Employment Specialist

Chicago Urban League; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

BCBS Medical Insurance – PPO and low‑C

Aetna Dental & Vision – PPO and low‑C

Flexible Spending Account

401K Retirement Plan – 3% employer</br

Life Insurance – $15k coverage

Short & Long-Term Disability

Flexible Time Off

Parental Leave – 6 weeks paid leave

Job summary

Chicago Urban League is seeking an Employment Specialist under the Director of Workforce Development to help clients achieve employment goals through individualized counseling and collaboration with partners. The role focuses on developing job opportunities, building employer relationships, guiding IEPs, and delivering workshops on job search techniques and interview skills.

Strong communication, organization, and the ability to work with young adults in a fast-paced environment are essential,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years of experience in workforce development preferred.
• Experience in sales, marketing, and job development.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent community and employer relations.
• Must provide own transportation and valid driver’s license.
• Proficient in Microsoft software, Office 365, Excel.

Responsibilities

• Develop job opportunities and internships for program participants.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with local employers, business organizations, and community groups to develop job leads.
• Researches and maintains current job listings and develops resources for young adults to identify current job openings related to their identified career goal.
• Answers inquiries from potential program participants regarding program eligibility, training, and placement possibilities.
• Works with young adults to complete their Individual Employment Plan (IEP) within the first two weeks of Intake/Orientation.
• Visits local employers to evaluate job content, working environment, and the ability of the employer to meet job accommodations and solutions to employment barriers.
• Conducts workshops on job search techniques including interviewing strategies, resume preparation, cover letter development, and dress and personal grooming.
• Supports program participants throughout the job search and interview process, including help filling out applications, attending interviews, contacting employers, and visiting job sites.
• Gathers, analyzes, and maintains data and statistical information to evaluate the effectiveness of services and to identify goals to meet participant and program needs.
• Learns and applies emerging technologies and advances to perform duties efficiently.
• Carries out special projects as requested by supervisor or manager.
• Completes required participant case records/documentation.

Skills

Communication skills

Employer relations

Time management

Teamwork

Independent work

Microsoft Office 365

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Excel

Job description

Under the direction of the Director of Workforce Development, the Employment Specialist will assist management in obtaining team goals and contractual outcomes and help clients achieve employment goals by providing individual employment counseling. This position works closely with the Workforce Development staff and internal and external partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop job opportunities and internships for program participants
• Establishes and maintains relationships with local employers, business organizations, and community groups to develop job leads
• Researches and maintains current job listings and develops resources for young adults to identify current job openings related to their identified career goal
• Answers inquiries from potential program participants regarding program eligibility, training, and placement possibilities
• Works with young adults to complete their Individual Employment Plan (IEP) within the first two weeks of Intake/Orientation
• Visits local employers to evaluate job content, working environment, and the ability of the employer to meet job accommodations and solutions to employment barriers
• Conducts workshops on job search techniques including interviewing strategies, resume preparation, cover letter development, and dress and personal grooming
• Supports program participants throughout the job search and interview process, including help filling out applications, attending interviews, contacting employers, and visiting job sites
• Gathers, analyzes, and maintains data and statistical information to evaluate the effectiveness of services and to identify goals to meet participant and program needs
• Learns and applies emerging technologies and advances (e.g., computer software applications) as necessary to perform duties in an efficient, organized, and timely manner
• Carries out special projects as requested by his/her supervisor or manager, on or off site
• Completes required participant case records/documentation
• All other duties as assigned by management

Nonessential:

Perform other duties as assigned.

Interaction:

This position requires the individual to work closely with the Workforce Development staff while taking direction from the Department Director. He/she must possess great attention to detail and have strong organizational skills. This individual must understand, maintain, and uphold the mission and vision of the Chicago Urban League.

Knowledge and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years’ experience in workforce development preferred
• Experience in sales, marketing, and job development
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent community and employer relations
• Proficient in Microsoft software, Office 365, Excel, etc.
• Strong organization and time management skills
• The ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Must be able to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Must provide own transportation and adequate insurance
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and clear driving record

BENEFITS:

• BCBS Medical Insurance – PPO and low-cost plans
• Aetna Dental & Vision – PPO and low-cost plans
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401K Retirement Plan – 3% employer match, vested after 3 years
• Life Insurance – $15k coverage
• Short & Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Time Off
• Parental Leave – 6 weeks paid leave for birth/adoption of a child

Chicago Urban League
4510 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL, 60653

National Urban League A person's race/ethnicity, gender, and/or other legally protected categories are not criteria for admission to our programs.

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4510 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL, 60653

National Urban League A person's race/ethnicity, gender, and/or other legally protected categories are not criteria for admission to our programs. © 2026 Chicago Urban League Privacy Policy Terms of Use