Job Description

Introduction

The Department of Health Services (DHS), Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) is currently recruiting to fill multiple Correctional Officer (CO) positions. The anticipated start date is June 29, 2026.

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. MMHI 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.

Position Summary

Correctional Officer responsibilities include:

• Ensuring only authorized persons enter or exit the building and operating the security equipment in the security centers.
• Supervising and maintaining perimeter security.
• Monitoring visiting areas and activity areas used by patients as well as the units.
• Monitoring patient's movements.
• Patrolling the interior of the secure perimeter and inspection of the building.
• Maintaining safety and security under emergency conditions.
• Communicating orally and in writing.
• Keeping records for security operations.
• Performing non-routine assignments.

Salary Information

Starting pay is $35.37/hour (approximately $73,500/year) or more based on state seniority. Additional increases are based on years of service in the chart below.

Years of State Service Pay Rate

0 $35.37

1 $36.06

2 $37.25

3 $37.95

5 $38.69

10 $39.46

15 $40.23

20 $41.06
25 $41.89

• $.80/hour night differential and an $.80/hour weekend differential applies to worked shifts.
• 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.

• These rates of pay reflect rates if start date is June 28, 2026 or later. Pay for current staff in these positions will also be adjusted to match the pay chart above.

Job Details

• 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.
• Weekends and holidays will be required. All applicants must be willing and available to cover all shifts and work overtime when needed.
• All applicants will be required to allow DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any convictions may be related to the job being filled.
• Individuals must be able to lift 50 pounds several times a day. In addition, individuals need to have the ability to perform complex motor skills and use specialized equipment.
• Appointment is contingent upon passing a fitness assessment. Prior to appointment, all applicants must pass a pre-employment physical ability and agility screen which could include tasks such as running, lifting and kneeling.
• Applicants for this position would not be 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 patients 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)

948.3

Abduction of another’s child; constructive custody

Qualifications

In addition to possessing and maintaining a valid driver’s license** and the ability to work a schedule to include all shifts and overtime and holidays as needed, minimally qualified applicants will have both of the following :

• Experience working as part of a team.
• Experience providing customer service (e.g., answering questions, directing phone calls, providing technical assistance, etc.).

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following :

• Experience documenting incidents or investigations.
• Experience using computer equipment and telephone equipment in a professional setting.
• Experience working with security regulations and safety policies or procedures.
• Experience working in law enforcement maintaining safety/security of inmates or staff. Possible job titles include: Correctional Officer, Police Officer, Jailer, Law Enforcement Agent, Deputy Sheriff, etc.

** State of Wisconsin Fleet Vehicle Policy:

• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Minimum two years non-probationary licensed driving experience with a regular (Class D) driver’s license.
• Must be 18 years of age of older.

Additionally, the driving record must not reflect the following conditions:

• Three or more moving violations (with point reductions) and/or at fault accidents in the past two years.
• An OWI or DUI violation within the past 12 months.
• A suspension or revocation of the driver's license within the past two years or expired driver's license.

Your letter of qualifications is limited to one (1) page. 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 the application process. Sign in to your account or click “Register Now” to create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and 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.
• 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.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply is May 1, 2026 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.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Immediate start, Visa sponsorship, Work visa, All shifts, Monday to Friday, Shift work, Night shift, Weekend work

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