State Corrections Jobs in Racine, WI (NOW HIRING)

Introduction
The Department of Corrections, Division of Juvenile Corrections, is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of youth placed in our care. Juvenile Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of youth 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 recruiting to fill 5 Social Worker positions, at the entry or Senior level, located at the new Milwaukee Youth Facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Position Summary
This position provides treatment services to enhance the youth's psycho-social functioning; assesses and evaluates a juvenile youth's treatment and security needs in relation to the case plan; coordinates and monitors youth's progress; prepares accurate, timely investigation reports, forms and case records; assists in the development, implementation and maintenance of a safe and secure environment and participates in other job related activities. The social worker must possess a comprehensive working knowledge of Chapters 938, 48, and 51 of the Wisconsin Statutes for correctly administering the youth's commitment order and mental health facility needs.
Salary Information
This position is in pay schedule and range 12-64 (entry) and 12-63 (senior) with a starting pay of $33.22/hour - $38.95/hour, depending on years of certification, plus excellent benefits. 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.
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 .

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.
Job Details
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.
This position is not eligible for remote work.
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.)
In addition to the credential above, in order to be considered for 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. You will need to provide your resume in addition to providing your credentials.
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 Katie Benson, Human Resources Supervisor, at kathryn.benson@wisconsin.gov or 608-240-5503.
Deadline to Apply
Online application and materials must be submitted by 11:59 pm on August 17, 2026.
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