Social Worker - Substance Abuse Counselor

State of Wisconsin; Fond du Lac (WI); Hybrid; USD 44,854 - 48,987; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus up to $3,000

Health and dental insurance

Lifetime pension plan

Employee Assistance Program

Public Service Loan Forgiveness program eligibility

Job summary

The State of Wisconsin is seeking a qualified Social Worker to join its Department of Corrections. This role focuses on aiding clients with social functioning issues, implementing treatment plans, and connecting them to resources. Candidates must possess active Social Worker and Substance Abuse Counselor credentials.

Starting pay ranges from $32.56 to $35.56 per hour, with potential sign-on bonuses and comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a pension plan.

Benefits also include substantial leave time and a supportive work environment, emphasizing the importance of public service.

Qualifications

• Active Social Worker credential from Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
• Experience with correctional clients preferred for Senior level.
• Temporary credentials may be accepted if regular credential obtained within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Identify client problems and formulate service delivery plans.
• Implement approved case plans and provide treatment guidance.
• Develop and refer clients to community resources.

Skills

Active Social Worker credential

Active Substance Abuse Counselor credential

Experience with correctional clients

Strong communication skills

Education

Social Work degree

Job description

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 evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.

Position Summary

This position identifies the nature and cause of a client's problems and incapacities as they relate to chemical abuse, social functioning, vocational functioning, legal functioning, and leisure time functioning. The Social Worker formulates service delivery plans, implements approved case plans, provides treatment and guidance in line with accepted modules, and develops and refers clients to appropriate community resources.

Salary & Compensation

Social Worker (pay schedule range 12-64) and Social Worker - Senior (pay schedule range 12-63). Starting pay is based on full years of non-training Social Work Credentialing in Wisconsin. Hourly rates (example for 0-11+ years) are listed below. Add-on pay of $1.00-$2.00 per hour is available based on the type of Substance Abuse Counselor credential possessed at hire, and employees may receive supplemental ($5.00/hr) pay at Green Bay Correctional Institution.

• 0 Years - $32.56 / $35.40 per hour
• 3 Years - $33.16 / $36.11 per hour
• 5 Years - $33.76 / $36.82 per hour
• 7 Years - $34.36 / $37.53 per hour
• 9 Years - $34.96 / $38.24 per hour
• 11+ Years - $35.56 / $38.95 per hour

A sign-on bonus of $3,000 may be earned for applicants with no prior permanent Wisconsin State employment in the past five years. The bonus is paid in two installments and requires a signed agreement to remain in the occupational area for one year.

Sign-On Bonus Eligibility

Current eligible locations: Columbia Correctional Institution (Portage, WI), Racine Correctional Institution (Sturtevant, WI), Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (Racine, WI), and Stanley Correctional Institution (Stanley, WI).

Benefits

• Substantial leave time, including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, nine paid holidays, and accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Lifetime pension plan.
• Optional tax-advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• Well Wisconsin Program.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness program eligibility.

Part-time employees receive prorated benefits. Positions less than 60% full time may not be eligible for all benefits.

Job Details

• Positions are site-based; occasional remote work may be available at specific locations.
• Typical schedule: daytime hours, Monday-Friday; majority of positions are full-time.
• Travel is occasional for training, meetings, and conferences.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Pre-employment drug screening and criminal background checks are required. New employees are subject to fingerprinting.

Qualifications

• Active Social Worker credential issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (any of: 127, 120, 121, 122, 123). Temporary credentials may be considered if the regular Social Worker credential is obtained within 12 months of hire.
• Active Substance Abuse Counselor credential issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (any of: SAC-IT 130, SAC 131, CSAC 132). Pending SAC-IT applicants must obtain the credential within 12 months of hire.
• Applicants must have both a current Social Worker credential and a current or pending Substance Abuse Counselor credential.
• For a Senior level: a non-Training Social Work credential and either at least 12 months of experience with correctional clients or 2+ years of total social work experience.

How to Apply

Submit an application through wisc.jobs, following the electronic application steps. Include your Social Worker and Substance Abuse Counselor credential numbers (or PAR# if pending). A resume is required for screening; selection is based on credentials and qualifications.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Reasonable accommodations are provided for applicants and employees with disabilities. Veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability are encouraged to apply through the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Deadline to Apply

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until Wednesday, December 16, 2026. At that time a new job opening may be posted; previous applicants will need to reapply.