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Section 3 Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Section 3 information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do section 3 jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for section 3 in Chicago, IL is $16.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Section 3?

Section 3 jobs refer to employment opportunities that are created as a result of certain U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding. The goal of Section 3 is to ensure that economic opportunities, such as jobs and contracts, are directed toward low- and very low-income persons, particularly those who are recipients of government assistance for housing or who live in the project area. Employers and contractors working on HUD-funded projects are often required to give preference to Section 3 residents when hiring. This helps promote economic uplift and community development in underserved neighborhoods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Section 3 worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Section 3 worker, candidates generally need relevant trade skills, experience in construction or maintenance, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, basic hand tools, and sometimes OSHA certifications are commonly required. Reliability, strong communication, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills to excel in this role. These qualifications ensure that Section 3 workers can effectively contribute to projects while meeting safety and community employment goals.

What is the difference between Section 3 vs Paralegal?

AspectSection 3Paralegal
Required CredentialsTypically requires specific training or certification in security or safety proceduresUsually requires a paralegal certificate or associate degree in paralegal studies
Work EnvironmentSecurity settings, construction sites, or industrial facilitiesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in security, safety, or construction industriesLegal industry, law offices, courts
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for job responsibilities, certifications, and work environmentLegal support roles, certification requirements, and daily tasks

Section 3 roles focus on security and safety within industrial or construction settings, requiring specific safety certifications. Paralegals assist lawyers with legal research and documentation, typically working in legal environments with different credential requirements. While both roles support organizational operations, they differ significantly in industry, skills, and daily responsibilities.

What job categories do people searching Section 3 jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Section 3 jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Section 3 job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $34,519 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Senior Contract Compliance Specialist

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Chicago Housing Authority
Public Administrationย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

$101K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Contract Compliance Specialist under direct supervision of Manager or designateย  is responsible for the following: handling complex compliance audit tasks and related issues; providing training and technical assistance in-house and to external stakeholders when required; ensures that Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Davis-Bacon, and Section 3 compliance is adhered to on all CHA contracts; Apply leadership skills, critical thinking and problem solving in exercising the day-to-day activities as a subject matter expert and as a Senior project team member; and employ Senior level technical and organizational expertise on complex $20M plus new construction projects.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conducts comprehensive analysis utilizing compliance monitoring systems (i.e., B2Gnow, LCPtracker, Financial Management System & Section 3 Hiring System) and physical records including contract documents, invoices, lien waivers/cancelled checks, sworn statements and CPRs.

  • Preparation of various types of correspondence to CHA vendors, Housing Urban Development (HUD), Department of Labor (DOL), Inspector General's office, External Auditors, FOIA responses, CHA staff and other parties as appropriate.

  • Report production including statistical findings on MBE/WBE/DBE utilization, Davis-Bacon adherence, and Section 3 contract requirements including any other economic opportunity provisions.

  • Perform research, analytics and assist in the implementation of best practice opportunities. Determines and implements the appropriate course of action to ensure the required MBE/WBE/DBE, Section 3, and Davis Bacon fair labor standards are met on applicable CHA, local, state and federal levels.

  • Perform vendor outreach activities communicating CHA's Compliance contract requirements and opportunities, procedures and processes. Participation activities may include but not be limited to vendor fairs, workshops, trainings and other Section 3 related enterprise assistance events.ย 

  • Work closely with DPC Buying Team in reviewing procurement documents to determine the proper language in the solicitation that supports CHA Section 3 and M/W/DBE participation goals.

  • Assist DPC Management with special projects, reports, and participates in meetings and trainings as required.

  • Work directly with MBE/WBE/DBEs, Section 3 Business Concerns and other stakeholders to develop reasonable corrective action plans to address compliance issues.ย  When applicable prepares and submits recommendations to CHA management staff and project manager to withhold vendor payment due to compliance violations.

  • Creates and maintains project files and other documentation and ensure files are properly stored on CHA network.

  • Perform any and all other duties that may be required or assigned.ย  The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the Key Responsibilities if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position.ย 

QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a bachelor's degree with a major in business, public administration, urban planning and policy, related applicable field of study or the equivalent combination of education and related management experience with a minimum of five (5) years' experience in, contract administration, construction site monitoring, Business Enterprise utilization monitoring, program auditing and progressive project management.ย 

The following additional experience is considered a plus in any of the following areas: Supply Chain Diversity, a construction background on $20M plus projects; or working with federal, state, local agencies.

Demonstrated knowledge of the federally mandated Davis-Bacon Act and related laws, prevailing wage laws, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 3 requirement to employ low and very low-income Chicago area residents, M/W/DBE requirements, and general contracting procedures.

Skilled in performing audit reviews, methodology and practices. Demonstrated ability in critical thinking problem solving, analytical, planning, and organizing. Requires effective verbal, business writing and inter-personal skills to work with a diverse staff of managerial and professional employees. The ability to exercise objective judgment, discretion, maintain confidentiality, and work on multiple projects simultaneously is required.

Demonstrate advanced proficiency in MS Office applications. Emphasis on advanced Excel skills which must include the ability to produce graphs, build charts and tables, use spreadsheets efficiently, perform calculations, formulas, functions and automation to process large volumes of data.ย 

Strong technical skill in Microsoft PowerPoint proficiency including advanced features like animations, custom templates and data visualization.ย Experience in embedding videos, images and other elements into presentations.

BENEFITS AT-A-GLANCE

  • Vacation, Sick and Personal, competitive PTO packageย ย ย ย ย ย ย 

  • Medical (HMO, PPO, and No employee cost High-Deductible PPO) Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance

  • Long-Term Care Insurance

  • Pet Insurance

  • Parking Transit

  • Prepaid Legal Services

  • Brightstar 529 College Savings Plan

  • Identity Theft Protection

  • Hospital Indemnity Insurance

  • Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance

  • Deferred Compensation Plan: Empower 457/401(a) with a 3% employer match

  • Pension Plan: CHA makes contributions on behalf of the employee, along with the employee's 3% contribution; 100% vesting occurs after 6 years of continuous employment or opt-out of CHA's Retirement Plan and continues to participate in the Municipal Employees Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago

  • Hybrid work schedule (position specific) This position may be eligible for remote work following a successful completion of a 90-day probationary period according to CHA's established policies and procedures.

"Applications will be accepted for 30 days from the date of posting. However, the position may be closed at any point if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received."

Salary: $85,000

Grade: S8

FLSA: Exempt

Union: None