Recreation Leader - Wisconsin Resource Center

The Department of Health Services (DHS), Wisconsin Resource Center (WRC) is recruiting to fill a Recreation Leader Senior position. This position will work Monday through Friday during daytime hours. 

Come and work for the best!  WRC was recognized as the National Commission on Correctional Health Care’s 2022 Facility of the Year for its commitment to high quality resident care.

WRC is a secure treatment facility that specializes in treating individuals with severe mental health conditions from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.  WRC 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. 

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 $47/month for single plans and $117/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service. 

• Exceptional pension plan with a 7.25% employer match in 2027 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.

As the Recreation Leader – Senior, you will be responsible for providing opportunities to encourage and promote a healthy lifestyle for residents through offered activities, positive interaction, and constructive use of leisure time. You will direct and instruct residents in a variety of recreational and athletic activities and ensure recreational equipment is properly used.

The starting pay is $27.50 to $30.50 per hour (approximately between $57,200 and $63,400 per year), depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period is required. 

Pay for current or former state employees is set based upon the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. This position is in pay schedule and range 12/64.

All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by the facility or medical personnel directed by the facility within 30 days of hire. 

All applicants will be required to allow the DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any convictions may be related to the job being filled. Upon hire, all WRC employees are subject to fingerprinting.

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.

This position has physical requirements which may include but are not limited to ability to push, pull and carry equipment; ability to sit or stand for 45-minute periods (six periods per day); ability to frequently bend, kneel and walk/climb stairs; ability to walk five miles per day. 

Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:

• Experience participating in or volunteering for an organized recreation or leisure program. 
• Experience developing, supporting, or implementing recreational or leisure activities (e.g., arts and crafts, sports, games, etc.).
• Experience working with a multicultural population.

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

• Experience working in a treatment facility, correctional facility, or a community-based program.
• Experience working with a multi-disciplinary team (e.g., security, clinical, education, etc.). 
• Experience serving a population with mental, behavioral, or emotional health issues.

Your letter of qualifications is limited to 1 (one) 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 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 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 [email protected].

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 October 12 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.