Forensic Social Services Supervisor

The Department of Health Services (DHS), Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) is recruiting for a Forensic Social Services Supervisor. This position will typically work daytime hours, Monday through Friday.

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.

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.

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, 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 Forensic Social Work Supervisor, you will provide institute-wide leadership of the MMHI forensic social work program and direct supervision of MMHI forensic social workers. You will ensure social workers at MMHI are competent to practice social work as defined by the National Association of Social Work (NASW), Wisconsin State Statutes and Wisconsin Administrative Code Related to the Practice of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors. Additional duties include:

• Collaborating with the Community and Social Services Director to ensure that institution social work staff are performing psychosocial assessment, treatment, and discharge activities in accordance with the standards set forth by The Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare Services (CMS), Department of Health Services (DHS), and MMHI policies and procedures.
• Monitoring the professional practice of forensic social workers through the development and implementation of a continuous quality improvement monitoring plan and provision of clinical supervision to staff in the completion of their duties.
• Participating with the clinical leadership of MMHI to ensure quality care and treatment is provided throughout MMHI.
• Participating in professional organizations and interagency meetings, as appropriate, to enhance relationships between MMHI and community human service professionals who work with MMHI patients.

The starting pay is between $43.50 to $45.67 per hour (approximately between $90,400 to $94,900 per year), depending on qualifications, 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 81/03.

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.

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.

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.

Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:

• Certified or eligible** for certification as a Clinical Social Worker in the State of Wisconsin.
• Experience supervising, managing, or leading the practice of Social Workers in a regulated healthcare setting (e.g., reviewing or assigning work, training or mentoring, etc.).
• Experience developing programs or writing policies and procedures.

• Experience providing clinical supervision to Advanced Practice Social Workers.

** Eligible is defined as: you currently hold certification in another state and are eligible to obtain licensure in Wisconsin.

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

• Experience working collaboratively with multiple clinical disciplines (e.g. nursing, occupational therapy, psychology, substance abuse, etc.) in a behavioral health inpatient or outpatient program.
• Experience with quality improvement principles in the delivery of behavioral health services under the standards of care and regulatory oversight established by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Certified Medicare Services (CMS), the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) or The Joint Commission (TJC).
• Experience working with civil or forensic behavioral health populations.

Your letter of qualifications and resume are limited to two (2) pages each. 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 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.

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.
• You will be required to attach your current resume and Letter of Qualifications 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 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 Shea O’Malley in Human Resources at shea.omalley@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 May 3, 2026 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.