The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Disability Employment Transitions.

Our mission at DPHHS is to improve and protect the health, well-being, and self-reliance of all Montanans throughout every stage of their life. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents. Whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience, DPHHS has the opportunity for you!

Do you love working with people and have a passion for helping those with disabilities? The Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Program Specialist is responsible for Contract Management, the delivery of Pre-Employment Transition Services, Pre-ETS Coordination Services and coordination of Vocational Rehabilitation Services to students with disabilities, ages 14-21. Pre-ETS includes delivery of the following services: Workplace Readiness Training, Post-Secondary Counseling, Work Based Learning, Job Exploration Counseling, and Instruction in Self Advocacy. This position is housed in a Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services (VRBS) office and is required to travel throughout the assigned region of the state up to 50%.

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.

What we can offer you

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. Visit the Health Care and Benefits Division for more information at https://benefits.mt.gov/. In addition to employee benefits, there are a wide range of advancement opportunities within the largest state agency in Montana.

What you can offer us

• Knowledge of Pre-Employment Transition Services
• Knowledge and understanding of how to build program linkages and partnerships with other Departments at the federal, state, local governments.
• Knowledge of psychosocial assessments and vocational rehabilitation counseling
• Knowledge of assistive technology
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Skill in working with individuals with disabilities, as well as skill in sensitive, respectful, and effective communication with people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and languages.
• Ability to interpret and use medical and psychological information to make sound decisions.
• Ability to be proactive, organized and manage caseloads.
• Ability to make decisions and be accountable for those decisions.
• Ability to create a harmonious and team approach to agency goals and program objectives.
• Ability to work in cooperation with Local Education Agencies and Office of Public Instruction
• Ability to speak effectively before large audiences in a variety of situations, including confrontational or delicate situations.

• Fully qualified applicants possess:

• Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or related field.

• One-year experience in transition and/or providing Pre-Employment Transitions Services to students with disabilities.

• Certification by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) is highly preferred.

• Individuals may be considered for a training assignment if they possess:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field

• One year of experience in rehabilitation counseling, career counseling, or human services

For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact Sarina Crews in Human Resources at Sarina.Crews@mt.gov.

How to Apply

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 uploading correctly to the specific application for this position.

• Resume- Please include dates of employment and your supervisor’s name/phone for each position.

• Cover Letter- Please describe your experience working with people who live with disabilities.

• Graduate/Undergraduate Transcript

To be considered for any DPHHS position, applicants must complete and submit their application online, and upload any required documents. Successful applicant(s) are required to successfully pass all DPHHS specific background check(s) relevant to each position. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants.