Operations Program Associate

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), Division of Early Care and Education (DECE), Bureau of Early Care Regulation (BECR), Operations Section, is currently recruiting to fill a 50% Operations Program Associate position in Madison, WI. DCF offers great benefits, personal growth opportunities and work-life balance as a State of Wisconsin employee; and the intrinsic reward associated with serving the children and families of Wisconsin. To learn more about DCF’s complete compensation package, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator!

This position is headquartered at our Madison office and may have the option to work hybrid for up to 20% of the week. This schedule may change based on training or operational needs. Employees need to report to the 201 W. Washington Ave. Madison, WI office on their first day for onboarding and orientation. 

High speed internet access is required to meet the needs of hybrid work.

Come see why DCF is such a great place to work!

DCF is committed to the important work of helping children, youth and families become safer, more secure and progress down the road to true independence. For more information about DCF, visit our website at http://dcf.wi.gov/.

POSITION SUMMARY: This position works under general supervision of the Operations Section Manager in the BECR. This position is responsible for processing incoming/outgoing bureau mail daily and the department’s mail on rotation. This position will lead the processing of payments for both bureaus. This position will provide direct support to administrative duties of the BECR Child Care Background Check, offering support to regional offices, providers, and stakeholders. This position will also assist with general inquiries from child care providers about regulation, licensing, background checks, or payments submitted to DCF. This position also assists with special projects as directed by the BECR’s Operations Section Manager.

View the complete position description. 

SALARY: The classification title for this position is Operations Program Associate. The starting salary is $22.76 per hour ($23,670 annually), depending on qualifications. Pay for current State of WI employees will be based on the compensation plan in effect at the time of the appointment. Pay for current state employees who are transferring will be determined based upon the pay on transfer rules (higher level duties or equity) as outlined in the compensation plan in effect at the time of appointment.

The pay schedule/range is 02-11. A one-year probationary period may be required. 

Job Details: Due to the nature of the position, final candidates may be required to allow DCF to conduct a security background check to determine whether the circumstances of any pending charges or convictions would be substantially related to the job being filled.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DCF sponsorship.) The Department of Children and Families does not sponsor visas, either at time of hire or at any later time.

Qualifications: 

Minimally qualified applicants will have:

• Experience working with confidential information in a professional setting (background checks, client contact information, etc.)
• Experience providing administrative support to stakeholders (reviewing documents/applications, following up with the public or staff for missing or incomplete information, scheduling meetings, writing letters, etc.)

Well-qualified applicants will have:

• Experience reviewing or editing documents, correspondence, or other written materials (memos, emails, reports, papers, etc.)
• Experience using computer programs or database applications (MS Word, Excel, Outlook Adobe, Zoom/Teams) for business needs (entering data, uploading supporting materials: creating or updating worksheets; running reports; etc.) 

HOW TO APPLY:

If you haven’t already done so, you will need to create an account and apply online. You must apply online to be considered for this position. Application materials will not be accepted if received in an e-mail, as a hard copy or a fax. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

After you are logged in and are viewing the announcement, click “Apply Now.” You will be asked to provide your personal information and required materials.  Online applications that do not include all of the requested materials will not be considered. 

Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application at DCF and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. View instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your DCF application and what should be included in these materials. 

Submitted materials will be evaluated by one or more subject matter experts and qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. 

The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national original, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

 

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.
Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or former employees as a reinstatement) must complete the application process to apply.

Deadline:

The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM on July 6, 2026. If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact, Rebekah Gaumitz at 608-422-6417 or via email at Rebekah.Gaumitz@wisconsin.gov. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.