EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT CENTER

The EGTESC is available to Elk Grove Township residents at no charge, and employment professionals there can help with resume building, interview skills, and education on how to utilize LinkedIn to make connections to identify potential new careers. They are also happy to help non-residents at no charge when appointment slots are available.  Career Consultant John Chalekian manages the EGTESC and brings more than 40 years of human resources experience to the role. He takes a truly consultative approach in working closely with candidates to help identity positions where they can be successful.  “We always seek to help clients find jobs that they will truly enjoy,” Chalekian said.  “Job seekers should ask themselves why other positions haven’t worked out in the past, or why they are considering leaving their current job. This helps them identify those job attributes that will make a future position both desirable and long lasting.” Chalekian meets with job seekers of all types – from those seeking a first job, to individuals on their second career, and those that are closer to retirement. He works with them to help determine ideal work preferences, along with desired work culture and benefits, business location and commute time, and more. Mock interviews are offered to help candidates practice answering a variety of questions, and guidance is additionally given on negotiating for a higher salary or additional benefits once a job offer is made.  “The motto of Elk Grove Township is to empower people through community, and that is exactly what our Employment Support Center does for our residents,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “We are focused on providing the tools to help people become self-sufficient and find gainful employment, which not only helps the individual who gets the job, but our community as a whole.”  Individuals need to make an appointment at the EGTESC by calling 224-222-0935 or emailing jobhelp@elkgrowntownship.com. The Employment Support Center is open on Wednesdays between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. To learn more about all the services provided by the Township, visit elkgrovetownship.com.

Employment services are open to any Township resident and include both career counseling and assistance with specific job search skills. Employment Counselors provide help with networking, cover letter and resume writing, and interviewing. Additionally, they offer access to job search resources and reference materials. Computers are also available for job seekers to conduct online job searches and to file applications. “A job is important not only to being able to provide for yourself and your family, but it also empowers and uplifts. Being able to work strengthens the individual and their community,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor George Busse. “We are aware of many businesses and organizations who are looking for new team members right now and I encourage residents seeking employment to utilize the free assistance provided by our Employment Support Center.” The Center regularly offers career webinars, workshops and seminars. An upcoming seminar,‘Negotiating Tactics for Job Offers’, will take place on Wednesday, October 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Elk Grove Township, 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village. The seminar will focus on how to effectively negotiate with a potential employer to get the salary and benefits you and your family need. The Township also has a Community Employment Board that lists local job openings. Currently there are more than sixty employment opportunities listed. The Board is located at the west entrance to the Elk Grove Township building. The Employment Support Center is open weekly on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Please call 224-222-0935 or email jobhelp@elkgrovetownship.com for more information.

The internship program was established in 2016, with a goal to provide interns with direct experiences working in local government. Applicants must be entering their junior or senior years in college, and have basic computer skills, including utilizing email, and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel. Applicants for the General Assistance Internship should be majoring in social work, human services or a related field, be able to work independently, and contribute to the team environment in the General Assistance Department. Critical thinking, problem-solving, strong organizational skills and compassion for others are other preferred attributes for those interested in applying. Applicants must also be able to lift approximately 25 pounds. The internship with Township Administration requires the willingness to work in and with all Township departments, to be involved in daily Township business, and to attend Township and other meetings with local government bodies and community partners. This internship will provide experiences working in program oversight, planning and execution, as well as with transportation and finance. “Our internship program has been extremely successful over the last few years; we have been able to hire promising young men and women who have since gone on to flourish in their professional careers,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “These types of experiences are important for young people contemplating their direction in life, and the Township is honored to be able to provide them.” Resumes, along with a cover letter are due by Friday, May 10, 2019, and should state which internship is being sought, and why the individual is interested in the position. These materials can be emailed to ppioch@elkgrovetownship.com or mailed to: Elk Grove Township, Attn. Paul Pioch, 2400 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois 60005. For more information, please call 847-437-0300.

Township residents are encouraged to utilize free employment services, which include career counseling, assistance with resumes and cover letters, and access to job search resources and reference materials. Computers are also available for job seekers to conduct online job searches and fill out applications. The Employment Support Center is located at Elk Grove Township, 2400 S Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights, and also boasts ample networking opportunities, job fairs, in addition to career seminars and workshops. The purpose of these events is to connect employers with individuals seeking new employment. “The Employment Support Center is another offering that connects to the Township’s core mission of Empowering People Through Community,” said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Mike Sweeney. “This service fits well into our overall strategy to provide our clients with the tools to become as self-sufficient as possible.” Elk Grove Township currently has more than one hundred job listings posted on their community resource board, and encourages businesses looking to hire people to reach out to help promote job openings. The next free career seminar will be hosted on November 8, 2018 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the Employment Support Center. The seminar will teach attends about dynamic networking, and how to apply it to real-life situations to achieve career goals. The Employment Support Center is open weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. To take advantage of employment resources, or to attend a future workshop or seminar, please call 224-222-0935 or email jobhelp@elkgrovetownship.com. For more information, call Elk Grove Township at 847-437-0300 or visit elkgrovetownship.com.