Social Worker - Milwaukee Youth Facility

State of Wisconsin; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 69,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation & holidays

Health Insurance

Pension plan

457 retirement plan

Well Wisconsin Program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

State of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Youth Facility, is recruiting a Social Worker (entry or Senior) to provide treatment services, assess needs, and coordinate youth progress in a secure facility. Applicants must meet Wisconsin credential requirements and have experience with correctional clients for senior level consideration.

The role offers a competitive benefits package, possible sign-on bonus, and a probationary period. Apply through the Wisconsin state Careers portal by the stated deadline.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and meet Wisconsin credential requirements for Social Worker, including the listed certificates.
• Senior level requires 12+ months of social work experience with correctional clients or 2+ years of total social work experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide treatment services to enhance youth psychosocial functioning.
• Assess and evaluate youth treatment and security needs per the case plan.
• Coordinate and monitor youth progress and prepare timely investigation reports and case records.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, secure environment and participate in related activities.

Education

Social Worker Training certificate

Social Worker certificate

Advanced Practice Social Worker certificate

Independent Clinical Social Worker certificate or Licensed Clinical Social Worker license

Job description

Introduction

The Department of Corrections, Division of Juvenile Corrections, is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of youth placed in our care. Juvenile Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of youth through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.

The Department of Corrections is currently recruiting to fill a Social Worker position, at the entry or Senior level, located at the new Milwaukee Youth Facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is a re-announcement; if you applied previously, you need not apply again.

Position Summary

This position provides treatment services to enhance the youth's psycho-social functioning; assesses and evaluates a juvenile youth's treatment and security needs in relation to the case plan; coordinates and monitors youth's progress; prepares accurate, timely investigation reports, forms and case records; assists in the development, implementation and maintenance of a safe and secure environment and participates in other job related activities. The social worker must possess a comprehensive working knowledge of Chapters 938, 48, and 51 of the Wisconsin Statutes for correctly administering the youth's commitment order and mental health facility needs.

Salary Information

This position is in pay schedule and range 12-64 (entry) and 12-63 (senior) with a starting pay of $33.22/hour - $38.95/hour, depending on years of certification, plus excellent benefits. Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire. A probationary period is required.

In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Insurance: Excellent and affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• An exceptional pension plan including a lifetime retirement payment.
• An optional tax-advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
• Our Employee Assistance Program offers employees and their immediate family a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• To help you understand what your benefit package would be worth, please see the Total Rewards Calculator here.

Candidate may be eligible to accept a sign-on bonus of $3,000 when hired at eligible locations.

The sign-on bonus will be paid in two installments: $1500 on the first paycheck and $1500 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 occupational area for a year. If the candidate leaves their occupational area 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.

This position is not eligible for remote work.

Qualifications

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• 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.)

In addition to the credential above, in order to be considered for hire at the Social Worker - Senior level: Applicants must also have a non-Training Certificate Social Work Credential AND 12 or more months of social work experience with correctional clients or 2 or more years of total social work experience.

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Appreciative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Questions can be directed to Katie Benson, Human Resources Supervisor, at [e-mail] or 608-240-5503.

Deadline to Apply

Online application and materials must be submitted by 11:59 pm on October 15, 2026.

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