FMHF Director of Nursing

Overview

Job Description - FMHF Director of Nursing ). The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity as a FMHF Director of Nursing at Montana State Hospital.

The FMHF Director of Nursing oversees and directs all aspects of nursing care provided to patients at Montana State Hospital Forensic Mental Health Facility and Group Homes.

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.

State of Montana comprehensive benefits include 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. DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities.

The FMHF Director of Nursing oversees and directs all aspects of nursing care provided to patients at Montana State Hospital Forensic Mental Health Facility and Group Homes.

• Extensive knowledge of nursing in a psychiatric setting.
• Ability to stay up to date on regulations and best practices within the nursing field.
• Ability to research, compile, and analyze data from multiple sources to identify and resolve a wide variety of issues and problems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to coach and motivate others to improve their knowledge and skills.
• Ability to be understanding and remain non-confrontational, while maintaining focus, demeanor, and composure in dealing with individuals with differing points of view.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Montana or able to attain licensure prior to the first day of work.
• Education and/or experience equivalent to a master's degree in psychiatric or mental health nursing preferred.
• Five years job-related experience preferred.
• Three years supervisory experience in nursing or closely related field preferred.
• One year experience working in forensic mental health preferred.
• Other combinations of directly related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The number of employees supervised by this position is 71+

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.

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:
Not Applicable.

Salary: $58.27 hourly. Telework eligibility:
Not Telework Eligible. 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. Travel:
Yes, 5% of the time.

Primary

Location:

Warm Springs. Agency:
Department of Public Health & Human Services. Union: 000 - None.

Posting Date:
Jan 23, 2026, 8:00:17 PM. Closing Date:
Feb 7, 2026, 6:59:00 AM.

Required Application Materials:
Resume.

Contact Name:
Kathleen Tarkalson | Email: kathleen.tarkalson | Phone: .

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency’s HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay tana 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…