Psychiatric Care Technician Advanced (CNA)

Introduction

Do you have a passion to help others? Are you looking to start or continue your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and looking for an opportunity to earn a competitive wage, receive paid on-the-job training, and have access to exceptional benefits?

Winnebago Mental Health Institute (WMHI), located near Oshkosh Wisconsin, is recruiting to fill multiple CNA [Psychiatric Care Technician Advanced (PCT-A)] positions. WMHI is a psychiatric hospital providing quality mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults.

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, 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 (2:30 pm to 11:00 pm; 10:30 pm to 7:00 am) with tentative hire dates of July 13, 2026, or August 24, 2026 (depending on number of open positions). Please note that the first 9 weeks of employment will consist of CNA training and time off will not be approved during this time. Employees must be available to train/work all three shifts (2:30 pm to 11:00 pm, 10:30 pm to 7:00 am, and 6:30 am to 3:00 pm).

Position Summary

As a PCT-A you will be responsible for the following duties:

• Implementing Individualized Treatment Plans.
• Monitoring and observing patient conditions.
• Maintaining patient records.
• Maintaining the safety of the personnel and patients.
• Maintaining a clean and safe environment.
• Participating as a team member in patient treatment planning.
• Assisting with orientating new patients and staff.
• Utilizing Crisis Prevention and Management (CPM) techniques when verbal or physical intervention is required to protect patient from injury to self, others, or the destruction of property.
  
  

Ongoing training/education related to patient care will be provided.

Salary Information

The starting pay is $37.08 per hour (approximately $77,100 per year) or more based on state seniority. Additional increases are based on years of state service in the chart below.

Years of State Service Pay Rate

0 $37.08

1 $40.54

2 $41.95

3 $42.82

5 $43.69

10 $44.62

15 $45.58

20 $46.55

25 $47.55

• $.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 05/32.
• Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction.
• These rates of pay reflect if start date is June 28, 2026, or later. Pay for current staff in these positions will also be adjusted to match the pay chart above.
  
  

Job Details

Individuals must be able to lift 50 pounds several times a day. In addition, individuals need to have the ability to perform complex motor skills and use specialized equipment. Prior to beginning employment, candidates must pass a pre-employment health assessment and pre-employment physical ability and agility screening which could include tasks such as running, lifting, and kneeling.

All appointees will be required to receive a TB screen, which will be administered by WMHI or medical personnel approved by the facility prior to their start date.

DHS does not sponsor work visas for these positions, 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.

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.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:

• Ability to work a schedule that includes straight evening, straight night, or straight day shifts. Additionally, must be able to work more than 8 hours in a day (up to 15.5 hours), more than 40 hours in a week, and holidays as needed. PCT-A’s are scheduled to work set rotations, including weekends.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions.
• After being selected for employment, an employer provided CNA training program will be administered. Applicants must demonstrate academic proficiency in this training by the end of the 7th week.
• Applicants holding an active CNA certification in good standing from another state may be able to transfer CNA certification to Wisconsin via reciprocity. Access the application by going to the following website: WI Nurse Aid Program. This must be completed by the start of employment.
  

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

• Experience working with patients in a health care or correctional setting.
• Experience maintaining accurate patient records.
• Training on use of security techniques.
• CNA experience or licensure.
  
  

For a guide on developing your resume and what should be included, click here.

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 Allyvia Vang at allyviam.vang@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.

You will be required to attach your current resume in a Word or PDF compatible format and answer one or more questions.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply is May 18, 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.