Behavioral Health Program Specialist

State of Montana • Helena, MT

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing behavioral health programs and initiatives aimed at reducing reliance on physical health systems, state hospitals, and local law enforcement, including the Crisis Diversion Grant program. Crisis Diversion Grants provide statutorily obligated funding through contracts awarded via Request for Proposal (RFP) to eligible county and federally recognized tribal governments to support the implementation of crisis intervention and jail diversion services. The Crisis Diversion Grant program supports Montana communities that are focusing on diverting individuals experiencing behavioral health crises from jail and the Montana State Hospital and enhancing system-level support. This position is responsible for overseeing the Crisis Diversion Grant RFP and contracting process, the management of contracts and budgets, invoice processing, policy development, and ensuring compliance with Department, State, Federal, and other applicable regulations. The role will collaborate directly with county and tribal governments, local behavioral health and crisis coalitions, behavioral health care providers, and various statewide partners and stakeholders. This role facilitates virtual and in-person meetings as needed to provide technical assistance, develop and review performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness, support data-driven decisions to implement and improve crisis response and jail diversion services. Reviewing and synthesizing regular reporting and strategic policy revisions are essential aspects of the role, ensuring that programs align with national standards and effectively address the needs of underserved populations.

Requirements

• General knowledge of fiscal and program management principles.
• General knowledge of behavioral health service delivery and reimbursement systems.
• Knowledge of program development and quality improvement practices.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws related to Medicaid programs and contracts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Bachelor’s degree in human services, public health, behavioral health, or related fields.
• Two years of professional experience in health care, public health, behavioral health, or general program management.

Responsibilities

• Developing, implementing, and overseeing behavioral health programs and initiatives.
• Overseeing the Crisis Diversion Grant RFP and contracting process.
• Management of contracts and budgets.
• Invoice processing.
• Policy development.
• Ensuring compliance with Department, State, Federal, and other applicable regulations.
• Collaborating directly with county and tribal governments, local behavioral health and crisis coalitions, behavioral health care providers, and various statewide partners and stakeholders.
• Facilitating virtual and in-person meetings to provide technical assistance.
• Developing and reviewing performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Supporting data-driven decisions to implement and improve crisis response and jail diversion services.
• Reviewing and synthesizing regular reporting.
• Strategic policy revisions.

Benefits

• Healthcare coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Holidays
• Work/life balance
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level