The Department of Health Services (DHS), Central Wisconsin Center (CWC) is recruiting for Registered Nurses (RN), also known as a Nurse Clinician 2. 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 at 317 Knutson Drive 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, parking 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. 

Both part-time and full-time positions are available. AM shift is 6:00 am - 2:30 pm, PM shift is 2:00 pm - 10:30 pm, and NOC shift is 10:00 pm - 6:30 am. 

Employees who work between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. will receive a night differential of $1.40 per hour. Employees who are permanently assigned to night shift will receive an additional $2.50 per hour for a total of $3.90 per hour.

Employees will receive an additional weekend differential of $0.80 per hour for all weekend hours worked.

The incumbent of this position will need to be available to work weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime as needed.

As a professional nurse, you will be responsible for the application of the nursing process in meeting health care needs of the residents at CWC. You will work in close collaboration with the unit lead nurse and the interdisciplinary team to provide active treatment, including a holistic approach to health care, to promote care excellence across the lifespan. You will have responsibility for directing /coaching staff regarding the diverse safety and health care needs of individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. You will oversee all nursing care provided by the Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA).

Starting salary is between $41.61 and $48.16 /hour (approximately $86,500 and $100,100 annually), based on years of licensure. Additional increases are based on years of licensure in the chart below. 

Years of Licensure              Pay Rate
            0                                $41.61
            3                                $43.74
            5                                $44.84
            7                                $45.95
            9                                $47.06
            11                              $48.16

• $1.40 /hour differential for 1^st shift RNs that work hours between 6pm and 6am.
• $3.90 /hour differential for permanent 2^nd or 3^rd shift RNs for work hours between 6pm to 6am.
• $0.80 /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. 
• A 12-month probationary period is required. The pay schedule and range is 11/02. 
• Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction.

All applicants will be required to allow DHS to conduct a 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 CWC or medical personnel approved by the facility prior to their start date.

All appointees will be required to be CPR certified.

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.

At a minimum, you’ll need the following:

• Licensure or eligibility** for licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Wisconsin. Selected candidate must be licensed in Wisconsin within 3 months of appointment.
• Education or experience providing nursing care to patients according to Nursing Practice Standards.
• Excellent communication skills.
• An ability to participate as a member of an interdisciplinary team.

**Eligibility is defined as your license application/exam is in process with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services or you currently hold a license in another state and are eligible to obtain a license in the State of Wisconsin.

It’d be great if you also have at least one of the following:

• Two (2) or more years as a Registered Nurse
• Long Term Care and/or Medical/Surgical direct care or relevant experience
• Excellent problem and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to effectively delegate and oversee the work of LPN’s and CNA’s.
• Experience applying Nursing Standards of Practice to meet the specific needs of the IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) population at CWC.

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

Applying is easy! Click “Apply for Job” to start your application process. Sign in to your account or 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 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.