Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 35,569 - 42,195; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3.5 weeks of vacation

9 paid holidays

Health-plan options

Exceptional pension plan

Fitness center

Employee assistance program

Job summary

State of Wisconsin is looking for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to provide care at the Central Wisconsin Center (CWC) in Madison. The role includes assisting individuals with intellectual disabilities, observing behavioral changes, and implementing treatment plans. CNAs will complete nine weeks of paid orientation and must be certified before applying. Additional benefits include a starting pay of $25.82 to $27.22 per hour, a $3,000 sign-on bonus, flexible scheduling, and a strong support structure for employees.

Qualifications

• Valid federal and state CNA certification or recent passing of CNA competency exam.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Experience providing support services to individuals with intellectual disabilities is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide care and assistance to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Observe and report behavioral changes, maintaining daily logs.
• Implement treatment plans and assist with activities of daily living.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Flexibility

Education

CNA certification

Job description

Are you a CNA with a passion for helping people live their best life? Come work with us to assist people living with intellectual disabilities in acquiring the personal skills needed to reach their highest potential! Our team at Central Wisconsin Center (CWC) takes great pride in the care we provide, which includes excellent short‑term and long‑term residential services. This job application is for those who are already CNA certified. Our workers love what they do. But don’t take our word for it. Hear from our employees.

Benefits

Starting pay is $25.82 or $27.22 per hour, plus a $3,000 sign‑on bonus and night/weekend differentials.

• 3.5 weeks of vacation
• 9 paid holidays and ample sick time
• Health‑plan options starting at $45/month for single plans and $111/month for family plans after 2 months of state service
• Exceptional pension plan with a 7.2% employer match in 2026 and a tax‑advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan
• Flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking, and high‑deductible health savings
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program
• Free and confidential employee assistance program for employees and immediate family dependents
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer
• 24/7 fitness center and free parking; location on Madison Metro bus route

Position Summary

As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at CWC, you will complete nine weeks of paid orientation. After orientation, CNAs are assigned to available day, evening, night, or rotating shifts. Flexible scheduling is available. The role requires the ability to work scheduled hours as needed (day, evening, night, weekends, holidays), including overtime up to 15.5 hours per shift. Full‑time and part‑time positions are available.

As a Resident Care Technician (RCT) – Objective, you provide care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You help new residents adjust to their living area, observe and report behavioral, mental, and physical changes, record and summarize information in daily logs and clinical records, and work cooperatively with others to promote a positive living environment.

As an RCT‑Advanced – Intensive Treatment Program (ITP), you are responsible for short‑term care and support to individuals with I/DD who engage in challenging behaviors. You assist with activities of daily living and active treatment, and implement complex treatment plans that promote safety, skill development, and behavior reduction.

As an RCT‑Advanced – Medical Short Term Care Unit (MSTCU), you provide care to individuals with I/DD who have medical complexities, post‑surgical or rehabilitative needs. You assist with activities of daily living, active treatment, and achievement of individualized goals, and adapt to changing resident populations and medical acuity.

The RCT‑Advanced positions incorporate advanced knowledge of Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with I/DD, adhering to regulations on individual protections, active treatment services, behavior programs, health care services, and dietary services.

Salary Information

Salary ranges:

• Objective: $25.82 to $29.01 per hour based on state seniority
• Advanced: $27.22 to $30.63 per hour based on state seniority

Additional compensation:

• Night differential: $0.80 per hour
• Weekend differential: $0.80 per hour
• Sign‑on bonus: $3,000 (split $1,500 at hire and $1,500 after probation)
• 12‑month probationary period
• Pay schedules: RCT‑Objective 06/11, RCT‑Advanced 06/12

Job Details

All applicants must allow the Department of Health Services to conduct a background check, TB test, and a physical screening that includes lifting up to 55 lbs., carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling, twisting, and balancing. DHS will not sponsor work visas; applicants must verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the I‑9 form upon hire.

Qualifications

• Hold federal and state CNA certification or have passed the CNA competency exam within the last two months and be waiting for name placement on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry.
• Must be 18 years of age upon hire.
• Attend the required full‑time orientation, Monday‑Friday during the first nine weeks of employment.
• Work nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed, including staying on for the next shift.
• Read, comprehend, and interpret charts, diagrams, policies, and procedures.
• Work effectively as a member of a team and interact with others.
• Well‑qualified applicants may also have experience providing direct support services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental or behavioral disorders.

Equal Opportunity Statement

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Deadline to Apply

Applications will be accepted until positions have been filled.