Address
Form of work Introduction
The Department of Corrections is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using cutting-edge research and evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.
The Department of Corrections is currently accepting applications for Social Worker(Substance Abuse Counselor) positions in locations throughout the state.
DOC is a great place to work! In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:
Please click here for a quick downloadable summary of State of Wisconsin employment benefits or click here to explore State of Wisconsin employment benefits on the website.
Part-time employees will receive some of the benefits listed above on a prorated basis. Candidates hired into positions that are less than 60% of a full-time position may not be eligible for all benefits.
Position Summary
This position identifies the nature and cause of client's problem(s) and incapacities as they relate to chemical abuse, social functioning, vocational functioning, vocational functioning, legal functioning, and leisure time functioning.
This position formulates service delivery plans; implements case plans upon approval of the supervisor; provides treatment and guidance in line with accepted modules and develops and refers clients to appropriate community resources.
Salary Information
Social Worker is in pay schedule and range 12-64 with pay starting at $30.29/hour .
Social Worker - Senior is in pay schedule and range 12-63 with pay starting at $33.00/hour .
This position may receive a $1.00 to $2.00 per hour add-on pay based on the type of SAC credential possessed at the time of hire.
Pay rates on appointment for current state employees may vary according to the applicable pay transaction provisions of the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code.
A twelve-month probationary period is required.
Candidates with no prior permanent employment with the State of Wisconsin in the past 5 years may be eligible to accept a sign-on bonus of $2,000. The sign-on bonus will be paid in two installments: $1000 on the first paycheck and $1000 with the paycheck for the pay period in which the employee attains permanent status (usually 1 year). (UW System employment isn't disqualifying.)
To receive the bonus , a candidate must sign an agreement indicating they will remain in that position for a year . I f the candidate l eave s their position prior to completing the one year, they may be required to reimburse the initial payment.
Job Details
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application.
The Department of Corrections may conduct pre-employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre-employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency of employment. The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting.
For more in-depth information on employment with the State of Wisconsin, please see the State Employee Handbook .
Qualifications
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must possess a Social Worker credential issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services in the form of a:
• Social Worker Training certificate (127)
• Social Worker certificate (120)
• Advanced Practice Social Worker certificate (121)
• Independent Clinical Social Worker certificate (122) or
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker license (123)
Applicants with a temporary credential may be considered, but the regular Social Worker credential must be obtained during the first 12 months of employment.
Applicants must also possess a current Substance Abuse Counselor credential issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services in the form of a:
• Substance Abuse Counselor In-Training certificate (SAC-IT) (130)
• Substance Abuse Counselor certificate (SAC) (131) or a
• Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor certificate (CSAC) (132)
An applicant may also apply to be considered if:
- You have applied for a SAC-IT credential with DSPS
- Your application status on the DSPS site shows all criteria met or your only unmet criteria is the Employment Verification Form.
- You submit your PAR # to confirm your application status.
Anyone hired with a pending SAC-IT application must obtain the SAC-IT credential during the first 12 months of employment.
Candidates will also benefit from:
- Experience applying social work methods and treatment techniques
- Experience treating substance use disorders
- Experience facilitating group and individual counseling
- Experience applying motivational interviewing techniques
- Experience in case planning
- Knowledge of community resources and support programs
- Knowledge of culturally different values
In addition to the two credentials above, in order to be considered for direct hire at the Social Worker - Senior level:
Applicants must also have 12 or more months of social work experience with correctional clients or 2 or more years of social work experience in another state, county, or tribal agency.
How To Apply
The initial screening prior to interview is based on a review of your license(s)/credential(s). You will affirm your possession of the required credential and enter your credential number/PAR# into a text box.
You will be asked to upload a resume or complete the work history. This is step is required by law, but the resume submitted will not be assessed as part of the screening process. Applicants that interview will provide the resume for review at that time.
To apply: Click on "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process to submit your application.
Submitted information will be evaluated and qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
You will be asked about your Social Worker credential in the application process, and there will be a field for you to enter your credential number. Please enter it as it appears on the DSPS website as this is how we will verify your credential. If your credential is listed under a former name, please include the former name.
If your Wisconsin Social Worker credential is pending, wait until it appears on the DSPS site to apply. You must have a current credential of one of the types listed in the Qualifications section to be considered.
You will be asked about your Substance Abuse Counselor credential in the application process, and there will be a field for you to enter your credential number. Please enter it as it appears on the DSPS website as this is how we will verify your credential. If your credential is listed under a former name, please include the former name.
If you are in the process of applying , please enter your PAR # instead. If your application does not have all criteria listed as met except Employment Verification, please wait to apply.
There will be a question related to Part-Time and Full-Time work. Full-Time work is any position with an expectation of 40 hours per week. Part-Time is anything less than 40 hours a week, some positions might be 90%, 80%, 60% et cetera. You would be notified of the percentage when offered an interview and would be able to choose whether to interview based on that information. You will not be able to change your Full-Time/Part-Time selection after you apply without withdrawing and reapplying , so we encourage you to select your options based on what you might be interested in and would like to be contacted about. If you do withdraw to change your FT/PT selection, there will be a window where you may miss opportunities to be certified.
Permanent classified employees who are eligible for consideration as a transfer or voluntary demotion must complete the application process in order to be considered.
Current State of Wisconsin (non-UW) employees: If you arrived at this posting through the Wisc.Jobs site, you will need to go to your Employee Self Services portal and apply through the "Careers" tile on the front page.
Questions can be directed to Athena Foster, HR Specialist - Senior, at Athena.Foster@wisconsin.gov .
The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Please find more on the Department of Corrections' Equity and Inclusion initiative.
If you are interested in a particular facility , make sure you confirm which city the facility is located in when you make your location selections.
Please select all locations you are willing to consider when submitting your application. If you are found eligible and your situation later changes, contact the HR staff above to request an update to your potential work locations.
Recruiting Locations with Social Worker - SAC Positions (Not All Locations Will Have Vacancies) :
Black River Correctional Center (Black River Falls, Jackson County)
Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility (Chippewa Falls, Chippewa County)
Columbia Correctional Institution (Portage, Columbia County)
Drug Abuse Correctional Center (Winnebago, Winnebago County)
Flambeau Correctional Center (Hawkins, Sawyer County)
Jackson Correctional Institution (Black River Falls, Jackson County)
Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution (Plymouth, Sheboygan County)
Lincoln Hills & Copper Lakes Schools (Irma, Lincoln County)
Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility (Milwaukee, Milwaukee County)
New Lisbon Correctional Institution (New Lisbon, Juneau County)
Oshkosh Correctional Institution (Oshkosh, Winnebago County)
Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution (Prairie du Chien, Crawford County)
Racine Correctional Institution (Sturtevant, Racine County)
Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (Racine, Racine County)
Redgranite Correctional Institution (Redgranite, Waushara County)
Robert E. Ellsworth Correctional Center (Union Grove, Racine County)
St. Croix Correctional Center (New Richmond, St. Croix County)
Stanley Correctional Institution (Stanley, Chippewa County)
Taycheedah Correctional Institution (Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac County)
Deadline to Apply
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the needs of the department are met. This posting will be up until: Wednesday December 27 th , 2023 . At that time, we anticipate creating a new job opening to continue recruiting for this classification, and individuals will need to reapply to be considered.
Applications are processed every week, usually on Thursdays .
After your application is processed, you will receive an eligibility designation.
If you are found eligible , then your name will be placed on a register and you will be eligible to be contacted about vacancies as they occur based on matching the locations & part-time/full-time options you selected.
If you are found ineligible due to lacking the required credential, you may e-mail the contact above when your credential is current on the DSPS website If your credential is found acceptable, we will reassess your application. It will only slow down your application process to apply before your credential appears on the DSPS website.
If you have technical difficulties applying, Wisc.Jobs help is available Monday-Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm - 608-267-1012 or wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov Also, some users report better performance when using the Chrome browser.
The Department of Corrections is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using cutting-edge research and evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.
The Department of Corrections is currently accepting applications for Social Worker(Substance Abuse Counselor) positions in locations throughout the state.
DOC is a great place to work! In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:
- Substantial leave time including (for full-time employees) a minimum of 3.5 weeks of combined vacation and personal holiday per year, 9 paid legal holidays, and up to 16.25 days of accrued sick time that can roll over from year to year.
- Insurance : Excellent and affordable health, vision, life, and dental insurance.
- An exceptional pension plan including a lifetime retirement payment.
- An optional tax-advantaged 457 retirement savings plan .
- DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
- The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
- Employee Assistance Program : A free and confidential EAP offering employees and their immediate family/dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
Please click here for a quick downloadable summary of State of Wisconsin employment benefits or click here to explore State of Wisconsin employment benefits on the website.
Part-time employees will receive some of the benefits listed above on a prorated basis. Candidates hired into positions that are less than 60% of a full-time position may not be eligible for all benefits.
Position Summary
This position identifies the nature and cause of client's problem(s) and incapacities as they relate to chemical abuse, social functioning, vocational functioning, vocational functioning, legal functioning, and leisure time functioning.
This position formulates service delivery plans; implements case plans upon approval of the supervisor; provides treatment and guidance in line with accepted modules and develops and refers clients to appropriate community resources.
Salary Information
Social Worker is in pay schedule and range 12-64 with pay starting at $30.29/hour .
Social Worker - Senior is in pay schedule and range 12-63 with pay starting at $33.00/hour .
This position may receive a $1.00 to $2.00 per hour add-on pay based on the type of SAC credential possessed at the time of hire.
Pay rates on appointment for current state employees may vary according to the applicable pay transaction provisions of the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code.
A twelve-month probationary period is required.
Candidates with no prior permanent employment with the State of Wisconsin in the past 5 years may be eligible to accept a sign-on bonus of $2,000. The sign-on bonus will be paid in two installments: $1000 on the first paycheck and $1000 with the paycheck for the pay period in which the employee attains permanent status (usually 1 year). (UW System employment isn't disqualifying.)
To receive the bonus , a candidate must sign an agreement indicating they will remain in that position for a year . I f the candidate l eave s their position prior to completing the one year, they may be required to reimburse the initial payment.
Job Details
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application.
The Department of Corrections may conduct pre-employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre-employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency of employment. The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting.
For more in-depth information on employment with the State of Wisconsin, please see the State Employee Handbook .
Qualifications
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must possess a Social Worker credential issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services in the form of a:
• Social Worker Training certificate (127)
• Social Worker certificate (120)
• Advanced Practice Social Worker certificate (121)
• Independent Clinical Social Worker certificate (122) or
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker license (123)
Applicants with a temporary credential may be considered, but the regular Social Worker credential must be obtained during the first 12 months of employment.
Applicants must also possess a current Substance Abuse Counselor credential issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services in the form of a:
• Substance Abuse Counselor In-Training certificate (SAC-IT) (130)
• Substance Abuse Counselor certificate (SAC) (131) or a
• Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor certificate (CSAC) (132)
An applicant may also apply to be considered if:
- You have applied for a SAC-IT credential with DSPS
- Your application status on the DSPS site shows all criteria met or your only unmet criteria is the Employment Verification Form.
- You submit your PAR # to confirm your application status.
Anyone hired with a pending SAC-IT application must obtain the SAC-IT credential during the first 12 months of employment.
Candidates will also benefit from:
- Experience applying social work methods and treatment techniques
- Experience treating substance use disorders
- Experience facilitating group and individual counseling
- Experience applying motivational interviewing techniques
- Experience in case planning
- Knowledge of community resources and support programs
- Knowledge of culturally different values
In addition to the two credentials above, in order to be considered for direct hire at the Social Worker - Senior level:
Applicants must also have 12 or more months of social work experience with correctional clients or 2 or more years of social work experience in another state, county, or tribal agency.
How To Apply
The initial screening prior to interview is based on a review of your license(s)/credential(s). You will affirm your possession of the required credential and enter your credential number/PAR# into a text box.
You will be asked to upload a resume or complete the work history. This is step is required by law, but the resume submitted will not be assessed as part of the screening process. Applicants that interview will provide the resume for review at that time.
To apply: Click on "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process to submit your application.
Submitted information will be evaluated and qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
You will be asked about your Social Worker credential in the application process, and there will be a field for you to enter your credential number. Please enter it as it appears on the DSPS website as this is how we will verify your credential. If your credential is listed under a former name, please include the former name.
If your Wisconsin Social Worker credential is pending, wait until it appears on the DSPS site to apply. You must have a current credential of one of the types listed in the Qualifications section to be considered.
You will be asked about your Substance Abuse Counselor credential in the application process, and there will be a field for you to enter your credential number. Please enter it as it appears on the DSPS website as this is how we will verify your credential. If your credential is listed under a former name, please include the former name.
If you are in the process of applying , please enter your PAR # instead. If your application does not have all criteria listed as met except Employment Verification, please wait to apply.
There will be a question related to Part-Time and Full-Time work. Full-Time work is any position with an expectation of 40 hours per week. Part-Time is anything less than 40 hours a week, some positions might be 90%, 80%, 60% et cetera. You would be notified of the percentage when offered an interview and would be able to choose whether to interview based on that information. You will not be able to change your Full-Time/Part-Time selection after you apply without withdrawing and reapplying , so we encourage you to select your options based on what you might be interested in and would like to be contacted about. If you do withdraw to change your FT/PT selection, there will be a window where you may miss opportunities to be certified.
Permanent classified employees who are eligible for consideration as a transfer or voluntary demotion must complete the application process in order to be considered.
Current State of Wisconsin (non-UW) employees: If you arrived at this posting through the Wisc.Jobs site, you will need to go to your Employee Self Services portal and apply through the "Careers" tile on the front page.
Questions can be directed to Athena Foster, HR Specialist - Senior, at Athena.Foster@wisconsin.gov .
The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Please find more on the Department of Corrections' Equity and Inclusion initiative.
If you are interested in a particular facility , make sure you confirm which city the facility is located in when you make your location selections.
Please select all locations you are willing to consider when submitting your application. If you are found eligible and your situation later changes, contact the HR staff above to request an update to your potential work locations.
Recruiting Locations with Social Worker - SAC Positions (Not All Locations Will Have Vacancies) :
Black River Correctional Center (Black River Falls, Jackson County)
Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility (Chippewa Falls, Chippewa County)
Columbia Correctional Institution (Portage, Columbia County)
Drug Abuse Correctional Center (Winnebago, Winnebago County)
Flambeau Correctional Center (Hawkins, Sawyer County)
Jackson Correctional Institution (Black River Falls, Jackson County)
Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution (Plymouth, Sheboygan County)
Lincoln Hills & Copper Lakes Schools (Irma, Lincoln County)
Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility (Milwaukee, Milwaukee County)
New Lisbon Correctional Institution (New Lisbon, Juneau County)
Oshkosh Correctional Institution (Oshkosh, Winnebago County)
Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution (Prairie du Chien, Crawford County)
Racine Correctional Institution (Sturtevant, Racine County)
Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (Racine, Racine County)
Redgranite Correctional Institution (Redgranite, Waushara County)
Robert E. Ellsworth Correctional Center (Union Grove, Racine County)
St. Croix Correctional Center (New Richmond, St. Croix County)
Stanley Correctional Institution (Stanley, Chippewa County)
Taycheedah Correctional Institution (Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac County)
Deadline to Apply
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the needs of the department are met. This posting will be up until: Wednesday December 27 th , 2023 . At that time, we anticipate creating a new job opening to continue recruiting for this classification, and individuals will need to reapply to be considered.
Applications are processed every week, usually on Thursdays .
After your application is processed, you will receive an eligibility designation.
If you are found eligible , then your name will be placed on a register and you will be eligible to be contacted about vacancies as they occur based on matching the locations & part-time/full-time options you selected.
If you are found ineligible due to lacking the required credential, you may e-mail the contact above when your credential is current on the DSPS website If your credential is found acceptable, we will reassess your application. It will only slow down your application process to apply before your credential appears on the DSPS website.
If you have technical difficulties applying, Wisc.Jobs help is available Monday-Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm - 608-267-1012 or wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov Also, some users report better performance when using the Chrome browser.
