Psychiatric Care Technician/Adv – Mendota Mental Health Institute

The Department of Health Services (DHS), Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) is currently recruiting for multiple Psychiatric Care Technician and Psychiatric Care Technician-Advanced (CNA) positions.

MMHI is located on the north side of Madison and offers a beautiful campus environment, convenient free parking and an onsite workout facility. MMHI is an inpatient psychiatric facility, with one outpatient program, and is an integral part of the entire Wisconsin mental health service delivery system. Our overall service delivery goal is to provide specialized services in treatment, research, training and consultation.

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 $42/month for single plans and $104/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
• Exceptional pension plan with a 6.95% employer match in 2025 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.

MMHI is part of the Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS). DCTS is committed to helping all state residents live their best lives through an interconnected web of behavioral health services. Watch this video to learn more about the work of DCTS.

Employer paid Certified Nursing Assistant Training will be provided. Our CNA class includes 8 weeks of paid classroom and on the job training held during daytime hours, Monday through Friday. During this time, no time off will be allowed, and vacation time will not be able to be used until after 6 months of employment. Regardless of the shift or schedule you are interested in, all applicants must complete this training program schedule.

The anticipated start date is August 25, 2025.

Psychiatric Care Technician (PCT):

As a PCT, you will be responsible for completing nursing care and unit task assignments delegated by the nurse clinician, implementation of treatment plans, and therapeutic activities for patients. You will attend classes, meetings, seminars, etc., to develop and improve work knowledge, abilities, and skills and perform additional duties as assigned.

Psychiatric Care Technician-Adv (PCT-Adv):

As a PCT-Adv, you will work within the Juvenile Treatment Center and/or maximum security units at MMHI. Under direction of the Charge Nurse or Psychiatric Care Supervisor and the line authority of the Nursing Supervisor/Unit Manager, you are responsible for completing nursing care and unit task assignments delegated by the nurse clinician, implementation of patient treatment plans, performing therapeutic activities for/with patients, promoting and reinforcing respectful responsible behavior, performing security-related tasks.

20 $39.07 $44.30
25 $39.86 $45.25

• $.80 per hour night differential and an $.80 per hour weekend differential applies to worked shifts.
• A 12-month probationary period is required for both PCT and PCT-Adv.
• The pay schedules and ranges are 05/31 (PCT) and 05/32 (PCT-Adv).
• Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction.

• Weekends and holidays will be required. All applicants must be willing and available to cover all shifts and work overtime when needed.
• 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.
• 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.
• Appointment is contingent upon passing a fitness assessment. Prior to appointment, all applicants must pass a pre-employment physical ability and agility screen which could include tasks such as running, lifting and kneeling.
• All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by MMHI or medical personnel approved by the facility prior to their start date.
• 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.

Minimum qualified applicants will have all of the following:

• Ability to work a schedule that may include AM & PM shifts or a straight night shift. Additionally, must be able to work overtime and holidays as needed.
• To be considered for the Advanced level, candidates must be able to work on a Maximum-Security Unit or in the Juvenile Treatment Center at MMHI.
• Experience working in a healthcare, rehabilitation services, social services, psychology, correctional setting, secured setting, customer service or service industry environment.

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

• Experience using computer software programs such as an online timekeeping system, Microsoft Outlook, etc.
• Experience observing patients and using physical control techniques when necessary.
• Experience maintaining records.
• Education or classes related to patient care or mental health.

You must include a letter of qualifications and resume. Your letter of qualifications is limited to one (1) page. 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 the application process. Sign in to your account or create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and 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 Rachel Libera in Human Resources at rachel.libera@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 June 16, 2025, 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.