Employment Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Employment Specialist jobs in Illinois are concentrated in Chicago, Rockford, and Springfield, where workforce development agencies, large health systems, and state agencies maintain steady hiring across vocational rehabilitation, career counseling, and workforce reentry sub-areas. Well-established employers with a lasting footprint in Illinois include the Illinois Department of Human Services, Advocate Health Care, and Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois. The market draws candidates from entry-level case management up through senior program coordination, with the strongest demand in disability services and public workforce programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 7+ Employment Specialist jobs
Employment Specialist
St. Leonard’s Ministries | Michael Barlow Center (MBC)
Full-Time | Exempt, Salary
About the Opportunity
St. Leonard’s Ministries (SLM) is seeking a passionate, relationship-driven Employment Specialist to join the Michael Barlow Center team. This position plays a key role in creating pathways to meaningful and sustainable employment for system-impacted individuals participating in SLM workforce development programs.
The Employment Specialist will build authentic relationships with employers and community partners while providing individualized employment support—from job readiness and interview preparation through job placement and retention.
This is an opportunity for someone who believes in the power of second chances, is energized by connecting people to meaningful opportunities, and understands that employment can be an important part of building stability and a productive future.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and maintain relationships with employers and community partners to expand meaningful employment opportunities for SLM participants.
- Educate employers about fair-chance and second-chance hiring practices.
- Connect participants with employment opportunities aligned with their skills, experience, interests, and readiness.
- Provide individualized employment coaching, including resume support, interview preparation, and workplace readiness.
- Collaborate with case management and workforce development staff to develop and implement individualized employment plans.
- Help participants identify and overcome barriers to obtaining and retaining employment.
- Serve as a liaison between employers and participants to support successful placement and job retention.
- Coordinate employment-related interviews, orientations, transportation, and follow-up support as needed.
- Assist participants with background checks, FCRA processes, and required employment screenings.
- Serve as the SLM liaison for the CTA Second Chance program and coordinate required referrals.
- Maintain accurate participant documentation, employment data, and outcome information for program, compliance, and funder reporting.
- Represent SLM at job fairs, community events, employer meetings, and workforce development activities.
- Contribute to training and educational offerings that align with current labor market needs.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate is a connector, coach, advocate, and relationship builder who is committed to helping justice-impacted individuals achieve their employment goals.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, human resources, counseling, or a related field preferred; or
- At least two years of experience in case management, employment services, workforce development, counseling, social work, or a related field.
- Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.
- Experience working with reentry or justice-impacted populations strongly preferred.
- Experience in transitional housing, shelter, social services, or workforce development is a plus.
- Strong communication, relationship-building, organizational, and documentation skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
- Knowledge of employment practices, background screening, and workforce development processes.
- Lived experience is valued, with special consideration given to individuals who are justice-impacted.
Why Join St. Leonard’s Ministries?
At St. Leonard’s Ministries, we believe Everybody Matters. For more than 70 years, we have walked alongside individuals impacted by incarceration as they work toward stability, employment, and whole productive lives.
Our work is grounded in five core values:
Everybody Matters Love Heals Hope Motivates Respect Empowers Dedication Rewards
If you are passionate about workforce development, believe in second chances, and want your work to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities, we invite you to apply.
Join us in creating pathways to opportunity, employment, and hope.
Pay: $52,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Employment Specialist
St. Leonard’s Ministries | Michael Barlow Center (MBC)
Full-Time | Exempt, Salary
About the Opportunity
St. Leonard’s Ministries (SLM) is seeking a passionate, relationship-driven Employment Specialist to join the Michael Barlow Center team. This position plays a key role in creating pathways to meaningful and sustainable employment for system-impacted individuals participating in SLM workforce development programs.
The Employment Specialist will build authentic relationships with employers and community partners while providing individualized employment support—from job readiness and interview preparation through job placement and retention.
This is an opportunity for someone who believes in the power of second chances, is energized by connecting people to meaningful opportunities, and understands that employment can be an important part of building stability and a productive future.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and maintain relationships with employers and community partners to expand meaningful employment opportunities for SLM participants.
- Educate employers about fair-chance and second-chance hiring practices.
- Connect participants with employment opportunities aligned with their skills, experience, interests, and readiness.
- Provide individualized employment coaching, including resume support, interview preparation, and workplace readiness.
- Collaborate with case management and workforce development staff to develop and implement individualized employment plans.
- Help participants identify and overcome barriers to obtaining and retaining employment.
- Serve as a liaison between employers and participants to support successful placement and job retention.
- Coordinate employment-related interviews, orientations, transportation, and follow-up support as needed.
- Assist participants with background checks, FCRA processes, and required employment screenings.
- Serve as the SLM liaison for the CTA Second Chance program and coordinate required referrals.
- Maintain accurate participant documentation, employment data, and outcome information for program, compliance, and funder reporting.
- Represent SLM at job fairs, community events, employer meetings, and workforce development activities.
- Contribute to training and educational offerings that align with current labor market needs.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate is a connector, coach, advocate, and relationship builder who is committed to helping justice-impacted individuals achieve their employment goals.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, human resources, counseling, or a related field preferred; or
- At least two years of experience in case management, employment services, workforce development, counseling, social work, or a related field.
- Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.
- Experience working with reentry or justice-impacted populations strongly preferred.
- Experience in transitional housing, shelter, social services, or workforce development is a plus.
- Strong communication, relationship-building, organizational, and documentation skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
- Knowledge of employment practices, background screening, and workforce development processes.
- Lived experience is valued, with special consideration given to individuals who are justice-impacted.
Why Join St. Leonard’s Ministries?
At St. Leonard’s Ministries, we believe Everybody Matters. For more than 70 years, we have walked alongside individuals impacted by incarceration as they work toward stability, employment, and whole productive lives.
Our work is grounded in five core values:
Everybody Matters Love Heals Hope Motivates Respect Empowers Dedication Rewards
If you are passionate about workforce development, believe in second chances, and want your work to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities, we invite you to apply.
Join us in creating pathways to opportunity, employment, and hope.
Pay: $52,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 7 Employment Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Employment Specialist JobsEmployment Specialist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Employment Specialist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in employment specialist jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in social work, rehabilitation counseling, or a related human services field
- Illinois Department of Employment Security or vocational rehabilitation program experience preferred
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential recognized by Illinois employers for advanced positions
- Proficiency with Illinois workNet, case management software, or workforce data systems
- Demonstrated experience conducting job readiness assessments and individualized employment planning
- Strong knowledge of Illinois labor market resources, community partners, and referral networks
Employment Specialist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a employment specialist in Illinois?
Most Illinois employers require a bachelor's degree in social work, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, or a related field, with no single mandatory state license for the general title. Those working in vocational rehabilitation funded through the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services are strongly encouraged to pursue the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor credential, which requires an accredited master's degree and a national examination. Community mental health and workforce development settings often accept candidates with a bachelor's degree and relevant field experience.
Which companies hire employment specialists in Illinois?
Companies currently hiring employment specialists in Illinois include Thresholds, Caritas Family Solutions, and SHORE Community Services, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's network of workforce development boards, community rehabilitation providers, and state-funded human services agencies makes it one of the more active markets for this role in the Midwest.
Which Illinois cities have the most employment specialist jobs?
The Illinois cities with the most employment specialist openings are Chicago, Moline, and Waterloo. Chicago dominates due to its density of workforce development agencies, nonprofit service providers, and large health systems, while Rockford and Springfield generate consistent demand through state agency offices and regional rehabilitation programs anchored by government and community health employers.
Are there remote employment specialist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since much of the role involves in-person client meetings, job site visits, and community partner coordination. About 0% of employment specialist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting a growing share of case documentation, intake, and follow-up work moving to virtual formats. Hybrid arrangements are most prevalent in larger Chicago-area nonprofits and state agency contracts.
How can I get hired as a employment specialist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an employment specialist assistant or job coach role at a community rehabilitation provider, where formal experience requirements are lower. Illinois-based organizations such as Seguin Services, UCAN Chicago, and Easter Seals Serving DC and Maryland's Illinois affiliates regularly bring on associates and program aides who work toward certification on the job. A bachelor's degree in social work or human services, combined with a volunteer or internship placement through an Illinois university field practicum, gives candidates a meaningful edge when applying to these roles.
Where can I find and apply to employment specialist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to employment specialist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across workforce development agencies, nonprofits, health systems, and state employers. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 7 Employment Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Employment Specialist Jobs