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$29.9K

$68K

$134.4K

How much do workforce development jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development in Chicago, IL is $67,988.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $88,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Workforce Development, and why are they important?

To excel in Workforce Development, you need expertise in career counseling, labor market analysis, and program management, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications such as CWDP (Certified Workforce Development Professional). Familiarity with workforce information systems, job-matching platforms, and data analysis tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills help professionals connect with job seekers and employers effectively. These skills ensure successful program outcomes, foster community partnerships, and enable individuals to achieve employment and career growth.

How do Workforce Development professionals typically collaborate with local employers and educational institutions?

Workforce Development professionals often serve as a bridge between local employers, training providers, and educational institutions. They regularly coordinate with businesses to identify current and future hiring needs, then partner with schools and community colleges to develop or enhance training programs that align with those needs. This collaborative approach ensures that job seekers are equipped with relevant skills and that employers have access to a qualified talent pipeline. Effective communication and relationship-building are key parts of the role, making networking and stakeholder management essential daily activities.

What is workforce development?

Workforce development refers to a wide range of activities, policies, and programs designed to create, sustain, and retain a skilled workforce that meets the current and future needs of employers. This field focuses on improving workers’ skills, connecting people to employment opportunities, and supporting career advancement. Workforce development can include job training, education, career counseling, apprenticeships, and collaboration between businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies. Its ultimate goal is to strengthen both individuals’ employability and the overall economic health of communities.

What is the difference between Workforce Development vs Career Counselor?

AspectWorkforce DevelopmentCareer Counselor
CredentialsVaries; often includes certifications in workforce or employment servicesTypically requires a counseling or career development certification or degree
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, community organizations, training centersEducational institutions, private practices, career centers
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by public and nonprofit sectors to improve employment ratesUsed by schools, private firms, and counseling agencies to guide individual careers

While both roles focus on employment and career paths, Workforce Development primarily involves creating programs and policies to improve employment opportunities at a community or organizational level. Career Counselors work directly with individuals to help them identify career goals and develop personal strategies. Understanding these differences helps job seekers and organizations choose the right support for their needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Workforce Development jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Workforce Development jobs in Chicago, IL? For Workforce Development jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Workforce Development jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Workforce Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Workforce Development jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Workforce Development job openings:
Workforce Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Workforce Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,988 per year, or $32.7 per hour.
Workforce Development Specialist

Workforce Development Specialist

Growing Home, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

DESCRIPTION
The Workforce Development Specialist is a frontline staff position responsible for the support of
Growing Home's Production Assistants (PAs) and Graduates. Two key functions of the position
include executing strategies to ensure job placement and Job retention for all program trainees.
In addition to job placement and job retention, the Workforce Development staff will provide
support to the overall execution of the Employment Training ("ET") program at Growing Home,
Inc. The Workforce Development Specialist reports to the Director and works closely with a
committed group of four other ET staff.
ABOUT GROWING HOME
Growing Home is a non-profit urban farm and social enterprise in the Englewood neighborhood
of Chicago. We serve our communities through local, healthy food access and robust workforce
development that has pathways to sustainable careers. Our 12-week person-centered paid
employment training program includes real work experience with transferable skills, a robust
classroom curriculum, and holistic case management and support - all in-house. Our training
program operates four cohorts over a calendar year.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop and cultivate long-term professional relationships with employers, placement
    agencies, and temporary agencies to ensure consistent contact for job leads. Make
    presentations to businesses within the Chicagoland area to promote Growing Home's
    workforce development programs and to develop new employment opportunities for
    program PAs and graduates.
  • Identify job opportunities and match employer and participant's interests, needs, skills,
    and experience.
    • Make contact with employers (existing employer relationships, employer
      networks or associations, cold calls, online, and other workforce development
      programs)
    • Coordinate with PAs and graduates to schedule interviews
    • Follow-up on interviews with PAs and employer
  • Develop and implement strategies aimed at helping graduates keep their jobs, including
    but not limited to:
    • Weekly and Monthly in-person check-ins with jobholders
    • Assist job holders in emergency support services (such as car repairs or child
      care issues)
    • support hiring managers with on-the-job issues
  • Assist with employment readiness training, job search assistance, and obtaining
    permanent, unsubsidized jobs in high-demand industries.
  • Provide employment guidance and create individual employment plans that outline
    participants' employment objectives.
  • With the support of the ET team, Coordinate and host engagement events for PAs,
    graduates, and employer partners

Administrative:
  • Responsible for tracking and entering data in the Customer Relationship Management
    CRM (Salesforce) systems for all employment placements and retention data for PAs
    and graduates.
  • Manage the programs Employee Retention Incentive program that gives cash incentives
    to jobholders who successfully complete job retention at 30, 60, 90, and 180 days
  • Ensure compliance with grants, contracts, agency, and programmatic standards that are
    designed to meet PAs and graduates'' needs.
  • Maintain and submit, placement reports, employer partnership agreements, success
    stories, calendars/flyers of upcoming events, employment/employer leads, and other
    required information.
  • Observe and document participants' vocational assets and limitations, ability to engage
    in competitive employment, and need for and ability to benefit from supported
    employment, including natural supports.
  • Utilizes a team approach and works with other program staff in the planning and
    implementation of services.
  • Takes increasing responsibility for own professional development, utilizing supervision
    and other developmental opportunities within and outside the agency to enhance skills
    and understanding.
  • Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
  • Commitment to Growing Home's mission and core values
  • Demonstrated ability to build long-term relationships with a wide variety of
    stakeholders in a positive, engaging manner
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong organizational and
    time management skills, ability to lead projects, and problem-solve
  • Experience working directly with marginalized populations
  • Experience in classroom facilitation, skills training, and/or curriculum
    development
  • Strong computer skills, including using Microsoft Office (excel) and Google Docs.
  • Ability to work some evenings and weekends
  • Some travel for meetings will be required. Must have an aptitude and willingness to
    navigate public transportation throughout the greater Chicago-area, or a valid driver's
    license
  • The ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
  • Must be able to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment

EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree preferred. At least two years of experience in workforce
development, Human Resources, sales, marketing, or a similar field
Equal Opportunity Employer
Growing Home is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal
opportunity employer. Growing Home does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status,
or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to
apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please email us at jobs@growinghomeinc.org.

Apply