Talent Acquisition and Retention Specialist

TALENT ACQUISITION AND RETENTION SPECIALIST

HUMAN RESOURCES BUREAU

DEER LODGE, MT

MISSION - Montana Department of Corrections is creating a safer Montana through Accountability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment.

If you want to work making positive changes in the community the Montana Department of Corrections is the place for you!

JOB OVERVIEW –

The Montana Department of Corrections is seeking a dedicated and skilled Talent Acquisition and Retention Specialist to join our Human Resources team in Deer Lodge, MT. This role is crucial in addressing our staffing challenges and enhancing our workforce stability within the corrections environment. 

Position Overview: 

As a Talent Acquisition and Retention Specialist, you will develop and implement innovative strategies to attract qualified candidates and reduce turnover rates within our correctional facilities. This position requires a balance of recruitment expertise, retention program development, and data analysis to address the unique staffing challenges in corrections. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement comprehensive recruitment strategies tailored to correctional positions. 
• Develop retention programs to improve employee satisfaction and reduce turnover. 
• Analyze workforce data to identify trends and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Collaborate with facility managers to address location-specific staffing challenges. 
• Coordinate with training staff to ensure effective onboarding programs. 
• Create and maintain relationships with educational institutions and community organizations.
• Represent the Department at career fairs and recruitment events. 
• Monitor and report on key recruitment and retention metrics.
• Researching neighboring states and national data related to recruitment and retention.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of best practices in employee retention and engagement.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using HR metrics to drive decision-making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experiences with applicant tracking system and HR databases.
• Understanding of the unique challenges within correctional environments (preferred).

This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective July 1, 2025 and July 1, 2026. 

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS 

Applications submitted without required materials may not be considered

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• State of Montana Application 

Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process, please make sure all attachments are marked as RELEVANT

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Background screens which may include criminal records check, child/patient/offender abuse registries, and reference checks will be conducted for this position.

BENEFITS 

• Employment with the state may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under PSLF.  Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

NOTICES

Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 -  Any person who has been convicted of engaging in or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or any person who has been civilly or administratively adjusted to have engaged in the activity as described are not qualified for this position.  

Tobacco Free - Use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products and tobacco substitutes in Department of Corrections buildings, is prohibited.  In secure care facilities possession of tobacco products is also prohibited.

The Montana Department of Corrections is an EOE/M/F/D/V/SO (Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority, Female, Disabled, Veteran, Sexual Orientation)