Introduction
The Department of Health Services (DHS), Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) is recruiting for a Director of Social and Community Services in Madison, WI.
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..
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 7.2% 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
Responsibilities
As the Director of Social Community Services, you will be responsible for the administration, direction, and oversight of the Social Services Department at MMHI. Responsibilities include:

• Establishment and implementation of program goals and objectives which includes the development, implementation, and revision of program policies and procedures.
• Establishment and management of professional working relationships with communities across the State, including participation in community engagement meetings related to MMHI expansion efforts for civil, forensic and juvenile inpatient treatment and community placements.
• Collaboration with other state agencies and community/county systems in critical areas impacting the social services program, including participation in the development and implementation of admission processes and discharge planning.
• Leadership and provision of clinical supervision of social services staff.
• Development and oversight of the field placement program for graduate Social Work students.
• Development and implementation of quality assurance and performance improvement measures for the Department.
  

Salary Information
The starting pay is between $49.00 to $52.75 per hour (approximately between $101,900 to $109,700) depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. A 24-month career executive trial 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 classified as a Social & Community Services Director and is in pay schedule and range 81/02.
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 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.
Qualifications
Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:

• Experience supervising, managing, leading or directing the practice of Social Workers in a regulated healthcare setting.
• Experience developing programs or writing policies and procedures.
• Certification as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Must be licensed by time of appointment.
  

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

• Experience working with civil or forensic behavioral health populations.
• 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 working 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).
  

Your letter of qualifications is limited to two (2) pages. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here.
How To Apply
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.
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.
• 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.
Deadline to Apply
The deadline to apply is July 9, 2026 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.