Reentry Support Specialist

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:

Be the bridge to brighter futures for individuals returning to Montana communities. As a Reentry Program Support Specialist, you'll help coordinate vital support, provide expert guidance, and ensure that those exiting incarceration have the tools and connections needed to thrive—shaping stronger communities through collaboration, service, and second chances

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 Reentry Program Support Specialist is essential for helping former offenders successfully reintegrate into Montana communities. In this role, you will research laws and best practices, communicate complex program information, and support training and data resource needs for reentry initiatives. You will coordinate collaborative efforts among agencies and organizations, safeguard privacy, and help drive program improvements through data analysis and continuous learning. The position requires strong research, communication, and teamwork skills, as well as a commitment to building robust support networks for former offenders.

Essential Functions:

The Reentry Support Specialist will:

• Research state and federal laws, regulations, policies, and best practices to help interpret and implement administrative guidance and processes. 
• Effectively communicate program information, data and provide other professional and technical assistance.
• Assist in coordinating and presenting program training.  
• Gather and analyze data for various reporting requirements, as well as fiscal and program planning.
• Coordinate efforts between state agencies while ensuring compliance with privacy and confidentiality laws, rules and regulations. 
• Assist in coordinating professional development opportunities and technical assistance on Reentry service delivery, and updating procedures as needed. 
• Attend local, state, regional, or national meetings as needed to support the goals of the office.

Required Skills and Competencies:

The ideal candidate will demonstrate advanced knowledge and proficiency in the following areas: 

• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to develop internal documentation, produce reports, and create accessible materials for former offenders and service providers.
• WIOA Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Programs to connect formerly incarcerated individuals with training, employment, and supportive services.
• Reentry Initiatives: Familiarity with reentry initiatives that promote employment, reduce recidivism, and meet local, state, and federal benchmarks.
• Labor Market Insight: Understanding of local, regional, statewide, and national Labor Market Information to help match former offenders with in-demand occupations and training opportunities.
• Policy Analysis: Skill in researching, analyzing, interpreting, and applying complex policies, as well as monitoring program results and outcomes.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a team environment, demonstrating initiative and accountability to maintain high productivity.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience participating in statewide and regional meetings to improve reentry outcomes and foster collaborative relationships.
• Training Facilitation: Proficiency in providing training and facilitating meetings, utilizing technology to communicate ideas and enhance the learner's experience.
• Partnership Building: Strong ability to collaborate with and build trust across Montana state agencies and Community Based Organizations, particularly when working remotely.
• Continuous Improvement: Continuous Improvement mindset—able to propose process enhancement ideas for program success and engage in effective problem solving.
• Audience Engagement: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in public settings by delivering clear, engaging, and informative presentations tailored to diverse audiences, including staff, leadership, and external stakeholders. Skilled in developing professional presentation materials that convey complex information in an accessible and visually compelling manner, ensuring audience understanding and engagement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience)

• Familiarity with reentry, criminal justice, or human service systems, including knowledge of common barriers to employment, housing, education, and community reintegration.
• Skill in engaging a wide range of partners—such as employers, social service providers, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in writing and public settings, including preparing reports and presentations for participants, partner agencies, and supervisors.
• Demonstrated strength in researching, analyzing, and applying program requirements, regulations, and policies, alongside monitoring program outcomes. 
• Skilled at coordinating and participating in meetings that improve reentry outcomes and building partnerships. 
• Ability to interpret labor market data to match former offenders with in-demand opportunities.  
• Skills may be gained through a combination of professional experience, training, or education. A Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, workforce development, criminal justice, or a related field and two years of relevant work experience is one pathway, but not required.  Equivalent lived or work experience, case management, employment services, vocational rehabilitation, or social services is fully 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 state here.

See our other incredible benefits here. 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 here to learn more.
• Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - click here to learn more.
• Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% %25 of your annual salary.  A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. – Click here to learn more.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click here to 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)