Workforce Development Specialist

Chinese American Service League•Chinatown - Chicago, IL

11h•$48,000 - $50,000•Onsite

About The Position

Join CASL as a Workforce Development Specialist and Make a Difference Are you passionate about helping individuals achieve economic stability and career success? Join CASL as a Workforce Development Specialist, where your work will directly connect community members to meaningful employment opportunities and long-term career pathways. Your Mission: This role advances CASL’s mission by providing person-centered, culturally responsive employment services that expand access to opportunity and promote self-sufficiency. By bridging the gap between employers and community members, the Workforce Development Specialist helps create pathways to employment, supports workforce development across the community, and contributes to CASL’s ongoing commitment to empowerment, equity, and community transformation. About CASL: Founded in 1978, CASL is the largest and most comprehensive community-based organization in the Midwest, with deep roots in serving Asian Americans and a commitment to welcoming all. With over 45 years of experience, CASL supports individuals and families across four essential areas: health, human services, education, and advocacy. From early learning and senior care to legal assistance, housing support, and citizenship services, CASL helps thousands of Chicago-area residents build healthy, stable, and empowered lives. To hear about: CASL's history, watch here CASL's future, watch here Make a Difference, and Get the Support You Deserve Salary Range: $48,000 – $50,000/year | Full Benefits Package Included We value your expertise and commitment, and we invest in both. From competitive pay and comprehensive benefits to a culture that puts people first, you’ll be supported while doing work that matters. This role is based in Chinatown, Chicago, with a standard Monday–Friday schedule. Scroll down for full details on salary, benefits, schedule and what it's like to be part of CASL. What You’ll Impact The Workforce Development Specialist directly supports economic mobility within the community by connecting job seekers to meaningful employment and sustainable career pathways. Through individualized coaching, job readiness training, and strong employer partnerships, this role empowers clients to build confidence, develop workforce skills, and achieve long-term employment success. The impact of this work extends beyond job placement—strengthening families, supporting financial stability, and contributing to a more equitable and thriving community.

Requirements

Associate degree required with 4+ years of workforce development, job placement, case management, or related experience
Strong interest in working with clients of all ages, demonstrating empathy and cultural sensitivity
Bilingual proficiency in spoken and written English and Chinese (Cantonese preferred, Mandarin and/or Toishanese a plus)
Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment, with the ability to adjust to changing client needs and program requirements.
Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and find creative solutions to client challenges and service delivery obstacles.
Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel), data entry and web navigation
Basic end-user level understanding and experience with Salesforce is a plus.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in workforce development, human services, social work, education, or related field preferred
Experience developing employer pipelines or managing ongoing business partnerships across multiple industries
Experience tracking and reporting on employment outcomes, retention metrics, or workforce performance indicators
Experience coordinating hiring events, job fairs, or employer information sessions
Familiarity with local workforce systems, funding streams, or partnerships (e.g., American Job Centers, workforce boards, sector-based initiatives)

Responsibilities

Employer Partnerships and Job Placement: Establish new partnerships and maintain strong relationships with employers to create employment opportunities for clients.
Identify client employment goals and match their skills and interests with suitable job openings, ensuring timely job placement.
Accompany clients to job interviews, providing support and assistance as needed.
Client Consultation and Training: Provide comprehensive employment consultation to clients, aligning their short-term employment and long-term career goals.
Develop and implement individualized pre-employment/pre-vocational training plans to enhance clients' job readiness.
Organize, implement, and conduct pre-employment workshops, creating and updating materials to meet clients' needs.
Data Management and Reporting: Enter client records and case notes into Salesforce in a timely manner, ensuring accurate and up-to-date documentation to support transparency and data-informed decision-making.
Enter and maintain accurate data in Career Connect, ECM, or similar Client Management Systems (CMS) in a timely manner.
Maintain accurate physical files and system records, ensuring compliance with program requirements.
Market Analysis and Outreach: Conduct regular employment market studies to identify future employment trends and opportunities.
Identify and pursue new employment leads, establishing connections with potential employers and reporting observations to the program supervisor.
Present and promote program services at community events, conducting outreach and marketing efforts to expand program visibility.
Program Representation and Support: Represent the Adult Employment Program in the absence of the Program Coordinator.
Assist other team members with caseloads, provide backup support, and train new staff as needed.
Organize and hold job fairs and other activities to connect clients with potential employers.
Professional Development: Attend at least 8 hours of job-related training annually for professional development.
Additional Responsibilities: Contribute to additional responsibilities as needed to support the Human Service department’s initiatives and overall organizational goals, ensuring flexibility and alignment with CASL’s evolving needs.