What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Mental Health Program Specialist (Part-Time) position at Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement?
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27009 For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Jayne Downey
jdowney@montana.edu
406-994-7426
Classification Title Program/Project Lead Working Title Youth Mental Health Program Specialist (Part-Time) Brief Position Overview
The MSU Center for Research in Rural Education (CRRE) seeks a Youth Mental Health Program Specialist to support CRRE related grant projects (e.g., Youth Aware of Mental Health; teen Mental Health First Aid; etc.). The Program Specialist will manage the delivery and research associated with the CRRE mental health literacy-focused grant programs at multiple sites across Montana and create and maintain communication infrastructure to support participant engagement in the CRRE’s statewide network.
Position Number 4C2723 Department Center for Research on Rural Educ Division Office of Research and Economic Development Appointment Type Professional Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Non-Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 0.5 (part-time) Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $28,000 to $30,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
The mission of the Center for Research on Rural Education (CRRE) is to respond to the pressing concerns of small, rural, and remote schools and communities across Montana, the nation, and the world through carefully designed service and research. The CRRE is home to multiple grant funded projects focused on reducing the critical shortage of teachers and counselors in rural Montana and increasing mental health literacy for Montana’s students across the state.
Duties and Responsibilities
Duties include but are not limited to working collaboratively with the CRRE’s Rural Youth and Community Specialist to:
Continued employment will be contingent upon continued grant funding.
Travel within Montana will be required.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? No
Posting Detail Information
Number Of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon Completion Of a Successful Search Position End Date (if Temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications Will Be
Screening of applications will begin on July 22, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27009 For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Jayne Downey
jdowney@montana.edu
406-994-7426
Classification Title Program/Project Lead Working Title Youth Mental Health Program Specialist (Part-Time) Brief Position Overview
The MSU Center for Research in Rural Education (CRRE) seeks a Youth Mental Health Program Specialist to support CRRE related grant projects (e.g., Youth Aware of Mental Health; teen Mental Health First Aid; etc.). The Program Specialist will manage the delivery and research associated with the CRRE mental health literacy-focused grant programs at multiple sites across Montana and create and maintain communication infrastructure to support participant engagement in the CRRE’s statewide network.
Position Number 4C2723 Department Center for Research on Rural Educ Division Office of Research and Economic Development Appointment Type Professional Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Non-Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 0.5 (part-time) Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $28,000 to $30,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
The mission of the Center for Research on Rural Education (CRRE) is to respond to the pressing concerns of small, rural, and remote schools and communities across Montana, the nation, and the world through carefully designed service and research. The CRRE is home to multiple grant funded projects focused on reducing the critical shortage of teachers and counselors in rural Montana and increasing mental health literacy for Montana’s students across the state.
Duties and Responsibilities
Duties include but are not limited to working collaboratively with the CRRE’s Rural Youth and Community Specialist to:
- Plan, implement, evaluate and report results of evidence-based mental health literacy programs, including Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM), teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA), and Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) in schools and communities.
- Recruit, train, and support instructors, assistants, and school personnel involved in program delivery and implementation.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with school and community partners, including recruiting participating schools, meeting with school administrators and boards, and collaborating with school personnel to support successful program implementation.
- Collect, manage, and analyze program and research survey data to evaluate outcomes and support continuous program improvement.
- Foster supportive and engaging learning environments for youth by applying strong classroom management, communication, facilitation, and program fidelity practices to ensure high-quality implementation of evidence-based programs.
- Develop and maintain partnerships with Montana State University, government agencies, schools, and community organizations to expand access to mental health literacy and education programming.
- Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field.
- Teacher certification in Montana or equivalent licensure.
- At least 3 years of experience as a K-12 classroom teacher.
- Demonstrated flexibility, professionalism, and knowledge of youth mental health.
- Demonstrated ability to work with adolescents, schools, and community members.
- Demonstrated professional communication, organizational, and management skills.
- Familiarity with MSOffice software.
- Master’s degree in Education or related field.
- Knowledge of educational policies and systems particular to Montana.
- Knowledge of rural schools and communities and related education issues.
- Work independently with minimal supervision as well as contribute and collaborate productively as a member of a team.
- Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate with the CRRE team and the public in person, over the phone, and by email.
- Represent CRRE and MSU in a professional and courteous manner.
- Possess demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in decision making.
- Possess the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive records and information.
Continued employment will be contingent upon continued grant funding.
Travel within Montana will be required.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? No
Posting Detail Information
Number Of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon Completion Of a Successful Search Position End Date (if Temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications Will Be
Screening of applications will begin on July 22, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Salary : $28,000 - $30,000