Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

State of Wisconsin; Union Grove (IL); On-site; USD 35,817 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Vacation & holidays

Health plan

Pension plan

On-site fitness

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Night differential

Weekend differential

Loan forgiveness

Job summary

State of Wisconsin is hiring CNAs for the Southern Wisconsin Center in Union Grove to provide care for individuals with intellectual disabilities, assist with ADLs, and participate in daily activities and events.

Compensation starts at $26.34/hour for Objective and $27.77/hour for Advanced, plus a $3,000 sign-on bonus, night and weekend differentials, and a robust benefits package including vacation, holidays, health plans, pension, PSLF, and a 12-month probation.

Qualifications

• Valid CNA certification.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime up to 15.5 hours per shift.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and interpret charts, diagrams, policies, and procedures.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively with coworkers, staff, supervisors, patients, and residents.

Responsibilities

• Provide care to individuals with intellectual disabilities and engage in daily activities and recreational events.
• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), observe and report behavioral, mental, and physical changes, and record information in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Work cooperatively with an interdisciplinary team to promote a positive living environment.
• Provide care and support for short-term stays during crises as needed.
• Deliver treatment plans and support safe return to community life.

Skills

CNA Certification

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

Introduction

Are you a CNA with a passion for helping people live their best life? Come work with us to assist individuals living with intellectual disabilities in acquiring the personal skills needed to reach their highest potential at the Department of Health Services Southern Wisconsin Center (SWC). Our facility is located at 21425 Spring Street, Union Grove, WI.

Pay and Benefits

• Starting pay $26.34/hr (Objective) or $27.77/hr (Advanced), plus a $3,000 sign‑on bonus* and night/weekend differentials.
• State benefit package: 3.5 weeks vacation, 9 paid holidays, ample sick time.
• Top rated health plans: starting at $47/month (single) and $117/month (family) after 2 months of service.
• Premium pension plan with 7.2% employer match (2026) and a tax‑advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan.
• 24/7 on‑site fitness center.
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer.
• Night differential: $0.80/hr. Weekend differential: $0.80/hr.
• Sign‑on bonus: $3,000 split $1,500 at hire and $1,500 after the 12‑month probationary period.
• 12‑month probationary period required.

Salary Progression

• 0 years: $26.34/hr (Objective), $27.77/hr (Advanced)
• 1 year: $26.88/hr / $28.34/hr
• 2 years: $27.42/hr / $28.92/hr
• 3 years: $27.96/hr / $29.51/hr
• 5 years: $28.50/hr / $30.08/hr
• 10 years: $29.04/hr / $30.67/hr
• 15 years: $29.60/hr / $31.25/hr

Responsibilities (Objective Level)

• Provide care to individuals with intellectual disabilities and engage in daily activities and recreational events.
• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), observe and report behavioral, mental, and physical changes, and record information in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Work cooperatively with an interdisciplinary team to promote a positive living environment.

Responsibilities (Advanced Level – ITP)

• Provide care and support to individuals admitted for short‑term stay due to a community crisis, delivering assessment, treatment, and recommendations for safe return to community life.
• Assist with ADLs and active treatment, implementing complex treatment plans that promote safety, skill development, and reduction of challenging behavior.

Job Requirements

• Background screening and background check.
• Two supervisory references.
• TB skin test.
• Pass a physical evaluation (including lifting up to 55 lbs.).
• No visa sponsorship; must verify U.S. work eligibility (I-9).
• Work scheduled hours with mandatory overtime up to 15.5‑hour shifts; night and weekend shifts with every other weekend off.
• Shifts assigned by seniority; CNAs may sign for transfers as they become available.
• Full‑time and part‑time positions available.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid CNA certification.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime up to 15.5 hours per shift.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and interpret charts, diagrams, policies, and procedures.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively with coworkers, staff, supervisors, patients, and residents.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing direct support services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental or behavioral disorders.
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience following individualized plans of care for patients or residents.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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