Correctional Officers - Wisconsin Resource Center

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?

WRC is located in Winnebago, 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.

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.

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 $47/month for single plans and $117/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
• Exceptional pension plan with a 14.7% 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.

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. Every effort will be made to accommodate your shift preference if you are selected for the position, but you will be required to work 2nd or 3rd shift.

There is a 9-week mandatory training program (Pre-service Training) that all selected candidates must attend. While completing training, the hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Be advised that no vacation time will be granted during these first 9 weeks.

WRC is a maximum-security prison that operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. At times, COs may be forced to work overtime, sometimes on short notice.

• 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.

Residents at WRC have severe impairments in daily living as a result of mental health challenges. While COs are there to help the residents, COs may be exposed to verbal assaults, threatening comments, and physical aggression by the residents. COs will be exposed to incapacitating agents and the risk of potentially being assaulted.

This position will require you to work in close contact with the residents of WRC. This will involve gaining access to sensitive information regarding residents’ health, conditions, treatment, and other personal information. As a CO, you are required to maintain confidentiality of resident information.

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.

• 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. DHS is not an E-Verify employer nor a STEM-OPT eligible employer.
• 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. You will also need to be able to bend, twist, kneel and run during the workday. Appointment is contingent upon passing the Pre-Placement Screening.
• 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 Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) following classroom instruction.
• 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. Applicants will not be eligible if they were convicted of a Barred Crime (as defined by Wisconsin Statutes, s. 48.685 and s. 50.065,), or if they were convicted of a crime that is not listed as a Barred Crime, but is substantially related to the position.

This position requires the ability to drive a State vehicle. In order to become authorized to drive a State vehicle, you must meet the requirements for the State of Wisconsin Fleet Vehicle policy, which are:

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

Additionally, your driving record MUST NOT reflect any of the following conditions:

• Three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the past two years;
• Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)/Driving Under the Influence (DUI) citation within the past 12 months;
• Suspension or revocation of driver's license.

Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:

• Legal ability to possess and physical ability to properly utilize firearms.
• Ability to work up to 16 hours per day and more than 40 hours per week on any shift based on daily operational needs. This may include weekends and holidays.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding residents’ personal information.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and meet the requirements of the State of Wisconsin Fleet Vehicle Policy (in the job details section) to drive a state vehicle.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse population of inmates/residents.
• Experience 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.
• Basic computer and mathematical skills.

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 DHSWRCRecruitment@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.

The deadline to apply is August 5, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

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.