Contract Services Program Officer

To be considered for OPD positions, applicants must complete and submit their application online, as well as upload any required application materials. This position may be based out of any OPD Office in the State of Montana.

Our Mission

To Provide the Most Compassionate and Expert Defense of Clients and the Constitution

Our Vision

Creating Expert Teams of Advocates for Justice, Bringing Respect and Dignity to our Clients to Achieve Holistic and Equitable Outcomes

Reasons to work for the Office of the Public Defender: Our work changes lives  OPD's work makes a difference for the people in our communities. Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work we do. To find out more about OPD visit our website.

Benefits of working for OPD: The ability to work and play in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity Montana offers theaters, museums, fairs, rodeos, a high-quality educational system, and many recreational opportunities. Montana's mountains, rivers, and lakes provide year-round opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, hiking, camping, boating, biking, hunting, skiing, and snowmobiling can be accessed throughout our great state.

Other fantastic benefits include:

• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Work/life balance
• Flexible schedules
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Telework (when applicable)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive public service loan forgiveness – visit the Federal Student Aid website to learn more

Materials Required of Applicants:  

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• References: Please provide contact information for (2) current or former supervisors and (1) professional peer.

About this Opportunity

Job Overview: Contract Services Program Officers coordinate case offers and assignments to Contract Public Defenders and provide billing and system support to contract providers across the OPD system. Working closely with the Contract Services Program Manager, they assist with contractor oversight, recruitment, and retention and ensure alignment with OPD's policies, procedures, and mission. The Officers serve as key contacts for contractors—offering technical support with invoicing systems, monitoring service quality, and helping resolve program-related issues. They foster strong relationships across OPD local offices and contract counsel to ensure timely, effective representation for clients throughout the state.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):

The job duties and responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to the following:

Contract Services Program Operations %25)

• Coordinate statewide program activities for providing litigation-related contracted services, including primary responsibility for coordinating and assigning contract attorneys to individual cases through OPD's case management system to ensure timely representation of OPD clients.

• Respond to requests for assistance or program information by interpreting program policies or requirements and evolving market and resource demands, including efficiently and effectively allocating the use of available contractors between jurisdictions and case types across Montana.

• Enter, track, maintain, analyze, and report program data withing OPD's case management system as required by OPD policies.

• Interact, provide guidance, and communicate with community, clients, contractors, judicial officers, and agencies to facilitate program activities, such as the assignment and removal of contract public defenders and other service providers.

• Provide technical and system support to contractors and prospective contractors navigating OPD's case management and other systems, including responding to electronic ticket and direct personal requests by contract attorneys and other providers for assistance in submitting billing, application, and other requests through OPD case management system.

• Recruit and retain new contractors through electronic, telephone, and in-person communications.

• Report and address complaints, issues, and suspected violations of program requirements by contractors or OPD staff.

• Provide subject matter expertise responding to elevated complaints or issues from clients, contractors, and agencies or judicial officials, including inquiries regarding delays or difficulties in assigning contract public defenders to specific cases.

• Analyze documents, data, and reports for program noncompliance and initiate corrective actions.

• Determine adequacy of services and recommend identified improvements to a Contract Services Program Manager or other executive, including identifying jurisdictions, case types, or specific cases that require additional contracting incentives or mechanisms.

• Assist Contract Services Program Manager, executives, or others by researching impacts to the program resulting from changes or proposed changes to policy, rule, or legislation, such as the impact of contractor rate changes and MoU and contracting policy revisions.

• Maintain or revise program manuals and materials and assist with program updates.

• Investigate contractor work to determine level of service delivery and ensure policy and standards compliance, including perform quality assurance investigations and reviews for compliance with program guidelines or related regulations, such as communicating with judicial officers and witnesses regarding specific alleged examples of contract public defender conduct.

Other Duties as Assigned %25)

• Other duties as assigned

Physical and Environmental Demands: This position works primarily in a standard office environment; however, state-wide travel to contractor sites or other locations may be necessary to perform duties up to 20%25 of the time and fluctuation in workload my require more than a 40-hour work week.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of organizational and management principles with a strong emphasis on effective resource allocation, coordination of personnel, and strategic planning to maximize program impact.

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, consistently able to prioritize competing responsibilities and meet deadlines without compromising quality or attention to detail.

• Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to synthesize information, interpret policy, and apply nuanced judgment in complex and evolving situations.

• Clear, persuasive communicator—both in writing and in person—skilled at tailoring messages to diverse audiences and fostering understanding across varied perspectives.

• Proficient with standard office software and systems, and quick to learn and support the implementation of case management technologies that improve efficiency and data integrity.

• Adept relationship-builder, able to navigate competing interests with professionalism, empathy, and grace—ensuring stakeholder needs are respected and program goals remain front and center.

• Responsive to feedback and growth-oriented, maintaining composure under critique while integrating constructive input into continuous professional development.

• Equally effective working independently or in collaborative teams, demonstrating initiative, accountability, and a shared commitment to organizational mission.

• An interest in public defense or service, driven by intellectual curiosity, integrity, and a desire to support transformative outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

This position requires:

• Bachelor's degree
• Three years of experience in contract services program or three years experience with Office of the State Public Defender.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Preferred:

• Experience in a legal or criminal defense setting.
• Experience with legal billing and client services.

• Experience with electronic case management systems.