Introduction
The Department of Corrections is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.
The Department of Corrections , is currently accepting applications for
Social Worker (Substance Abuse Counselor) vacancies throughout the state.
Position Summary
This position identifies the nature and cause of client's problem(s) and incapacities as they relate to chemical abuse, social functioning, vocational functioning, legal functioning, and leisure time functioning.
This position formulates service delivery plans, implements case plans upon approval of the supervisor, provides treatment and guidance in line with accepted modules, and develops and refers clients to appropriate community resources.
A Social Worker credential and a substance abuse credential from the Wisconsin DSPS is required to be considered.
Salary Information
Social Worker is in pay schedule and range 12-64 and Social Worker - Senior is in pay schedule and range 12-63.
Starting pay will be set based on full years of non-training Social Work Credentialing in Wisconsin.
Social Worker Social Worker - Senior
0 Years $32.56/hour $35.40/hour
3 Years $33.16/hour $36.11/hour
5 Years $33.76/hour $36.82/hour
7 Years $34.36/hour $37.53/hour
9 Years $34.96/hour $38.24/hour
11+ Years $35.56/hour $38.95/hour
For Candidates hired with a Social Worker Training Certificate (-127) the progression on years of pay will start when a full Social Worker credential is issued (of any of the other types allowed below).
This position may receive a
$1.00 to $2.00 per hour add-on pay based on the type of SAC credential possessed at the time of hire.
Currently employees are eligible to receive supplemental (add-on) pay of$5.00/hr for all hours worked (not including leave time) at Green Bay Correctional Institution .
Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire. A probationary period is required.
Candidates with no prior permanent employment with the State of Wisconsin in the past 5 years may be eligible to accept a
sign-on bonus of $3,000 when hired at eligible locations. The sign-on bonus will be paid in two installments: $1500 on the first paycheck and $1500 with the paycheck for the pay period in which the employee attains permanent status (usually 1 year). (UW System employment isn't disqualifying.)
To receive the bonus , a candidate must sign an agreement indicating they will remain in that occupational area for a year . I f the candidate l eave s their occupational area prior to completing the one year, they may be required to reimburse the initial payment.
Current Recruiting Locations Eligible for a Sign On Bonus:
Columbia Correctional Institution in Portage, WI (Columbia County),
Racine Correctional Institution in Sturtevant, WI (Racine County),
Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility in Racine, WI (Racine County)
In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:
- Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
- Insurance : Excellent and affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- An exceptional pension plan including a lifetime retirement payment.
- An optional tax-advantaged 457 retirement savings plan .
- The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
- Our Employee Assistance Program offers employees and their immediate family a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
- DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
- Please click here for a summary of State of Wisconsin employment benefits or click here to explore employment benefits on the website.
To help you understand what your benefit package would be worth, please see the Total Rewards Calculator here .
Part-time employees will receive some of the benefits listed above on a prorated basis. Candidates hired into positions that are less than 60% of a full-time position may not be eligible for all benefits.
Job Details
These positions will normally be on site, but certain sites may have occasional remote work available. You can ask about a specific location if you are offered an interview.
Anticipated schedule will be day-time hours Monday - Friday and the majority of positions are full-time. Specifics can be discussed at time of interview. This position is FLSA Exempt.
This position is not anticipated to travel on a regular basis, but most DOC positions occasionally travel for training, meetings, conferences, or similar events.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application.
The Department of Corrections may conduct pre-employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre-employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency of employment.
The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting.
For more in-depth information on employment with the State of Wisconsin, please see the State Employee Handbook .
Qualifications
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants MUST possess
an active Social Worker credential issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services in the form of a:
- Social Worker Training certificate (127)
- Social Worker certificate (120)
- Advanced Practice Social Worker certificate (121)
- Independent Clinical Social Worker certificate (122) or
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker license (123)
(Applicants with a temporary credential may be considered, but the regular Social Worker credential must be obtained during the first 12 months of employment.)
Applicants MUST also possess
an activeSubstance Abuse Counselor credential issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services in the form of a:
- Substance Abuse Counselor In-Training certificate (SAC-IT) (130)
- Substance Abuse Counselor certificate (SAC) (131) or a
- Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor certificate (CSAC) (132)
An applicant may also apply to be considered if:
- You have applied for a SAC-IT credential with DSPS
- Your application status on the DSPS site shows all criteria met or your only unmet criteria is the Employment Verification Form.
- You submit your PAR # to confirm your application status.
Anyone hired with a pending SAC-IT application must obtain the SAC-IT credential during the first 12 months of employment.
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE *BOTH* A CURRENT SOCIAL WORKER CREDENTIAL AND A CURRENT/PENDING SAC CREDENTIAL, YOU WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION.
In addition to the credential above, in order to be considered for direct hire at the Social Worker - Senior level:
Applicants must also have a non-Training Certificate Social Work Credential AND 12 or more months of social work experience with correctional clients or 2 or more years of total social work experience.
How To Apply
To apply, click on "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
The initial screening prior to interview is based on a review of your license(s)/credential(s). A resume is required, but it is not being assessed to determine whether you are eligible to advance in selection. number. Submitted information will be evaluated and qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
You will be asked about your
Social Worker credential/license in the application process, and there will be a field for you to enter your credential number. Please enter it as it appears on the DSPS website as this is how we will verify your credential. This is the credential # that ends in "
-120, -121, -122, -123, or -127". If your credential is listed under a former name, please include your former name in the same text box after you enter your credential number.
You will be asked about your
Substance Abuse Counselor credential in the application process, and there will be a field for you to enter your credential number. Please enter it as it appears on the DSPS website as this is how we will verify your credential. This is the credential # that ends in
"-130, -131, or -132".If your credential is listed under a former name, please include the former name. If you are in the process of applying, please enter your
PAR # instead. If your application does not have all criteria listed as met except Employment Verification, please wait until it does to apply.
Permanent classified employees who are eligible for consideration as a transfer or voluntary demotion must complete the application process in order to be considered.
The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.
The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.
Questions can be directed to Athena Foster, HR Specialist - Senior, at Athena.Foster@wisconsin.gov .
Deadline to Apply
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the needs of the department are met. This posting will be up until:
Wednesday December 16 th , 2026. At that time, we anticipate creating a new job opening to continue recruiting for this classification, and individuals will need to reapply to be considered. Applications are processed every week, usually on
Thursdays. After your application is processed, you will receive an eligibility designation. The register created from this announcement will be used to fill vacancies, statewide, as they occur for up to 6 months.
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