Resource Employee - Workforce Development Support

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process. Resource Employee - Workforce Development Support Resource Part-Time Chicago, IL, US 2 days ago Requisition ID: 1721 Salary Range: $20.50 To $24.09 Hourly Title: Resource Employee - Workforce Development Support Exemption Status : Non-Exempt Department : Windy City Harvest Reports to: Manager, Workforce Development Anticipated to start in August for approximately 2 months, scheduled as needed. Resource employees of the Chicago Botanic Garden are eligible for the following Benefits: Wellness initiative benefit, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Retirement plan Garden membership - free to employees at Household Plus level Discounts to Garden Shop, Café, Garden-sponsored educational classes Employee events such as Orchid show, Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, Lightscape employee & friends preview night Compensation Philosophy: At the Chicago Botanic Garden, our compensation philosophy is rooted in our core values: Growth, Understanding, Resilience, and Trust through Transparency. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and appreciated. The starting salary for new staff members is determined by considering the salary range assigned to the position and by reviewing the candidate's qualifications for the job as compared with job responsibilities. Prior work experience should be considered in determining the salary offer, provided that it is relevant to the job. Additional factors such as secondary language proficiency or advanced degrees that enhance performance may also be considered. A candidate's salary may exceed the minimum amount based on factors such as experience, additional skills (e.g., secondary language proficiency), or pertinent degrees that enhance the individual's contribution to the role but are not required. Opportunities for increased compensation are provided through referral bonuses, shift differentials, Thank You Pay, promotions, and periodic pay increases based on the Garden's overall performance and financial budgets. Our total compensation and benefits package is people centric. We prioritize employee wellness across three pillars: physical, mental, and financial. Our goal is to offer innovative total rewards that support continuous professional growth, personal development, and provide the flexibility needed to balance personal and professional commitments. Position Overview The Chicago Botanic Garden's Windy City Harvest is looking for a Corps Program Assistant to work with our transitional jobs and workforce development program. The Corps Program Assistant will be part of a collaborative team, working closely with all members of the Windy City Harvest team. The Windy City Harvest Corps program employs 30 to 40 justice-involved individuals and veterans across two 14-week cohorts each year in closely mentored, full-time, paid transitional jobs. Our goal is to support graduates in finding full-time, long-term employment. The Program Assistant will support participant onboarding, intake, and individual employment plans. They will also work with the Workforce Development Manager to develop and facilitate job readiness curriculum and activities in group and 1-on-1 settings. The ideal candidate has workforce development experience and is skilled at building relationships with individuals facing barriers to employment. They communicate proactively and transparently with program staff and participants. Lived or professional experience with the justice system or justice impacted communities is preferred. For more information on the Corps program, please visit: chicagobotanic.org/urbanagriculture/programs/corps Responsibilities In this role you will be responsible for the following: Grant & Compliance Support: Support the Workforce Development Manager in meeting Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) grant criteria, performance goals, and compliance documentation. Participant Support & Coaching: Build consistent relationships across all crews, maintaining active awareness of participant progress and challenges. oServe as a connection point during intake, onboarding, IEP (Individual Employment Plan), and job placement. oSurface participant concerns and emerging issues to the Workforce Development Manager in a timely and transparent manner. Instruction & Facilitation: Teach job readiness classes and co-facilitate Friday job club activities, workshops, and employability programming. Assist participants with writing resumes and cover letters, completing job applications, and preparing for interviews. Reinforce program standards and foster a culture of accountability and mutual respect. Resource Coordination: Connect participants to community partners for housing, legal aid, childcare, mental health services, and transportation through warm referrals. Job Placement & Support: Assist participants in securing full-time employment and provide supportive follow-up services post-placement. Qualifications Our ideal candidate will have the following: Lived experience with the justice system or direct professional experience supporting justice involved individuals is strongly preferred. One year of experience in social work, workforce development, job readiness programming, or adult education. 1 year of experience working with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace. Experience making warm referrals or navigating social service systems with participants or clients. Understanding of and commitment to the transitional jobs model. Strong relationship-building skills with team members, program participants, and employment partners. Excellent communication skills across email, phone, and in-person settings. Commitment to being a supportive resource for program participants, community residents, and project partners. Physical Demands Must be comfortable working indoors or outdoors for a minimum of two hours in various temperatures and weather conditions and kinds of terrain (paved, gravel, lawn, and other garden surfaces); ability to stand and walk for up to six hours at a time; able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 30 pounds. Staff is expected to work in multiple locations. Why Apply? We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class. Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified. In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call View phone number on click.appcast.io to contact our Title IX coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters. #J-18808-Ljbffr Chicago-Botanic-Garden