CAREER SERVICES SPECIALIST - UPSTATE

State-of-Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 68,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The Career Services Specialist position is part of the Office of Illinois Works and the Career Services Team. It actively works with pre-apprenticeship graduates located throughout the state of Illinois.

This position collects career data from graduates and does career planning to support their goals. At the same time, the position works with employers, apprenticeship programs, and other stakeholders in construction to find job and sponsorship opportunities for graduates.

Qualifications

• Requires a four-year college degree, preferably with coursework in business or public administration.
• Requires one year of responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization, or completion of an agency approved professional management training program.
• Requires one year of experience in job development working with employers preferably with contractors in the construction industry.
• Requires one year of experience working with pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in the construction sector.
• Requires one year of experience in enrollment/recruitment, supportive services, student support services, transition services, or counseling.
• Requires one year of experience in career counseling, careers services, or career planning.

Responsibilities

• Develops career plans and delivers complex career services to Illinois Works program graduates, applying professional judgement and knowledge of apprenticeship programs and their requirements.
• Receives, reviews and analyzes, and processes contractor job orders and ensures that contractors receive lists of graduates who are ready and available to fill the offered positions.
• Designs and delivers technical assistance, training, and presentations to contractors, DOL-registered apprenticeship programs, and other construction stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Skills

Job development

Career counseling

Data reporting

Microsoft Excel

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/public administration

Tools

Microsoft Excel

SharePoint

Job description

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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID:57434
Opening Date: 08/31/2026
Closing Date: 09/15/2026
Agency: Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Class Title: EXECUTIVE I - 13851
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,135 monthly; Full Range $6,135 - $8,790 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger - something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Career Services Specialist position is part of the Office of Illinois Works and the Career Services Team. It actively works with pre-apprenticeship graduates located throughout the state of Illinois. This position collects career data from graduates and does career planning to support their goals. At the same time, the position works with employers, apprenticeship programs, and other stakeholders in construction to find job and sponsorship opportunities for graduates. This position also interfaces with other Illinois Works programs and grantees to coordinate the delivery of career services for graduates. The Office of Illinois Works is a new bureau focused on bringing equity and inclusion along with creating a viable and sustainable workforce pipeline in the construction industry and the trades. We welcome interested and qualified candidates wanting to be part of an innovative program focused on making a difference in the lives of Illinois residents to apply. You will be an integral part of a team focused on helping women, minorities, and veterans achieve their career dreams in the construction industry and the trades. We welcome all to apply.

Essential Functions

• Develops career plans and delivers complex career services to Illinois Works program graduates, applying professional judgement and knowledge of apprenticeship programs and their requirements.
• Receives, reviews and analyzes, and processes contractor job orders and ensures that contractors receive lists of graduates who are ready and available to fill the offered positions.
• Designs and delivers technical assistance, training, and presentations to contractors, DOL-registered apprenticeship programs, and other construction stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with coursework in business or public administration.
• Requires one (1) year of responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization, or completion of an agency approved professional management training program.

Specialized Skills

• Requires one (1) year of experience in job development working with employers preferably with contractors in the construction industry.
• Requires one (1) year of experience working with pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs preferably in the construction sector.
• Requires one (1) year of experience working with students in enrollment/recruitment, supportive services, student support services, transition services, or counseling.
• Requires one (1) year of experience in career counseling, careers services, or career planning.
• Requires one (1) year of experience collecting and managing data along with creating customized reports based on specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers one (1) year of experience in job development working with employers preferably with contractors in the construction industry.
• Prefers one (1) year of experience working with pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs preferably in the construction sector.
• Prefers one (1) year of experience working with students in enrollment/recruitment, supportive services, student support services, transition services, or counseling.
• Prefers one (1) year of experience in career counseling, careers services, or career planning.
• Prefers one (1) year of experience collecting and managing data along with creating customized reports based on specific requirements.
• Prefer basic level experience in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, preferably with experience in career planning systems.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Headquarter Location: 555 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois, 60661
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: [e-mail] (FOR INQUIRIES ONLY -INTERESTED APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE)

This position DOES contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).