Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has announced a series of measures aimed at recruiting and retaining employees at Montana's state-run health care facilities. These measures include one-time incentive payments and targeted wage increases.
According to DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton, the initiative seeks to reduce dependence on contracted clinical staff. "The reliance on contracted clinical staff, commonly referred to as 'travelers', continues to impact our budget in a way that is not sustainable, and it must be addressed," said Brereton. The department aims to strengthen operations by hiring and retaining dedicated staff. He encouraged potential applicants to visit Work4DPHHS.com for job opportunities.
The Hiring Incentive Program will offer $7,500 payments to new hires in specific clinical positions, with payments distributed at six and twelve months of continuous employment. Positions eligible for this incentive include registered nurses, certified nurse aides, direct support professionals, psychiatric technicians, and forensic mental health technicians. The incentives apply to roles at various state facilities including the Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs and the Montana Veterans' Home in Columbia Falls.
Privately managed homes like the Eastern Montana Veterans’ Home in Glendive are not eligible for these incentives. To assist applicants, DPHHS has launched a website providing guidance on the application process.
Additionally, DPHHS is using $300,000 from American Rescue Plan Act funds for this program. For existing staff in positions with high vacancy rates at the Montana State Hospital and Intensive Behavior Center, retention bonuses and wage increases have been introduced. These employees will receive a $7,500 retention bonus due to reduced reliance on contracted staff.
Wage adjustments include permanent hourly increases: $2 for direct support professionals and certain technicians; $1.75 for licensed practical nurses; and $4 for registered nurses.
To further improve recruitment efforts, DPHHS is forming a workgroup focused on outreach expansion and partnerships with educational institutions. This includes exploring nursing teaching sites and CNA apprenticeship programs.
DPHHS is also expanding its Office of Human Resources by appointing a new Healthcare Facilities Division HR Manager and Recruiter based in Helena. All facility-based HR staff will now report to this new manager.
Alerts Sign-up