[Building a Stronger Montana] Note: Employees for the State of Montana must reside within Montana. All applications and required application documents must be submitted through the MT Careers site at:https://mtstatejobs.taleo.net/careersection/200/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en# Want a job where you actually help people every day? As a Program Specialist with the Workers' Compensation Section at the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, you'll be the person injured workers and their families count on to navigate a tough time. Your knack for staying organized and catching the details will help make sure Montanans get the support they need, when they need it. MISSION STATEMENT: Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity. DLI CORE VALUES: Responsiveness Respect Integrity Excellence Cohesiveness It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here. Position Overview: 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. Essential Functions: The Program Specialist will: 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. Required Skills and Competencies: Candidates must demonstrate the ability to: 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. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience) 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. 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 HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY: A complete state application is not required; however, you will need to initiate the application and attach the resume, cover letter or other required documents at time of application to be considered for this position. Resume will auto fill the application, but the application will not be scored or reviewed. Failure to attach the cover letter and resume will result in your application being considered incomplete and will not be considered further. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process. Tip:When attaching your resume, cover letter or other required documents you must mark the attachments as "RELEVANT" or we will be unable to view your documents. Required application materials: Cover Letter- Your Cover Letter should explain how your experience and education meet the identified Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, with examples that demonstrate your qualifications. Resume- include all work experience you have held that would help you qualify for this position, including duties, dates of employment. Only online applications will be accepted. By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application. All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. You will receive an application confirmation email with instructions on acceptable preference documents and how to submit such documents. If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office. BENEFITS: Being able to enjoy the quality of life in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Our mountains, waterways and open spaces provide not only beautiful scenery but year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, skiing and snowmobiling. Montana boasts a high-quality education system and a variety of entertainment including fairs, rodeos, and theaters. Read more about our great statehere. See our other incredible benefitshere. These are some of our benefits just to name a few: 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 - click hereto learn more. Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - clickhereto learn more. Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. - Clickhereto learn more. Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click hereto learn more! 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) Title: Program Specialist 1 Location: Helena Requisition ID: 25142853
