Therapist (Recreation, Art, or Music) - Mendota Mental Health Institute

The Department of Health Services (DHS) , Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) is recruiting for a Recreation, Art, or Music Therapist . This position may be filled at the Therapist or Therapist-Senior level based on the selected candidate’s qualifications. 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, specializing in serving patients with complex psychiatric conditions, often combined with certain problem behaviors. MMHI is an integral part of the entire Wisconsin mental health service delivery system. 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 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 a Therapist, you will serve as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team on a unit in a maximum security setting, performing the following duties: Designing, coordinating, implementing and evaluating therapeutic programming in conformance with unit goals and treatment methods. Serving as a member of the Rehabilitation Services Department.

Training students and students from related disciplines. Program evaluation and research.

The starting pay for the Therapist is between $29.00 and $32.00 per hour (between $60,300 and $66,500 per year), depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. The pay schedule/range is 11/05. The starting pay for the Senior level is between $34.00 and $41.26 per hour (between $70,700 and $81,400per year), depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits.

The pay schedule/range is 11/04. A 12-month probationary period is required for both levels. Pay for current or former state employees is set based upon the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. ** Music & Art Therapist Only: $3,000 sign-on bonus applies to those with no prior state service in the last five years; who stay with MMHI in the position until completing probation.

Bonus will be split, $1,500 upon hire and $1,500 after completing probation.

All applicants who may be appointed to this position 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. 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 the 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 the following: A bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy or a specialty area such as art therapy or music therapy. OR Certification as a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) at the time of hire by the Art Therapy Credentials Board or another national organization that certifies, registers, or accredits Art Therapists OR Certification as a Music Therapist through the National Board for Music Therapists or similar organization that accredits Music Therapists.

OR Certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification or similar organization that accredits Recreational Therapists . Well-qualified applicants will also have at one or more of the following: Experience providing recreation, art, or music therapy services.

Experience working with youth psychiatric patients. Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Two (2) or more years of experience as a professional Therapist. Your letter of qualifications is limited to 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 click “Register Now” to 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 .

Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.