Therapy Assistant - Northern Wisconsin Center

Introduction

The Department of Health Services (DHS), Northern Wisconsin Center (NWC) is recruiting to fill a Therapy Assistant – Objective position in Chippewa Falls. This position will work 7:45 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and may require earlier or later hours based on the needs of the facility.

NWC 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. The 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 DHS. Our workers love what they do. But don’t take our word for it. Hear from our employees. Click here to see what working for NWC is all about!

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 at least 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

As a Therapy Assistant, you will be responsible for planning and conducting recreational and vocational activities that align with the developmental needs of the clients. You will promote the therapy objectives of the clients as determined by the Interdisciplinary team using proactive teaching and behavioral approaches.

Salary Information

The starting pay is $22.20 per hour (approximately $46,100 per year), plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary 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 in pay schedule and range 06/12.

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.

Requirements

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 licensed driving experience;
• 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.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have:

• Experience planning or coordinating activities in a recreational, vocational, or therapeutic setting.
• Experience working with individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
  
  

Well-qualified Applicants Will Have

• Experience working with adaptive equipment for providing patient therapy activities.
• Experience working as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
  
  

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 an 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.
• You will be required to attach your current resume in a Word or PDF compatible format and answer one or more questions.
• Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts according to the qualifications above.
• Please monitor your email for communications related 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 or questions regarding your application can be directed to Liz Herrick at ElizabethA.Herrick@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 14, 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.