Program Specialist 1

State of Montana•Helena, MT

51d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Specialist provides high-level administrative and analytical support to workers’ compensation programs, ensuring they run efficiently and in compliance with state and federal requirements. This role manages program workloads, documentation, data collection, and basic program analysis while maintaining strict confidentiality of sensitive records. The position regularly coordinates with internal program managers, other state agencies, private entities, and program participants to implement processes, share guidance, and support timely delivery of services. It also serves as a key resource for multiple workers’ compensation programs, helping interpret policies and supporting outreach, materials, and meetings.

Requirements

Work Compensation Law & Policy Insight: Interpret and apply Montana workers’ compensation statutes, administrative rules, and program policies to varied program processes, documentation requirements, and case scenarios with a high degree of accuracy.
Compliance-Focused Data & Record Management: Manage complex workloads involving multiple workers’ compensation programs by collecting, entering, validating, and organizing large volumes of confidential data and documents, ensuring precision, completeness, and audit-ready records.
Advanced Organization & Task Management: Apply a detail-oriented, highly organized approach to managing competing deadlines and tasks across multiple programs; prioritize workload effectively, adjust priorities as program needs change, and multitask reliably in a fast-paced environment.
Technical and systems proficiency: Confidently use case management systems, electronic records platforms, and Microsoft Outlook (email and calendar) to track activities, monitor deadlines, and generate program reports; quickly learn and navigate workers’ compensation databases and records management systems, and provide basic assistance and training to coworkers on their use.
Professional and Customer-Centered Communication: Communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally with injured workers, employers, state agencies, service providers, and internal staff, including translating technical, legal, and regulatory concepts into plain language and preparing clear guidance and program materials.
Cross-Program Coordinating & Stakeholder Collaboration: Coordinate effectively across multiple internal units and external partners, balancing competing priorities, managing timelines, and supporting consistent procedures and service delivery across the Safety Bureau’s workers’ compensation programs.
Analytical & Data-Driven problem-solving: Identify data, documentation, or process issues; research relevant laws, rules, or guidance; and recommend or implement solutions within established parameters to strengthen program effectiveness, compliance, and risk control.
Confidentiality, Integrity, & Professional Judgment: Exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive and confidential information, consistently applying privacy, security, and ethical standards in all interactions and record-management activities.
Two years of professional experience managing program data, records systems, administrative support, or compliance activities in a government, legal, insurance, or related setting.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply statutes, administrative rules, and policies to program processes, documentation, or compliance requirements.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook (email and calendar), office software, and the ability to learn and use case management or electronic records systems.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience providing customer service and explaining complex concepts to diverse audiences.
Previous experience handling confidential records and sensitive information, applying proper privacy protocols and sound judgment in a workplace setting.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in safety, public administration, business administration, social sciences, or a related field may supplement relevant professional experience but is not a substitute for demonstrated skills and competencies in the areas noted above. Equivalent combinations of education and directly related experience will be considered

Responsibilities

Administer key operational and compliance activities across multiple workers’ compensation programs to ensure they run efficiently and meet all state and federal requirements. This includes advanced data management, documentation, and policy interpretation so program services remain accessible, accurate, and compliant.
Coordinate the intake, organization, and confidential handling of program records by retrieving, analyzing, and protecting sensitive information in accordance with privacy laws and secure data practices. Regularly interact with state agencies, private entities, and internal stakeholders to facilitate timely exchange of records and support cross functional initiatives.
Support program analysis and reporting by collecting, synthesizing, and evaluating data; contribute to audits and recommendations that strengthen processes, performance measures, and compliance outcomes. Develop and prepare clear informational and outreach materials for internal and external stakeholders to support program education and transparency.
Serve as a subject matter resource for program managers, staff, and specialized workers’ compensation units—including the Uninsured Employers Fund, Medical Benefits, Subsequent Injury Fund, and related programs—by researching regulations, tracking legislative updates, and interpreting policy guidance for complex or unique cases. Actively participate in program meetings, trainings, and presentations, and help coordinate safety-related workers’ compensation activities within the bureau and with external partners.

Benefits

Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP
Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan
Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73%25 - 9.07%25 of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness
Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.
This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.
This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)