The Department of Health Services (DHS), Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) is recruiting for an Assistant Director of the facility. This position will typically work daytime hours, Monday and Friday, and periodically serves as the administrator on-call after business hours.

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, and 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.

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 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 $45/month for single plans and $111/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service. 
• Exceptional pension plan with a 7.2% employer match in 2026 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.

As the Assistant Director, you will carry out the implementation and administration of clinical and administrative services for MMHI. In addition to providing supervision in clinical services areas throughout the Institute, you will also be responsible for:

• all accreditation areas and day-to-day operations. 
• providing appropriate information to agencies, the legislature, and the public on institution operations.
• implementing the Affirmative Action/Civil Rights Compliance Plan (AA/CRC) in its area of responsibilities.

The starting pay is up to $62.38 per hour (approximately $129,700 per year), depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. A 24-month Career Executive trial period is required. 

Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. This position is classified as an Assistant Institution Superintendent and is in pay schedule and range 81/01.

All applicants will be required to allow the 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 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. DHS is not an E-Verify employer nor a STEM-OPT eligible employer.

Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following: 

• Experience working with programs that support individuals with mental/behavioral health and other diagnoses that are involuntarily placed and with other related legal issues. 
• Experience serving in a leadership role within professional health care disciplines (e.g., psychology, social work, nursing, rehabilitation services, etc.) performing tasks such as reviewing and assigning work in clinical areas, delegating work responsibilities, mentoring, or serving as a liaison with community providers.
• Experience supervising subordinate supervisors over clinical staff (e.g., providing direction, leadership, staff development, feedback, coaching, conflict resolution to mid-level/line supervisors, etc.).

Well-qualified applicants will also have at least one of the following: 

• Experience in a supervisory role carrying out clinical duties in a secure 24/7 mental health facility (e.g., mental health hospital, treatment or rehabilitation facility, etc.).
• Administrative experience in a human services field performing tasks related to fiscal/budgetary issues, strategic planning, workforce planning, or recruitment/hiring. 
• Experience developing cultural competence and creating an equitable and inclusive work environment.
• Degree in a human or health services field. 

Your letter of qualifications is limited to two (2) pages. 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.

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 April 8, 2026, by 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.