Social Worker - Milwaukee Youth Facility

Wisconsin Department of Corrections; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 46,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Pension plan

457 retirement plan

Well Wisconsin Program

Employee Assistance Program

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Wisconsin Department of Corrections seeks a Social Worker to deliver treatment services, assess needs, and monitor progress for youth within the state system. The role requires active DSPS credentials and adherence to relevant Wisconsin statutes in case management and commitment orders.

Responsibilities include preparing accurate reports, coordinating care plans, and contributing to a secure facility environment while meeting statutory requirements and program standards.

Qualifications

• Active credential issued by the Wisconsin Department Of Safety And Professional Services (DSPS).
• Credential required for Social Worker role per Wisconsin statutes.

Responsibilities

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

Education

Social Worker Credential – DSPS

Social Worker Training certificate (127)

Social Worker certificate (120)

Advanced Practice Social Worker certificate (121)

Independent Clinical Social Worker certificate (122)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker license (123)

Job description

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.

Benefits

• 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.

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 $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

Applicants MUST possess an active 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.)

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 Affinitive 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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