Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA Training Provided) - Northern Wisconsin Center

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 CNA positions. We provide successful applicants with paid on-the-job CNA Certification training.

We are currently recruiting for a start date on January 12th, 2026. The initial 8 weeks of on-the-job training will be daytime hours Monday through Friday**.

• January 19th will be a required workday, which is a legal holiday. You will be paid time and one half for all hours worked on this holiday. You will also be granted that legal holiday as a floating holiday to use at any point throughout the year.
  
  

Our work schedule includes every other weekend off.

Northern Wisconsin Center (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, located at 2820 East Park Avenue in Chippewa Falls, is recruiting to fill multiple Resident Care Technician-Advanced (RCT-Adv) positions, also known as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA).

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. Click here 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.
  
  

Position Summary

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

Salary Information

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.

Years of State Service Pay Rate

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.
• $2,000 sign-on bonus applies to those with no prior state service in the last five years; who stay with the facility in the position until completing probation. Bonus will be split, $1,000 upon hire and $1,000 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.
  
  

Job Details

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 employer nor a STEM-OPT eligible employer.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have:

• Must be 18 years of age or older upon appointment.
• Must be willing and available to attend the required training full-time, Monday-Friday during the first 8 weeks of employment.
• Must be willing and available to work nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed including staying for the next shift or working additional shifts as assigned to maintain facility staffing requirements. (up to 15.5 hours total in one shift)
• Ability to read, comprehend, and interpret charts/diagrams and policies/procedures.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team and interact with others.
  
  

Well-qualified Applicants Will Have

• Experience working with individuals who have an intellectual disability, mental illness or behavioral challenges.
• Experience or training with developmental, behavioral, or health needs of individuals who have an intellectual disability, mental illness and behavioral challenges.
  
  

How To Apply

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 may 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 Katie Rudnick at Katie.Rudnick@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 November 24th 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.