Workforce Development Specialist

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. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• 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.  

• 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.  

• 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.  

• 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.  

• 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.

• Attend at least 8 hours of job-related training annually for professional development.  

• 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. 

• Education and Experience:   
• Associate degree required with 4+ years of workforce development, job placement, case management, or related experience  
• Bachelor’s degree in workforce development, human services, social work, education, or related field preferred 

• Skills and Knowledge:   
• 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. 

• 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) 

• Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods, with occasional lifting or moving of objects weighing up to 20 pounds. 
• Required to sit for extended periods of time and travel by car.  

• Standard business hours, Monday through Friday (9:00 am - 5:00 pm), with flexibility to work additional hours, as necessary. 
• Work is performed in various settings including the office, offsite locations, and outdoor environments. 

Compensation & Benefits: 

This position offers a salary range of $48,000 - $50,000 annually, reflective of experience and qualifications. 

Join CASL and unlock a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your loved ones. As a full-time employee, you'll enjoy a range of options tailored to your needs. 

CASL’s comprehensive benefits package includes: 

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage 

Retirement Plan 

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) 

11+ Paid Holidays, including Lunar New Year and Juneteenth 

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA) 

Life Insurance, AD&D, and Disability Coverage 

Voluntary Worksite Benefits and Pet Insurance 

Commuter Benefits 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your household 

Why Choose CASL: 

Inclusivity: Join an organization that values mutual respect and acceptance, fostering a culture of inclusivity. 

Empowerment: Support staff empowerment through skill development and growth opportunities. 

Collaboration: Be part of a workplace that thrives on collaboration and teamwork. 

Transformation: Envision and realize transformative changes in people, processes, and policies. 

Resiliency: Work with a dynamic workforce and model resiliency to achieve collective strengths. 

Join Us and Make a Difference: 

Join us at CASL, where together, we create a brighter future for our community. 

Thank you for your interest in joining our team! Every application is personally reviewed by a real person—not AI. Our process may take some time, but rest assured, we will follow up with updates as soon as we can. We appreciate your patience and look forward to learning more about you. 

At CASL, we believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive success. If you're excited about the opportunity but unsure if you meet every requirement listed, we still encourage you to submit your application. Our company culture thrives on the unique talents and experiences that each individual brings to the table. We're looking for the right fit, and that goes beyond a checklist of qualifications. Join us in shaping a dynamic and inclusive team where your skills and contributions truly matter. 

CASL is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.