Correctional Officer

Introduction

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?

This position is a phenomenal introduction to the operations of a secure treatment facility where you will be provided with a comprehensive classroom and on-the-job training experience. There are several opportunities for growth and development in many areas of the facility.

Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center (SRSTC) within the Department of Health Services (DHS) is recruiting to fill multiple Correctional Officer positions in Mauston, WI.

The start date for these positions is August 24, 2026. The training academy is 10 weeks long, Monday-Friday, including 2 weeks of on-the-job training. No time off will be allowed during this time. The anticipated timeline for this recruitment is as follows below. Note, this is an estimated timeline and may change as needed.

• Invitations sent for in-person interviews: May 1
• Interviews and physical ability assessments: May 18 - 28
• Hiring decisions finalized and job offers made: July 15 - 21
  
  

Shifts Available

• PM Shift (2nd shift) is 2:00 PM-10:30 PM
• NOC Shift (3rd shift) is 10:15 PM-6:15AM
  
  

SRSTC opened in 2001 and provides care and treatment for several different patient populations. The center houses Wisconsin’s Sexually Violent Persons Program, provides care and treatment for persons found not guilty by reasons of mental disease or mental defect, and provides court ordered treatment, testing, and education to patients found not competent to stand trial. SRSTC is a 500-bed treatment facility and 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 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.
  
  

Position Summary

Responsibilities

As a Correctional Officer, you will be responsible for the security, control, and treatment of patients at SRSTC. This includes but is not limited to:

• Supervising patients in work, housing unit, and activity situations
• Escorting patient off grounds as required
• Patrolling buildings and grounds
• Monitoring visitation
• Providing a therapeutic environment
• Maintaining records keeping systems
  
  

Schedules Include

• 30-minute unpaid meal break for PM shift
• No meal break for NOC shift, however meal is provided and must stay on grounds.
• Weekends and holidays will be required
• Rotating schedule, with rotations of up to 7 days in a row
• 3-4 consecutive days off over a weekend at least once per month
• As needed based on operational needs, overtime shifts up to 16 hours total in one shift may be required
  
  

Salary Information

The starting pay is $34.67 /hour (approximately $72,100 annually) or more based on state seniority. Additional increases are based on years of service in the chart below.

Years of State Service Pay Rate

0 $34.67

1 $35.35

2 $36.51

3 $37.20

5 $37.93

10 $38.68

15 $39.44

20 $40.25

25 $41.06

• $0.80 /hour night differential and an $.80 /hour weekend differential applies to worked shifts.
• A 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.
  
  

Job Details

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.

Must be 18 years of age or older upon appointment.

Due to the nature of these positions, individuals will be required to undergo a physical ability assessment. Continuation in the recruitment process is contingent on passing this assessment. You will be allowed three attempts to pass the physical ability assessment. After being appointed, an academic training program will be administered. Applicants must demonstrate academic proficiency by the end of the training period. Correctional Officers will also be exposed to CS gas and OC (pepper spray) during the training program.

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

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. Applicants for this position would not be eligible if they were convicted of a Barred Crime (as defined by Wisconsin Statutes, s. 48.685 and s. 50.065, see chart below), or if they were convicted of a crime that is not listed below, but is substantially related to the position.

Wisconsin Statutes

Barred Crimes—Cannot hire caregivers convicted of these

940.01

First-degree intentional homicide

940.02

First-degree reckless homicide

940.03

Felony murder

940.12

Assisting suicide

940.19(2) through (6)

Battery (felony)

940.22(2) or (3)

Sexual exploitation by therapist; duty to report

940.225(1) (2) or (3)

First-, second-, or third-degree sexual assault

940.285

Abuse of vulnerable adults (misdemeanor or felony)

940.29

Abuse of residents of a penal facility

940.295

Abuse or neglect of patients and residents (misdemeanor or felony).

948.02(1) or (2)

First- or second-degree sexual assault of a child

948.025

Repeated acts of sexual assault of same child

948.03(2)(a) (b) or (c)

Physical abuse of a child—intentional causation of bodily harm

948.05

Sexual exploitation of a child

948.055

Causing a child to view or listen to sexual activity

948.06

Incest with a child

948.07

Child enticement

948.08

Soliciting a child for prostitution

948.11(2)(a) or (am)

Exposing a child to harmful material, descriptions, or narrations

948.12

Possession of child pornography

948.13

Child sex offender working with children

948.21(1)

Neglect of a child—resulting in death (felony)

948.30

Abduction of another’s child; constructive custody

Qualifications

To be minimally qualified you must:

• Have the legal and physical ability to possess and properly use firearms.
• Be able to work a schedule that may include PM, night shifts, and occasionally AM shifts. Additionally, must be able to work overtime and holidays as needed.
• Meet the requirements of the State of Wisconsin Fleet Vehicle Policy which requires a valid driver’s license, minimum two years non-probationary licensed driving experience with a regular (Class D) driver’s license and must be 18 years of age or older. Additionally, the driving record must not reflect the following conditions: three or more moving violations and/or at fault accidents in the past two years, an OWI or DUI citation within the past 12 months, or suspension or revocation of driver's license.
  
  

It’d be great if you also have at least one of the following:

• Experience or training in security or related field (e.g., corrections, military, law enforcement, secure treatment setting, etc.).
• Good communication skills and an ability to work effectively within a team.
  
  

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.
• 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 Hartmann in Human Resources at katherine.hartmann@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 April 29th by 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.