Motivational Interviewing Coach - Internal Forensics Staff Only

Wisconsin Community Services

United States, Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Feb 23, 2026

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Wisconsin Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/Disability/Vet).

Motivational Interviewing Coach - Internal Forensics Staff Only

Job Code:	2025-BHS-023
Location:	Milwaukee
Department:	Forensic Services Unit - All Forensics Programs
FT/PT Status:	Part Time

Job Responsibilities:

Position Summary: Provides coaching services to Forensic Services staff that support skill development and integration of motivational interviewing into routine practice. Supports implementation of motivational interviewing as a preferred evidence-based practice for all Forensic Services staff. Participates in activities and trainings with DHS to promote personal development of motivational interviewing and coaching skills.

Essential Functions:

1. Fulfill the expectations contained within the position description of Forensic Coordinator as a first priority.

2. Develop capacity and competence in the motivational interviewing (MI) coaching role through proactive engagement in ongoing learning opportunities and acceptance and utilization of feedback.

3. Achieve and maintain MI fluency. Coaches will work toward achieving advanced fidelity in all 6 measures outlined in MITI 4.2.1.

4. Complete and submit an MI practice sample to DHS as required to support personal development of MI and coaching skills.

5. Establish and maintain a supportive and productive working relationship with each staff through monthly coaching sessions, avoiding an "expert" stance and allowing for shared expertise and a mutual learning experience.

6. Model use of MI during coaching sessions, demonstrate fidelity, and utilize MI-adherent techniques.

7. Model the Spirit of MI in all interactions with staff.

8. May need to complete the Coaching Session Spreadsheet and Performance Assessment Results Spreadsheet in the MI Hub on SharePoint monthly upon request.

9. Provide reliable coding of MI practice samples using MITI 4.2.1. Correctly calculate, interpret, and track scores over time. Deliver supportive feedback, both verbal and written to each staff by the end of each quarter.

10. Set SMART goals with each staff on an at least quarterly basis, using results of practice samples and tests of knowledge to inform measurable goal setting. Reviewing SMART goals each quarter.

11. Use the MI Toolkit to integrate MI into daily practice with staff, demonstrating clarity of how MI is applied in routine practice with Forensic Services participants and employees.

12. Utilize the MI Coaching Session Checklist, the Focus of Learning Worksheet, and Toolkit to allow for consistent coaching across the Forensic Services Unit.

13. Use best practices to complete ride a longs with Forensic Services staff.

14. Provide coaching services in alignment with the Forensic Services Unit Motivational Interviewing Coaching Service Delivery Plan.

15. Attend a mandatory monthly WCS coaching meeting

16. Attend and actively participate in all DHS trainings, meetings, and mentoring sessions, the monthly MI coaches' collaboration meeting, and other development opportunities as assigned.

17. Attend the quarterly Linked and All Teams meetings.

18. Expected response time of 24 hours to all MI communications.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Encourage staff's timely completion of MI practice samples, MI test of knowledge, and MI surveys.

2. Serve as a positive role model for the use and implementation of MI across the Forensic Services Unit.

3. Encouraged to attend MI trainings outside of DHS opportunities.

4. Coaches will work in the field and office to shadow staff and provide immediate feedback.

5. Other MI related duties as indicated.

Job Qualifications:

Minimal Qualifications and Salary Schedule:

Must be a forensic coordinator in the Forensic Services Unit and complete the initial MI Training. Must be in good standing in the Forensic Service Programs, meeting the expectations of the respective position description. Must have completed 3 consecutive MI tapes. Must have reached at least one tape at 5 of 6 measures of global practice fidelity.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Coaches are expected to achieve MI fluency. Coaches should be working towards achieving a high reliability score on the MITI, and demonstrating advanced fidelity.

Other Job Information (if applicable):

Work Relationship and Scope:

Reports to the Evidence Based Practices Coordinator and Program Supervisors. Accountable to MI Implementation and Coaching Teams. Has a responsibility to assigned staff. Expected routine with a wide variety of individuals including participants, staff, other providers, and DHS.

Personal Attributes:

Follow agency Code of Conduct; adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency and of all funding sources; conduct self in an ethical manner; maintain professional and respectful relationships with program staff, other WCS staff, participants and all external persons and agencies involved with service provision; sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability issues; demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission. Must demonstrate drive and dedication to supporting staff and the use of MI.

Working Conditions:

Job is performed in a combination of office setting and field work throughout a four-county region with individuals who are employees and participants of the WCS Forensic Services Unit.

Physical Demands:

Office work involves sitting at a desk and conducting computer work. Involves operating equipment such as computers, recorders, and cell phones.