Switchboard Operator

Winnebago Mental Health Institute (WMHI), located near Oshkosh Wisconsin, is hiring a Switchboard Operator. The position will work primarily PM shift (3:00 pm to 11:00 pm) but may be asked to work other shifts on occasion and will need to be available to work all days of the week, weekends and holidays. 

WMHI is a part of the Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS) and is a psychiatric hospital providing quality mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. 

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.

Position Summary

As a Switchboard Operator, you will be responsible for:

• Providing support and assistance to supervisor and other administrative staff on the Institute's digital switchboard console.
• Providing dispatch on State Radio system and in emergency situations.
• Monitoring emergency and security alarms and equipment.
• Maintaining accurate files and logs.
• Distributing and preparing mail.
• Providing miscellaneous clerical duties.

Salary Information

The starting salary is $19.10 per hour or the minimum at the time of appointment, plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period is required. 

$.80 /hour night differential and an $.80 /hour weekend differential applies to worked shifts. 

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 an Office Associate and is in pay schedule and range 02/09.

Job Details

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 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 both of the following:

• Ability to work scheduled hours as needed. Schedule may include all days of the week including weekends and holidays; and may need to cover other shifts (AM, PM, Night) as needed.    
• Experience providing customer service in person or by phone (e.g., providing instructions, answering questions, resolving customer complaints/conflict, etc.) in a professional or business setting.

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

• Experience answering telephones in a professional or business setting.
• Experience answering/directing phone calls including a multi-line phone system, a public address system, or a 2-way radio.

Your resume is limited to one (1) page. For a guide on developing your resume and what should be included, click here. 

How To Apply

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 Allyvia Vang at allyviam.vang@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 06/12/26 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.