of a crime for which s/he could have been imprisoned in a federal or state penitentiary;
5. Be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background screen;
6. Be a high school graduate or issued a GED or its equivalent; AND,
7. Possess or be eligible for a valid Montana driver’s license.
   
   

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Probation and parole officers must have at least a college degree in a related field such as criminology, psychology, social work, sociology, or guidance and counseling and some formal training in behavioral sciences.
• Exceptions to this rule must be approved by the department. Related work experience in the areas listed in subsection (1)(b) may be substituted for educational requirements at the rate of 1 year of experience for 9 months formal education if approved by the department. All present employees are exempt from this requirement but are encouraged to further their education at the earliest opportunity.  (b) Work experience that may be substituted for the educational requirements in subsection (1)(a) includes experience in the areas of corrections/detention, criminology, education, medicine, psychiatry, psychology, law, law enforcement, social work, sociology, psychiatric nursing, or guidance and counseling.
  
  

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS – Applications missing required documentation may not be considered.

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• State of Montana Application

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT.

BENEFITS

• Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!
  
  

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029

TALENT ACQUISITION AND RETENTION SPECIALIST

HUMAN RESOURCES BUREAU

DEER LODGE, MT

JOB OVERVIEW –

The Montana Department of Corrections is seeking a dedicated and skilled Talent Acquisition and Retention Specialist to join our Human Resources team in Deer Lodge, MT. This role is crucial in addressing our staffing challenges and enhancing our workforce stability within the corrections environment. 

Position Overview: 

As a Talent Acquisition and Retention Specialist, you will develop and implement innovative strategies to attract qualified candidates and reduce turnover rates within our correctional facilities. This position requires a balance of recruitment expertise, retention program development, and data analysis to address the unique staffing challenges in corrections. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement comprehensive recruitment strategies tailored to correctional positions. 
• Develop retention programs to improve employee satisfaction and reduce turnover. 
• Analyze workforce data to identify trends and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Collaborate with facility managers to address location-specific staffing challenges. 
• Coordinate with training staff to ensure effective onboarding programs. 
• Create and maintain relationships with educational institutions and community organizations.
• Represent the Department at career fairs and recruitment events. 
• Monitor and report on key recruitment and retention metrics.
• Researching neighboring states and national data related to recruitment and retention.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of best practices in employee retention and engagement.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using HR metrics to drive decision-making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experiences with applicant tracking system and HR databases.
• Understanding of the unique challenges within correctional environments (preferred).

This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective July 1, 2025 and July 1, 2026. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Marketing, Political Science, or related field.
• 2 years of recruitment or marketing experience. 
• Other combinations of education and education may be considered. 
  
  

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS 

Applications submitted without required materials may not be considered

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• State of Montana Application 

Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.
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BENEFITS 

Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Questions? Email or call 406-444-0029