Peer Support Specialist

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Montana State Hospital - Grasslands.

This position is located in Helena, MT at the Grasslands facility, which is an off-site facility of the Montana State Hospital. It is funded through June 30, 2027. After this date, the position may be funded permanently or may be subject to a reduction in force (RIF).

The Peer Support Specialist provides peer to peer support to patients at the hospital who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. A Peer Supporter, by definition, is a person who “has been diagnosed with a mental illness and is grounded in recovery.” Peer Support Specialists focus on promoting and encouraging wellness, independence, and recovery. This position facilitates their own peer groups or works as part of a team providing support services on unit as well as campus based.

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 and experienced applying principles of Peer Support.

• Competent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to actively listen and provide social support.

• Ability to facilitate peer groups and individual peer sessions.

• Ability to uphold professional boundaries.

• Ability to receive constructive feedback and implement suggested work performance.

• Ability to comply with policies, procedures, and state statutes.

• Ability to operate a personal computer to complete essential functions including word processing, internet, and email.

• Meet minimum qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Must be licensed as a Certified Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist in the state of Montana prior to hire.
  • Six months of experience using a computer to perform word processing, internet, and email duties.
  • Certified as a WRAP facilitator or obtain within one year of hire.

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.

• Resume

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 is grant funded through June 30, 2027.

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

Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings: 1

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-Time

Job Type: Standard

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location: Helena

Agency: Department of Public Health & Human Services

Union: Montana Federation of Public Employees

Required Application Materials: Resume

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.