Introduction
The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is the state agency that advances public education and libraries in Wisconsin. Our mission is to advance equitable, transformative, and sustainable educational experiences that develop learners, schools, libraries, and communities in Wisconsin. Working at DPI offers you the opportunity to build on our long-standing commitment to public education so that students are learning the skills and knowledge necessary to become contributing members of our communities.
At DPI, we are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. Equity and inclusion are at the core of our organizational values, which include belonging, integrity, love, humility, and honor. These values guide how we build our teams, develop our leaders, and create a culture that empowers everyone to be their authentic selves. When employees are respected and valued for who they are and staff are held accountable for demonstrating that respect to others, we believe it drives greater engagement and collaboration, ignites creativity and innovation, and fosters connection between teams and those we serve.
Our employees enjoy an exceptional employee assistance program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote wellness. We have a team-oriented atmosphere and a focus on work-life balance.
The Wisconsin School for the Deaf (WSD) within the Division of Access and Opportunity is seeking applicants for a
Child Care Counselor 1 position in our Residential Life program, specifically located in the girls' housing. This is a full-time, school year position (80% full time equivalency). WSD is a vibrant, residential school dedicated to serving students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind. In this role, the Child Care Counselor plays a vital part in supporting students' safety, supervision, and daily care, helping them develop independence and thrive in a nurturing residential environment. If you're looking to make a meaningful difference by supporting students in a caring, student-centered community, we encourage you to apply.
Position Summary
The Child Care Counselor 1 provides care and counseling services for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind. This role supports each student in developing independence through individual training programs and daily living experiences, encouraging students to perform tasks they are capable of completing. This is a full-time, school-year position, with hours spanning approximately August through June.
Salary Information
Starting salary will be $19.36 per hour (approximately $32,215 per year , adjusted for the 0.80 FTE ). For current and eligible former State employees, compensation will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan effective at time of hire. This position is in pay schedule 06, range 10. A one-year probationary period will be required.
This position is eligible for a $0.80 per hour night differential for hours worked between 6:00pm and 6:00am, and a $0.80 per hour weekend differential for hours worked on Saturdays and Sundays. Hours that fall during both periods are eligible for both differentials.
Employees in this position may be eligible for a $1.00 per hour add-on for fluency in American Sign Language (ASL), contingent upon achieving an ASL Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) rating of 2+ or higher.
This position offers excellent benefits . The State of Wisconsin is a qualifying employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program .
Job Details
Special notes : This is a 0.80 FTE (approximately 40 hours per week), school-year position. This position may be assigned to second or third shift, depending on operational needs at the time of appointment. Specific hours will be discussed during the interview process. Schedule may occasionally vary a few times per year to accommodate operational needs.
A valid driver's license is required at the time of appointment.
Candidate must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) upon hire. An American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) rating level of at least 2+ by the end of probation is required.
Remote Work : This position is not eligible for remote work and requires the employee to be onsite at their headquarters on the WI School for the Deaf campus in Delavan, WI, during all regular working hours.
Travel : This position does not require regular travel. Occasional travel may be required to support operational needs and ensure student supervision and safety.
Headquarters : The position is headquartered at the WI School for the Deaf campus located at 309 West Walworth Avenue in Delavan, WI. Reimbursement for traveling to or from the employee's headquarters is not provided (e.g., mileage, meals, parking, lodging, etc.).
Pre-hire requirements : A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of hire. A TB screen will be required prior to start.
Legal authorization : Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., without DPI sponsorship). The Department of Public Instruction does not sponsor visas, either at time of hire or at any later time.
Qualifications
A minimally qualified applicant must have:
- Willingness and ability to work in a bilingual / bicultural environment, which includes deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing individuals.
- Experience working with children.
- American Sign Language fluency.
Please note that a college degree is not required for this position.
How To Apply
For this position, please submit an updated resume. View our Application Tips page on the DPI website for additional guidance.
Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the process. References will be requested from top candidates once interviews have taken place.
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. Once you have applied, please send an email indicating your interest in being considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program to the HR staff listed in the job posting.
The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.
Questions? Please contact the recruiter at:
Jamie Smith
DPI Human Resources Specialist - Senior
Phone: (608) 267-9119
Email: Jamie.Smith@dpi.wi.gov
Deadline to Apply
Applications will be accepted until the needs of the Department are met. Applications will next be reviewed after July 27, 2026.
