Workforce Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Erie Neighborhood House has provided the most comprehensive support immigrant and low-income families in Chicago need to thrive and has constantly evolved to meet their needs. Today, Erie House is a modern social service nonprofit with programming and resources for children and youth, mental health and community wellness, adult education and training, legal services, and more. Through these programs, we empower the people we work alongside to build powerful communities

Reporting to the Workforce Development Program Manager, theYouth Career DevelopmentProgramSpecialistisresponsible foroutreach,recruitment, careerexploration events,student support for post-secondary education and training,job placement, andotherspecialized training programs foridentifiedyouth. This role ensures that participants receive comprehensive support, from career readiness to job retention, while fostering partnerships with community organizations and employers to create meaningful opportunities.

Thefull-time(40hours/week) Youth Career Development Specialistwillbea positionin partnership withthe Workforce Development programdirectlyimpactingjob seekers inmetroChicagoarea.

Key Responsibilities:

Youth Outreach, Recruitment, & Orientation

• Develop and execute recruitment strategies to engage eligible youth in workforce programs.

• Participate in community outreach events.

• Administer skill level tests for participating youths.Provide a structured orientation foryouthsand their parents (if under 18) to set expectations.

• Assistyouth in obtaining State IDs by guiding them through the application process(if applicable).

Career Exploration

• Coordinate program events such as career expos, job fairs, and field tripsto businesses and colleges

• Coordinate workshop series with invited guest speakers from various industrial sectors

• Provide job readiness workshops focusing on soft skills building, resume writing, and interviewpractice

• Provide 1:1 career coachingand create individualized plans with career goals foryouth

Post-secondary Education and Training Opportunities

• Identifyand partner with credentialed training providers for industry-recognized certifications.

• Provide information and resources forcollegeadmission, scholarships,andtests

• Support students completing college applications,FAFSA applications,job/internship/work-based learning/scholarship/advancedtrainingand certificateapplications

• Connect youths with schools and training facilities, and employers; coordinate site visits and field trips.

• Facilitate a diverse range of training opportunities in both public and private sectors to support youth career exploration.

• Establish partnerships with community-based organizations to provide hands-on workexperience.

• Monitor youth placements at worksites or training programs for1+ yearto ensure successful completion.

Program Implementation & Participant Engagement

• Lead curriculum delivery, interactive activities, and workforce development training for participants.

• Provide wrap-around services and refer at-risk youth to internal and external support programs.

• Facilitate team-building exercises to foster a sense of community among participants.

• Facilitate CPRclassfor participants in the community.

• Connect clients over 18 years oldlooking for job placementwith Program Specialist for job seeking opportunities

Data Management & Compliance

• Track and enter participant data into thedata management system (e.g.,Salesforceand, Charity Tracker).

• Maintainaccuraterecords of attendance, assessments, and participant progress.

• Administer and evaluateCASAS GOALS/ESLOAto assess skill development.

• Ensure compliance with reporting requirements by providingtimelyandaccuratedocumentation.

Community Partnerships & Recruitment

• Represent the workforce program at college fairs, career expos, and community events to recruit participants.

• Strengthen relationships with referral sources, Chicago Public Schools,City Colleges, universities, employers,and other community organizations.

• Coordinate participant referrals to internal agency services and external vocational training programs.

Professional Development & Additional Duties

• Attendall mandatorytrainingand meetings, including technology and data management training.

• Support continuous improvement efforts by integrating digital literacy, career readiness, and industry-specific skills into the curriculum.

• Performadditionalresponsibilitiesassigned to enhance programandorganizationeffectiveness.

• Available to work a schedule of11am-7pm(10am to 6pm during Summer and Winter breaks)

• Abilityto travel between West Town,LittleVillageand other work sites.

• Bachelor's degree in education, social work,or related fieldsis preferred

• Experience in youth workforce development, education, or case managementis preferred.

• Strong organizational and data management skills to track participant outcomes;Experiencein using Salesforcepreferred.

• Ability to foster partnerships with employers, training providers, and community organizations.

• Experience working with diverse youth populations and understanding of trauma-informed approaches.

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills to engage youth in career and skill-building activities.

• Ability to work with a diverse group ofyoung people.

• Bilingual - Spanish and Englishrequired.

• Commitment to social justice and sensitivity to the assets and challenges of a diverse group ofyouths

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, on-line systems,and other software

• Strong leadership skills that promote innovation, growth,and retention

• Skilledin project management, the ability to meet deadlines, and solve problems creatively.

• Ability to develop rapport with individuals across multi-cultural backgrounds and with faculty, staff, and members of the community

• Must be available for occasional evening and weekend events

TEAM MEMBER BENEFITS

• Compensation of $24.04/ hour
• Work / life integration
  • Generous paid time off

• (examples below for full-time employment)

• 12 accrued sick days per year
  • 3 personal days
  • Paid birthday off
  • 8 paid holidays, including Juneteenth
  • In addition to above paid holidays, paid week off between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day
  • Vacation
    • Year 1 = 8days
    • Year 2 = 13days
    • Year 3 + = 20 days
  • Access to alternative and flexible work schedules and personal leave, where possible
  • Two-weeks fully paid Parental Leave, for eligible employees
  • Time off for school conferences and activities as well as bereavement leave
• Professional Development
  • Employer-sponsored learning and development programs
  • Paid day off annually for personal professional development
  • Tuition Assistance & Debt Relief Program, as budget allows
• Wellness support
  • Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employer-paid life insurance
  • Voluntary life and AD&D and shot and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, vision and dependent care
  • 403b with employer match
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Union / Non Exempt

Erie Neighborhood House is dedicated to creating a workforce that promotes and supports diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals without discrimination. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact us athr@eriehouse.org.

NO TELEPHONE CALLS PLEASE!

ERIE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

ACCREDITED BY NAEYC & NATIONAL AFTERSCHOOL ASSOCIATION

RECOGNIZED BY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE;

UNITED WAY MEMBER