Certified Nursing Assistant; CNA

Introduction

Do you have a passion to help others while earning a competitive wage with phenomenal benefits?
The Department of Health Services (DHS), Northern Wisconsin Center (NWC) is recruiting for multiple Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) positions. We provide successful applicants with paid on-the-job CNA Certification training.

We are currently recruiting for a start date on April 6th, 2026. The initial 8 weeks of on-the-job training will be daytime hours Monday through Friday**.

Our work schedule includes every other weekend off.

NWC EXCEL is a short-term assessment and treatment facility for individuals who have an intellectual disability as well as a mental illness and aggressive or challenging behaviors. NWC is located at 2820 East Park Avenue in Chippewa Falls.

NWC’s programming is designed to prepare people to live successfully in a community setting. NWC is one of three centers for individuals with intellectual disabilities managed by the Division of Care and Treatment Services.  to see what working for NWC is all about!

• 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.

• CNAs provide personal care, training, and behavioral support to individuals who have developmental disabilities and mental illness.
• CNAs participate in the assessment of client needs and program planning, implementation, documentation, and evaluation.

Starting pay is between $27.22 and $30.63 per hour based on state seniority. Additional increases are based on years of service in the chart below. This position is classified as a Resident Care Technician – Advanced.

• 0: $27.22
• 1: $27.78
• 2: $28.35
• 3: $28.93
• 5: $29.49
• 10: $30.06
• 15: $30.63

• $.80/hour night differential and an $.80/hour weekend differential applies to worked shifts.
• $3,000 sign‑on bonus applies to those with no prior state service in the last five years; who stay with NWC in the position until completing probation. Bonus will be split, $1,500 upon hire and $1,500 after completing probation.
• 12‑month probationary period is required. The pay schedule and range is 06/12.
• Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction.

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.

All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by NWC or medical personnel approved by the facility prior to their start date.

This position has physical requirements which may include but are not limited to lifting up to 55 lbs., standing and walking on hard surfaces, kneeling, stooping, bending, reaching, squatting, pushing, pulling, climbing stairs and twisting.

All appointees must obtain a valid Wisconsin CNA certification within the first 120 days of employment. Employer‑paid training will be provided.

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…