Social Worker - Substance Abuse Counselor

Introduction

The Department of Corrections is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.

This position identifies the nature and cause of a client's problems and incapacities as they relate to chemical abuse, social functioning, vocational functioning, legal functioning, and leisure time functioning. The Social Worker formulates service delivery plans, implements approved case plans, provides treatment and guidance in line with accepted modules, and develops and refers clients to appropriate community resources.

Social Worker (pay schedule range 12-64) and Social Worker - Senior (pay schedule range 12-63). Starting pay is based on full years of non-training Social Work Credentialing in Wisconsin. Hourly rates (example for 0-11+ years) are listed below. Add-on pay of $1.00-$2.00 per hour is available based on the type of Substance Abuse Counselor credential possessed at hire, and employees may receive supplemental ($5.00/hr) pay at Green Bay Correctional Institution.

• 0 Years - $32.56 / $35.40 per hour
• 3 Years - $33.16 / $36.11 per hour
• 5 Years - $33.76 / $36.82 per hour
• 7 Years - $34.36 / $37.53 per hour
• 9 Years - $34.96 / $38.24 per hour
• 11+ Years - $35.56 / $38.95 per hour

A sign-on bonus of $3,000 may be earned for applicants with no prior permanent Wisconsin State employment in the past five years. The bonus is paid in two installments and requires a signed agreement to remain in the occupational area for one year.

Current eligible locations:
Columbia Correctional Institution (Portage, WI), Racine Correctional Institution (Sturtevant, WI), Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (Racine, WI), and Stanley Correctional Institution (Stanley, WI).

• Substantial leave time, including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, nine paid holidays, and accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Lifetime pension plan.
• Optional tax-advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• Well Wisconsin Program.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness program eligibility.

Part-time employees receive prorated benefits. Positions less than 60% full time may not be eligible for all benefits.

• Positions are site-based; occasional remote work may be available at specific locations.
• Typical schedule:
  
  daytime hours, Monday-Friday; majority of positions are full-time.
• Travel is occasional for training, meetings, and conferences.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Pre-employment drug screening and criminal background checks are required. New employees are subject to fingerprinting.

• Active Social Worker credential issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (any of: 127, 120, 121, 122, 123). Temporary credentials may be considered if the regular Social Worker credential is obtained within 12 months of hire.
• Active Substance Abuse Counselor credential issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (any of: SAC-IT 130, SAC 131, CSAC 132). Pending SAC-IT applicants must obtain the credential within 12 months of hire.
• Applicants must have both a current Social Worker credential and a current or pending Substance Abuse Counselor credential.
• For a Senior level: a non-Training Social Work credential and either at least 12 months of experience with correctional clients or 2+ years of total social work experience.

Submit an application through wisc.jobs, following the electronic application steps. Include your Social Worker and Substance Abuse Counselor credential numbers (or PAR# if pending). A resume is required for screening; selection is based on credentials and qualifications.

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Reasonable accommodations are provided for applicants and employees with disabilities. Veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability are encouraged to apply through the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until Wednesday, December 16, 2026. At that time a new job opening may be posted; previous applicants will need to reapply.