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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We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Employment Specialist to join our team. This role is essential in supporting individuals, particularly those with high barriers such as but not limited to mental health challenges, substance use recovery, and limited work experience. The Employment Navigator will facilitate job placements, provide training and development, and ensure compliance with employment and labor laws. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills and a passion for helping others succeed in the workforce.
Responsibilities
- Conduct assessments to determine the employment needs and goals of clients.
- Develop individualized employment plans tailored to each client's strengths and challenges.
- Provide training in job readiness skills, including interviewing techniques, resume writing, and workplace etiquette.
- Collaborate with local businesses to identify job openings suitable for clients.
- Assist clients in navigating the application process, including completing applications and preparing for interviews.
- Offer ongoing support to clients post-placement to ensure job retention and satisfaction.
- Maintain accurate records of client progress and outcomes in compliance with agency policies.
- Stay informed about current trends in workforce development and employment law.
Experience
- Background in social work, addiction counseling, or related fields is beneficial.
- Familiarity with employment and labor laws relevant to workforce development.
- Experience in mentoring, recruiting, or training & development is a plus.
- Strong interviewing skills with the ability to connect with diverse populations.
- Teaching experience or a background in educational settings is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to empowering individuals through effective support strategies while fostering an inclusive work environment.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Employment Specialist to join our team. This role is essential in supporting individuals, particularly those with high barriers such as but not limited to mental health challenges, substance use recovery, and limited work experience. The Employment Navigator will facilitate job placements, provide training and development, and ensure compliance with employment and labor laws. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills and a passion for helping others succeed in the workforce.
Responsibilities
- Conduct assessments to determine the employment needs and goals of clients.
- Develop individualized employment plans tailored to each client's strengths and challenges.
- Provide training in job readiness skills, including interviewing techniques, resume writing, and workplace etiquette.
- Collaborate with local businesses to identify job openings suitable for clients.
- Assist clients in navigating the application process, including completing applications and preparing for interviews.
- Offer ongoing support to clients post-placement to ensure job retention and satisfaction.
- Maintain accurate records of client progress and outcomes in compliance with agency policies.
- Stay informed about current trends in workforce development and employment law.
Experience
- Background in social work, addiction counseling, or related fields is beneficial.
- Familiarity with employment and labor laws relevant to workforce development.
- Experience in mentoring, recruiting, or training & development is a plus.
- Strong interviewing skills with the ability to connect with diverse populations.
- Teaching experience or a background in educational settings is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to empowering individuals through effective support strategies while fostering an inclusive work environment.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
See All 5 Employment Specialist Jobs in Illinois
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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 GATX, Thresholds, and Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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, Joliet, and Decatur. 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 33% of employment specialist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 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 5 Employment Specialist Jobs in Illinois
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