Employment Counselor

About Us

Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) is a community-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Chicagoland’s diverse immigrant and refugee communities. Established in 1981, CMAA is a cornerstone of the “Asia on Argyle” corridor of the Uptown Neighborhood of Chicago with satellite offices in Elgin, IL and the community of West Ridge in Chicago, providing programs to serve our community across generations. 

We offer after-school, summer camp, and mentoring programs for young people. For adults, we provide case management and social services, education including English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, job preparation and placement services, and immigration and citizenship case assistance. We connect older adults to in-home care support and community enrichment through our Golden Age Club. Finally, we support entrepreneurs and small businesses as the only AAPI-led Small Business Development Center in Illinois. 

Job Description

Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) is seeking an outreach and employment counselor who plays a key role in supporting immigrants and refugees as they navigate pathways to employment and economic self-sufficiency. This position focuses on community outreach, job readiness, and direct client support, ensuring participants have access to resources, training, and employment opportunities. The counselor will engage with employers, community partners, and training providers while delivering culturally and linguistically responsive services to clients. Employment Outreach Specialist provides individualized case management to workforce eligible clients, supervision to career coaches, and builds relationships with local businesses.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Supports Manager of Social Services and Manager of Adult Education and Workforce in carrying out outreach to communities 
• Plans events for clients to learn about employers, job opportunities and wrap around social services
• Plans workshops relevant to social services, workforce development and job seeking ie resume writing, career exploration, wrap around services 
• Enters client and partner data into databases, including Salesforce
• Build relationships with local employers to create and maintain pipelines for client job opportunities.
  Conduct outreach to identify new partnerships with businesses, workforce agencies, and training providers.
• Advocate for fair and inclusive hiring practices to ensure clients have equitable access to employment.
• Organize and facilitate hiring events, job fairs, and employer presentations.
• Partners with other departments within CMAA that are relevant for employment support and workforce development, including adult education and economic/ business development

Work Environment

• This job operates in a clerical office setting and field work with local and big businesses. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. 
• This position will support all CMAA locations in the Chicagoland and Elgin areas.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health benefits package to include medical, dental, and vision plans with employer contribution between 60%-90% of premiums!
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match after one (1) year and fully vested at year six (6)!
• 10 Company Holidays a year!
• Personal Time Off, Sick Leave, and Vacation time off policies!
• Parking/Transit benefits
• Travel Reimbursements for eligible commuting routes
• Opportunities for growth and to give back to communities!
• Fun, high-energy culture!
• Relaxed dress code!
• Access to an exceptional leadership team!

The approximate pay range for this position is between $40,000.00-$50,000.00 annually. Please note that the indicated base range is provided in good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, etc.

CMAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability during the application or interview process, please contact us at 773-784-2900 and request the Human Resources Department or email at [email protected] and reference the job ID3751403.

 Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, social work preferred
• Experience working in a social services setting preferred
• Experience with case management and working with employer partners
• Bi-lingual in English and Spanish is preferred. 

Competence

• Strong communication skills, written and verbal
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Compassion to help the community