The Department of Health Services (DHS), Central Wisconsin Center (CWC) is recruiting for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). CWC provides short-term and long-term residential services to assist people living with intellectual disabilities in acquiring the personal skills needed to reach their highest potential. CWC is located on the north side of Madison. 

CWC is part of the Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS). DCTS is committed to helping all state residents live their best lives through an interconnected web of behavioral health services. Watch this video to learn more about the work of DCTS.

Our workers love what they do. But don’t take our word for it. Hear from our employees. 

As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll also have access to an amazing benefits package, including:

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time. 
• Top rated health plan options starting at $42/month for single plans and $104/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service. 
• Premium pension plan with at least a 6.95% employer match in 2025. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package! 
• Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, and High Deductible Health Savings.
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.
• CWC also has a 24/7 fitness center, free parking, and is on the Madison Metro bus route.

The LPN shifts typically run from 6:00 am - 2:30 pm, 2:00 pm - 10:30 pm, and 10:00 pm - 6:30 am. Full-time and part-time options may be available. The benefits for the part-time positions will be pro-rated based on the number of hours worked. We offer a team-oriented atmosphere and a focus on work-life balance. 

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

As an LPN, you are responsible for providing safe and competent nursing cares to persons who have acute and/or chronic conditions with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). You will be accountable for providing prescribed medications and treatments, observing for changes in health conditions, following the plan of care and supporting active treatment programs including basic health care and activities of daily living. You will also work collaboratively with nursing and medical staff, interdisciplinary team members, other health care providers, families and guardians.

Starting salary is between $28.56 and $36.72/hour (approximately $59,400 and $76,300 annually), based on years of licensure. Additional increases are based on years of licensure in the chart below. 

Years of Licensure              Pay Rate
            0                                $28.56
            3                                $30.20
            5                                $31.83
            7                                $33.46
            9                                $35.09
            11                              $36.72

• $.80 /hour night differential and an $.80 /hour weekend differential applies to worked shifts. 
• $2,000 sign-on bonus applies to those with no prior state service in the last five years; who stay with the facility in the position until completing probation. Bonus will be split, $1,000 upon hire and $1,000 after completing probation.
• 12-month probationary period is required. Pay schedule and range is 06/05. 
• Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction.

All applicants who may be appointed to this position will be required to allow DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.

All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by CWC or medical personnel approved by the facility prior to their start date.

DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.

Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:

• Licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse and eligible to practice in the State of Wisconsin in accordance with the Department of Safety & Professional Services. Eligible is defined as you are currently holding certification as an LPN in another state and are eligible to obtain licensure in the State of Wisconsin by the start date.
• Experience in a healthcare setting providing care to patients.
• Experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Experience using an electronic health record (EHR) program for documentation.

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:

• Experience or training working with individuals with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities. 
• Experience with medication administration for multiple routes including enteral. 
• Experience or training with Intravenous therapy.

The letter of qualifications is limited to one (1) page. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here.

Applying is easy! Click “Apply for Job” to start your application process.  Sign in to your account or click “New User” to create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. 

Helpful Tips: 

• Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click “Save” to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline. 
• You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline. 
• Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts according to the qualifications above. 
• Please monitor your email for communications related this position. 
• Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered. 
• If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs. 
• For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Jacque Strook in Human Resources at Jacqueline.Strook@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on Veterans’ hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran’s Affairs, click here.

Applications will be accepted until positions have been filled. 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.