Deputy Director - Wisconsin Resource Center

The Department of Health Services (DHS), Wisconsin Resource Center (WRC) is recruiting to fill a Deputy Director position. This position will generally work Monday through Friday from 7:45am to 4:30pm but is expected to be available via phone after hours.

Come and work for the best! WRC was recognized as the National Commission on Correctional Health Care’s (NCCHC) 2022 Facility of the Year for its commitment to high quality resident care. One of the nation’s only secure facilities focused exclusively on mental health for people involved in the correctional system (and the only facility of its kind in Wisconsin), WRC serves a population with diverse needs. WRC is a leader in innovative mental health services for justice-involved clients. WRC is part of the Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS). 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.

As the WRC Deputy Director, you will oversee the administration and operation of WRC resident housing and services. You will serve as the Chief Operating Officer and a primary consultant to the Director and Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS) Administration regarding the specialized services WRC offers to the State of Wisconsin. You will also provide facility-wide leadership in general oversight for:

• Direction, and planning for resident services,
• Administration of security and safety practices, policies and strategic planning,
• Maintenance of and compliance with the NCCHC and Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards,
• Endorsement of a staff supported and accountable, respectful and professional housing and work environment.
• This position is a leader in intra- and inter-agency communication and collaboration.

The starting pay is $59.88 to $62.38 per hour (approximately $124,500 to $129,700 per year), depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. A 24-month Career Executive trial period is required.

Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. This position is classified as a Deputy Institution Superintendent and is in pay schedule and range 81/01.

All appointees 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.

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.

Minimum qualifications include all of the following:

• Experience supervising subordinate supervisors (e.g., providing direction, leadership, staff development, feedback, coaching, conflict resolution to mid-level/line supervisors, etc.).
• Experience managing operations and staff in a secure facility that provides mental health interventions.
• Experience leading or overseeing inter-agency collaborative projects.
• Experience assessing staffing needs/patterns and aligning resources to meet programmatic or security functions.

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

• Experience providing or overseeing treatment programs for residents in the justice system.
• Experience mediating or addressing conflict between agencies with competing priorities.
• Experience addressing employee relations (ER) issues (e.g., performance, work rule violations, etc.) including performing ER investigations (conducting, reviewing or directing).
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a human service related field (psychology, social work, etc.).

Your letter of qualifications is limited to 2 (two) pages. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here.

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.
• 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 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 March 31, 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.