The Department of Health Services (DHS), Central Wisconsin Center (CWC) is recruiting for tow (2) Respiratory Therapists. These positions may be filled at the Respiratory Therapist or Respiratory Therapist-Senior level based on the selected candidate's qualificaitons. 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:

• Vacation, paid holidays, and ample sick time pro-rated based on the number of hours worked.
• 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 positions will work a minimum of 72 hours in a 2 week pay period with 12-hour shifts. One position will primarily be assigned to work 6:00am to 6:30pm and the other will primarily be assigned to work 6:00pm to 6:30am.

As the Respiratory Therapist, you will be responsible for respiratory therapy (RT) services to individuals who have an intellectual and/or developmental disability or have experienced traumatic injuries or environmental insults. You will be involved in providing the full array of RT services to individuals of all ages with various diagnoses and types of disabilities. You will participate with the interdisciplinary team, unit, and department staff to provide extensive teaching to respiratory students, new CWC employees, and community caregivers and parents. Work at this level involves increased complexity of procedures and increased independence in the performance of these procedures. In addition, this position involves the use of RT equipment and assists with administrative responsibilities.

As the Respiratory Therapist – Senior, you will provide all care that a Respiratory Therapist provides, but also includes responsibilities such as:

• Expertise with clients having life threatening respiratory problems, severe disabilities, and chest deformities.
• Conducting meetings with primary physicians of community clients.
• Coordinating treatment and equipment to be applied after discharge from CWC.
• Arranging for vendors dealing with respiratory equipment.
• Providing training and consultation to community staff and families on specific RT treatment approaches, tracheostomy care, respiratory emergency procedures, lab data collection, long term care and equipment use and care.
• Evaluating clients in terms of participation in leisure community outings and training staff for these outings.

Pay for the Respiratory Therapist role is $33.50 to $36.82 per hour. Pay for the Respiratory Therapist Senior role is $35.50 to $39.16 per hour. Pay will be determined depending on qualifications. A 12-month probationary is required.

A $2,000 sign-on bonus applies to those with no prior state service in the last five years, who stay with CWC in the position until completing probation. Bonus will be split, $1,000 upon hire and $1,000 after completing probation.

Pay for current state employees will be determined by the compensation plan in effect at the time of appointment. Both levels are in pay schedule and range 06/63.

All applicants who may be appointed to these positions 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 center prior to their start date.

These positions have physical requirements which may include but are not limited to lifting up to 55 lbs., carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling, twisting, and balancing. Applicants may be required to pass a physical evaluation to assess these requirements.

DHS does not sponsor work visas for these positions, 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:

• Be certified or eligible to be certified as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the State of Wisconsin. Selected candidate must be certified within 3 months of appointment.

Eligible means a new graduate who has completed all requirements for licensure with the exception of taking and passing the NBRC examination or you hold a license in another state and are eligible to be certified in Wisconsin per the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.

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

• Experience as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• Experience working with individuals who have developmental disabilities.

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.