The Department of Health Services (DHS), Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) is recruiting for a Work Therapist in the Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center (MJTC). This position may be filled at the Therapist or Therapist-Senior level based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

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. MMHI is an integral part of the entire Wisconsin mental health service delivery system. Our overall service delivery goal is to provide specialized services in treatment, research, training and consultation.

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; 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.
• Premium pension plan with at least a 6.9% employer match in 2024. 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.

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 strives to protect and promote the health and safety of all people of Wisconsin through the efforts of a dedicated and diverse workforce. DHS works to ensure access to individuals, families, and communities to achieve positive health outcomes in the areas of abuse prevention, mental health, public health, family care, long-term care, and much more.

As a Work Therapist, you will serve as a member of the MJTC multidisciplinary treatment team, performing the following duties: 

• coordinating, implementing, and providing a diversified work therapy and education program including creating job opportunities, training and supervising youth workers, and co-facilitating work education groups.
• participating as an active member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and Rehabilitations Services Department.

The starting pay for the Therapist is between $28.00 and $30.00 per hour (between $58,200 and $62,400 per year), depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. The pay schedule/range is 11/05.

The starting pay for the Senior level is between $32.00 and $39.27 per hour (between $66,500 and $81,600 per year), depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. The pay schedule/range is 11/04.

A 12-month probationary period is required for both levels. Pay for current or former state employees is set based upon 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 MMHI 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:

• Ability to work scheduled hours as needed, which may include evenings.
• Experience coordinating, implementing, and providing diversified work therapy and education programs.
• Experience integrating knowledge of multicultural issues, ethnic diversity, and individual differences into therapeutic programming.

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

• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience working with adolescents with behavior issues or psychiatric needs.
• Experience analyzing and evaluating behavior change and treatment effectiveness.

Your 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 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 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 is June 16, 2025 at 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.