Jobs & Workforce Training

Looking for a job? Support is available for returning residents who are looking to find employment or enroll in workforce training. Not seeing what you’re looking for? Call 2-1-1.
Jobs with the City of Chicago

The City of Chicago is one of the largest employers in the city, with thousands of job opportunities available annually. The City of Chicago is committed to being a Fair Chance Hiring employer. We value applicants with diverse experiences, including those who have had prior contact with the criminal legal system. Having a criminal history, including prior incarceration, arrest(s), and/or conviction(s) does not automatically disqualify you from employment with the City of Chicago.

 
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City of Chicago’s Background Check Policy

If you receive a conditional offer of employment, the City will conduct a background check. The resulting report will be used to conduct an individualized assessment to determine if the nature of any prior conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have been selected. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances.

The City of Chicago will never consider the following when evaluating the results of a background check: 

  • Any conviction for decriminalized conduct, including those related to cannabis consumption or possession.
  • Arrests that did not lead to a conviction.
  • Convictions from the juvenile justice system.
  • A conviction that has been dismissed, expunged, or sealed.
  • A conviction that is more than 5 years old, unless there are legal, funding, or grant requirements tied to the role, or if it is within the . For roles in the Mayor's Office, convictions more than 7 - year old will not be considered.
    • Convictions under 5 years old (or 7 years for the Mayor’s Office) will be reviewed through the individualized assessment process.
Workforce Training Programs

DFSS Re-Entry Workforce Programs

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) facilitates workforce training programs and job placements for eligible Chicago residents, including returning residents, individuals experiencing homelessness, and low- and moderate-income Chicagoans.


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Greencorps Chicago

Greencorps Chicago is a paid green-industry employment program with on-the-job training focused on preparing participants for successful employment in fields of ecological restoration, green infrastructure, tree care, and landscaping. The program focuses on several groups, including returning residents.


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CTA Second Chance

CTA’s Second Chance program is a nationally recognized program that provides valuable job skills and career opportunities to Chicago residents who often face challenges re-entering the workforce. The Second Chance program takes a holistic approach to preparing individuals for successful careers It not only provides jobs to returning residents and others who face barriers to employment, but also offers a wide range of training, education, mentoring and networking opportunities.


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The Chicago-Cook Workforce Partnership

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) is the non-profit umbrella organization that operates the largest public workforce system in the country. The Partnership oversees a network of more than 90 community-based organizations, American Job Centers, satellite sites, and sector-driven centers. It provides job training, career coaching and resume assistance to job- seekers in the Chicagoland region.


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City Colleges of Chicago

City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) offers a variety of educational and training programs, including college credit programs, adult learning, continuing education, high school completion, and online education. CCC not only provides educational programs but helps students with job placement and career navigation.


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