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Workforce Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

LHH US

Learning & Development Manager

Crete, IL

$110K - $130K/yr

LHH is seeking an experienced Training & Talent Development Manager for a growing multi-site ... workforce sustainability across operations in North America. The ideal candidate is both strategic ...

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Workforce Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$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 and Jericho Education Fund Case Manager

Inspiration Corporation

Chicago, IL • On-site

$50.93K - $53.05K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Workforce Development and Jericho Education Fund Case Manager
Department: Workforce Development
Reports to: Workforce Development Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Salary:$50,925-$53,045
To apply: Visit https://inspirationcorporation.applytojob.com/apply.
OVERVIEW
In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation connects people and creates opportunity through access to social services, job training, housing, and food. Each year, Inspiration Corporation works with hundreds of resilient Chicagoans who face systemic disparities and inequities, such as homelessness, hunger, and social isolation.
To help individuals and families overcome these barriers, we provide dedicated support coupled with housing, job training, scholarships, meals and engagement services. Inspiration Corporation meets people where they are in life, helping them access the support they need and achieve their personal goals. Inspiration Corporation programs are voluntary, and all service needs and goals are participant driven. Our case management philosophy is strengths-based and trauma-informed. Inspiration Corporation practices harm reduction and focuses on reducing or minimizing the harm associated with high-risk behavior through motivational interviewing.
At Inspiration Corporation, employees embody our mission by demonstrating the following Core Values:
  • Integrity - We cultivate trusting, collaborative relationships rooted in mutual respect and accountability.
  • Growth - We encourage personal development, curiosity and being open to new possibilities.
  • Equity - We recognize each person's inherent rights and advocate for inclusive access to resources and opportunities.
  • Resilience - We persevere and seek solutions that celebrate our strength in the face of adversity, while practicing and encouraging self-care.
  • Hospitality - We create uplifting, accepting, and nourishing connections with everyone who comes through our doors.
Inspiration Corporation believes that these values are central to our work with participants and one another, and they create a culture we all have a stake in.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Workforce Development and Jericho Education Fund Case Manager supports participants in meeting their employment, career pathways and educational goals by providing case management, supportive services, and career counseling to participants considering or enrolled in Inspiration Kitchens foodservice training program or receiving education and training tuition support from the Lori & Ron Jericho Memorial Education Fund.
GENERAL
  • Demonstrate Inspiration Corporation's Core Values.
  • Uphold Policies and Procedures of Inspiration Corporation and Inspiration Kitchens.
  • Exhibit professionalism and high standards in all aspects of performance.
  • Ensure the efficient and effective provision of services with dignity and respect in accordance with the agency's mission.
  • Work with all departments as appropriate to ensure that the needs of the agency's participants are addressed.
  • Participate in all relevant agency activities for training, information sharing, etc.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Manage enrollment procedures for both the Jericho Education Fund and the Foodservice Training program.
  • Screen applicant eligibility based on agency and grant requirements.
  • Collaborate with the Workforce Development Manager to develop and execute recruitment
  • Enroll, orient, and maintain an active, rolling caseload of program participants. Meet with enrolled participants at least once a month and refer to support services as necessary.
  • Develop individualized service plans with participants, identifying goals, barriers and strategies to address barriers to meeting their goals; update individualized service plans to reflect updated goals, barriers and strategies.
  • Support participants in meeting employment and job retention goals, collaborating with culinary and employment team members.
  • Write case notes to document participant interactions, progress on their goals and outcomes. Accurate, complete and timely documentation and use of agency (currently Service Point) and funder data systems to demonstrate participant engagement, services and progress toward individual goals.
  • Contribute to, prepare and submit accurate and timely data collection on program metrics reporting for internal and external stakeholders (e.g. development team, funders, etc.)
  • Provide and document client support resources per eligibility, funder guidance and agency standards (e.g. transportation, clothing, etc.).
  • Identify organizations to partner with to gain and send referrals.
  • Identify resources to connect program participants to supportive services for which they are eligible (e.g. rental assistance, mental health, etc.).
  • Develop and participate in programming that offers peer support and builds community among program participants (in-person, and/or virtual). Collaborate with team members to develop and update materials to support participants' success, including program handbooks, graduation certificates and other program materials.
  • Support program continuous improvement and coordination through participating in planning, team meetings, scheduling and site coordination.
  • Support participants in entering and completing the food service training program and Jericho Education Fund and in meeting their education and/or training, employment placement and job retention goals, using trauma-informed, strengths-based, low-barrier, harm-reduction approaches.
  • Recruit program prospects, prioritizing persons experiencing homelessness or housing instability, returning to the community from incarceration, poverty and other systemic barriers.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC DUTIES
For Foodservice Training:
  • Collaborate with foodservice training and restaurant operations staff in monitoring participant progress.
  • Support participants in demonstrating effective communication and other workplace skills.
  • Assess participants' levels of job readiness, provide career counseling, and assist in the development of short- and long-term goals.
  • Fulfill reporting requirements for grants

For Jericho Education Fund:
  • Support Jericho Scholars in meeting their educational and vocational training and employment goals so that they can secure sustainable employment and navigate a career pathway.
  • Communicate with Inspiration Corporation staff, referring partner organization staff and prospective scholars, providing details and support for the referral process.
  • Establish referral, application and other programmatic timelines.
  • Meet enrollment goals.
  • Maintain ongoing contact with participants during their course of study, track their progress, and help them address any challenges affecting their success in and completion of the program.
  • Report participant status and outcomes monthly. Enter participant enrollment, progress, including completion of education or vocational training and obtaining and maintaining employment, and case notes in internal reporting systems.
  • Complete financial transactions for scholar books, supplies, tuition, and other necessary items.
  • Collaborate with the Workforce Development Manager in managing the selection process, fund budget and tracking expenses.
  • Maintain contact with participants after completion of their education or training.
  • Collect information about participant's initial employment outcomes and outcomes up to one year after starting employment.
  • Collect feedback from scholars on how the Jericho Education Fund has been a support to them and produce success stories that will be presented to the donor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: The following requirements are representative of the education, experience and skills necessary for the position. A Bachelor's degree in social work or related field preferred. Two years of work experience in nonprofit case management and/or significant life experience required. Candidates who have worked with persons experiencing homelessness or housing instability, citizens returning to the community from incarceration, or other vulnerable populations are preferred for this position. Experience with college access services or scholarship programs preferred. Proficiency in Windows XP and Microsoft Office required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This position maintains standard office hours, attends evening, weekend, and early morning meetings and functions as required onsite and offsite. Some travel is required.
Inspiration Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.

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