The Department of Health Services (DHS), Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) is currently recruiting for an Occupational Therapist.

This is a re-announcement. If you previously applied, you won’t need to reapply.

MMHI is located on the north side of Madison and offers a beautiful campus environment, convenient free parking and an onsite workout facility. MMHI is an inpatient psychiatric facility, with one outpatient program, specializing in serving patients with complex psychiatric conditions, often combined with certain problem behaviors. MMHI is an integral part of the entire Wisconsin mental health service delivery system.

MMHI 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.

As an employee of the state of Wisconsin, you'll 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 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, parking and High Deductible Health Savings.
• A casual office atmosphere, flexible work schedules, and telework options depending on the position’s requirements.
• 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.

As an Occupational Therapist, you will function as an advanced level clinician providing comprehensive therapeutic programming in the Forensic Treatment Malls. Duties include:

• Designing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating the Occupational Therapy programming.
• Participating as a liaison to the multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Completing consultations, referrals, and evaluations.
• Supervising assigned Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA's).
• Training Occupational Therapy students from related disciplines.
• Program Evaluation and Research.

Starting pay is between $37.50 and $44.21 per hour ($78,000 and $91,900 per year), depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. 

Pay for current or former state employees is set based upon the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. The pay schedule/range is 11/03. A 12-month probationary period is required.

All applicants will be required to allow DHS to conduct a Caregiver background check to determine whether the circumstances of any convictions may be related to the job being filled.

All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by the facility or medical personnel directed by the facility within 30 days of the 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 both of the following:

• Certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and licensed or eligible for licensure as an Occupational Therapist by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. You must obtain licensure by the time of appointment.
• Ability to work scheduled hours as needed, which may include evenings.

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

• Experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Experience providing Occupational Therapy Services.
• Experience working with adult psychiatric patients.

For a guide on developing your resume and what should be included, click here.

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

Helpful Information: 

• 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.
• Please monitor your email for communications related to 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 Rachel Libera in Human Resources at rachel.libera@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.

The deadline to apply for this position is 04/02/25 by 11:59pm. 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.