The Department of Health Services (DHS), Northern Wisconsin Center (NWC) is hiring  a full-time Registered Nurse (RN) lead position in Chippewa Falls. 

This position will work either 8 or 12 hours (1800 to 0600) on 3rd shift (overnight) and will include every third weekend. Specific schedules will be provided during the interview process.

As a full-time 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; limitations may apply for leave time usage in the first six months. 
• Top rated health plan options starting at $42/month for single plans and $104/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service. 
• Exceptional pension plan with a 6.95% employer match in 2025 with lifetime retirement payment. 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.

NWC is a short-term assessment and treatment facility for individuals who have an intellectual disability as well as a mental illness and aggressive or challenging behaviors. The programming is designed to prepare people to live successfully in a community setting. NWC is one of three centers for individuals with intellectual disabilities managed by 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.  Click here to see what working for NWC is all about!

As the Lead RN, you will provide direct and indirect nursing care to persons with complex intellectual, behavioral and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). You will be responsible for critical thinking through the application of the nursing process: Assessment, Diagnosis, Plan, Implementation and Evaluation.  In addition, as the Lead Nurse, you will verify staff competencies, utilize evidence based (EBP) best practices, share expertise with members of the team, and educate staff, individuals, families, students, and community providers.

Additional responsibilities include: 

• Overseeing delegated nursing cares provided by Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Resident Care Technicians/Certified Nursing Assistants (RCTs/CNAs). 
• Providing consultation and leadership to unit and community staff regarding persons with complex intellectual, behavioral and/or physical disabilities. 
• Performing advanced assessments and problem-solving nursing care issues. 
• Working collaboratively with interdisciplinary team members to provide a person-centered, active treatment program, including a holistic approach to health care across the lifespan and provides direct nursing care. 

Starting pay* is between $53.96 and $55.46 /hour, based on years of licensure. 

• *Salary includes a *1.00 /hour add-on for hours worked and performing direct care. 
• $3.90 /hour differential for permanent 2^nd or 3^rd shift RNs for work hours between 6pm to 6am.
• 12-month probationary period is required. 
• This position is classified as a Nurse Clinician 3 and is in pay schedule and range 11/01. 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 NWC 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 or or eligibility* for licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Wisconsin by the Department of Safety and Professional Services. Licensure in Wisconsin must be obtained by the time of appointment. *Eligibility is defined as you currently hold a license in another state and are eligible to obtain a license in Wisconsin. 
• Experience with nursing assessments and application of the nursing process.
• Experience overseeing the implementation of a Nursing Care Plan.

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

• Experience triaging the need for medical intervention.  
• Experience providing direction and overseeing the work of other members of the nursing team (e.g., LPNs, CNAs, RNs, etc.)

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 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.
• 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. questions about the position, tp request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Jennie Hocker, Jennifer.hocker@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 May 21^st at 11:59 pm. 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.