Introduction Do you have an interest in improving community safety and wellness through supervision and support of mental health interventions for justice-involved individuals? Are you looking for an opportunity to earn a competitive wage, receive paid training, and have access to exceptional benefits?This position is a phenomenal introduction to the operations of a secure treatment facility where you will be provided with a comprehensive classroom and on-the-job training experience. There are several opportunities for growth and development in many areas of the facility. Wisconsin Resource Center (WRC) is recruiting to fill multiple Correctional Officer (CO) positions. WRC is located in Winnebago and is the largest psychiatric facility in the state and is the only secure treatment facility in Wisconsin that specializes in treating individuals with severe mental health conditions referred by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and the community. Click here to watch a video to learn more about careers at WRC. Come and work for the best! WRC was recognized as the National Commission on Correctional Health Care's 2022 Facility of the Year for its commitment to high quality resident care. We have a great team of outstanding dedicated professionals and are always seeking to add new talent to our group. We hope you will consider joining us in fulfilling our critical mission. Now hiring for evening and night-shift positions (available shift times are 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm and 10:00 pm to 6:00 am). All applicants must be willing and available to cover all shifts and work overtime when needed. There is a 9-week mandatory training program (Pre-Service Training) that all new hires must attend. The hours for the first 9 weeks are Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Be advised that no vacation time will be granted during these first 9 weeks. As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll 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 6.95% employer match in 2025. 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.
Position Summary As a Correctional Officer at WRC, you will be responsible for the security, control, and treatment of residents at WRC which includes:
- ensuring safety and security of the facility and environment and all those who work and live at WRC as well as the community.
- supervising residents in work, housing unit, and activity situations.
- promoting respectful and responsible behavior in the residents.
- escorting resident off grounds as required.
- patrolling buildings and ground and monitoring visitation.
- providing a therapeutic environment for residents.
- maintaining record keeping systems.
Classes, workshops, meetings and seminars are provided to develop and improve employee skills.
Salary Information The starting pay is $33.66 per hour (approximately $70,000) based on state seniority. Additional increases are based on years of service in the chart below. Effective June 30, 2024 Years of State Service Correctional Officer 0 $33.66 1 $34.32 2 $35.44 3 $36.11 5 $36.82 10 $37.55 15 $38.29 20 $39.07 25 $39.86
- $0.80/hour night differential and weekend differential applies to worked shifts.
- A 12-month probationary period is required. The pay schedule and range is 05/31.
- Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction.
Job Details - All applicants who may be appointed 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.
- Individuals will be required to pass a physical fitness test and medical assessment (fitness for duty) prior to being selected. Individuals need to have the ability to perform complex motor skills, use specialized equipment, and lift 50 pounds several times a day. Appointment is contingent upon passing the Pre-Placement Screening
- All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by WRC or medical personnel approved by the facility within 30 days of the 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.
- After being appointed, a pre-service training program will be administered. Applicants must demonstrate academic proficiency by the end of the training program. During this training period, COs will be certified in incapacitating agents, which includes contamination with/exposure to the incapacitating agents Ortho Chlorobenzalmalonitrile (CS) and Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) following classroom instruction.
- Applicants for this position are not eligible if they were convicted of a Barred Crime (as defined by Wisconsin Statutes, s. 48.685 and s. 50.065, see chart below), or if they were convicted of a crime that is not listed below, but is substantially related to the position.
Wisconsin Statutes Barred Crimes-Cannot hire caregivers convicted of these 940.01 First-degree intentional homicide 940.02 First-degree reckless homicide 940.03 Felony murder 940.12 Assisting suicide 940.19(2) through (6) Battery (felony) 940.22(2) or (3) Sexual exploitation by therapist; duty to report 940.225(1) (2) or (3) First-, second-, or third-degree sexual assault 940.285 Abuse of vulnerable adults (misdemeanor or felony) 940.29 Abuse of residents of a penal facility 940.295 Abuse or neglect of residents and residents (misdemeanor or felony). 948.02(1) or (2) First- or second-degree sexual assault of a child 948.025 Repeated acts of sexual assault of same child 948.03(2)(a) (b) or (c) Physical abuse of a child-intentional causation of bodily harm 948.05 Sexual exploitation of a child 948.055 Causing a child to view or listen to sexual activity 948.06 Incest with a child 948.07 Child enticement 948.08 Soliciting a child for prostitution 948.11(2)(a) or (am) Exposing a child to harmful material, descriptions, or narrations 948.12 Possession of child pornography 948.13 Child sex offender working with children 948.21(1) Neglect of a child-resulting in death (felony) 948.30 Abduction of another's child; constructive custody
Qualifications Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:
- Ability to maintain a safe and secure environment.
- Legal ability to possess and physical ability to properly utilize firearms.
- Must possess and maintain a valid Wisconsin driver's license which meets the requirements of the State of Wisconsin Fleet Vehicle Policy:
- Must have a minimum of two year's driving experience
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Additionally, the driving record must not reflect the following conditions:
- Ability to work a schedule that may include PM and nights shifts and occasionally AM shifts. Must be able to work overtime and holidays as needed.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse population of residents.
- Experience, and/or training patrolling institution buildings and grounds for the control of residents, possible safety hazards, securing areas and any unusual situations which may disrupt the orderly operations of the facility.
- Experience or training utilizing security devices and tactics.
- Possess basic computer and mathematical skills
For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here .
How To Apply Applying is easy! Click Apply for Job to start your application process. Sign into your account or create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process to 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.
- 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 ...@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 .
Deadline to Apply The deadline to apply is August 11, 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.