All Upcoming Trainings & Events
IDHS - Documentation of Casenotes Virtual Training
Gain the skills to write concise, clear, relevant, and effective case notes through this program.
IDHS - SNAP 101: SNAP Basics for New Providers Webinar
This webinar will provide an overview of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, for anyone who works with SNAP Employment and Training programs. If you are new to working with SNAP E&T, this training will help you better understand important policies for SNAP and SNAP E&T programs.
After attending this webinar, you will be able to:
Understand the connection between federal policies and state/county administration SNAP Employment and Training
Understand the distinctions between SNAP Employment and Training, Earn Fare, and TANF Employment and Training
Gain a better understanding of the SNAP Employment and Training terminology, policies and typical activities
Know where to find more information about IDHS Workforce Development Programs
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
Time: 12pm-2pm CST
Facilitator: Latisha Brandon
Price: Free
Location: Zoom (link will be sent 24 hours prior - please be sure to spell your information correctly when registering)
IDHS - ISETS Interactive Demo: Part 1 Webinar
All participants will receive a log-in to the ISETS Test System and will have the opportunity to practice data entry and maintenance during the training.
IDHS - Introduction to Cultural Competency and Cultural Humility Virtual Training
Engage in this interactive training to build personal awareness, reflect on your assumptions, and examine how your behaviors influence your daily responsibilities.
IDHS - Career Coaching Virtual Training
This training will equip you with essential skills to empower job seekers by recognizing their strengths and fostering collaborative partnerships. You will learn practical tools for setting and achieving goals, incorporating motivational interviewing, active listening, and visioning into your sessions. Enhance your ability to support job seekers through accountable, strengths-based coaching.
After attending this training, you will be able to:
Recognize and build on job seeker strengths
Build a collaborative, accountable partnership with job seekers
Use tools to support your job seekers in setting and achieving their goals
Incorporate motivational interviewing, active listening, powerful questions, and visioning into your job seeker meetings
Location: Zoom (link will be sent 24 hours prior - please be sure to spell your information correctly when registering)
Coaching Fundamentals | In-Person Training
This 4-hour, in-person session provides a focused and interactive experience. Participants will explore the foundations of coaching, build confidence in core skills, and engage in hands-on practice that deepens understanding and skill development in real time.
This intensive is ideal for professionals looking to integrate a coaching approach into their work with staff, clients, or colleagues.
IDHS - Making Relevant Resource Referrals Virtual Training
Job seekers often have multifaceted needs, and it is unlikely that one single organization can respond to all of them! Instead, we need a diverse, reliable network of referral partners to provide this holistic support. Learn to navigate the social service landscape, build relationships with key resource partners, and warmly connect your job seekers to the support they need.
After attending this training, you will be able to:
Identify resources and gaps in your personal network of referral partners
Prepare customers for the referral to support them in accessing supportive services
Leverage resources through ISETS and IDHS referral networks to support customers with supportive services as they transition to work
Facilitator: Chioke Mose-Telesford
Location: Zoom (link will be sent 24 hours prior - please be sure to spell your information correctly when registering)
IDHS - Introduction to Digital Literacy in the Workforce
This digital skills course is designed for workforce professionals looking to enhance their proficiency with commonly used tools such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and Zoom. Participants will learn to create professional, ATS-friendly documents; manage and secure digital files; analyze data efficiently; and effectively communicate with clients in virtual settings. The course also integrates coaching strategies to assess and support clients’ digital literacy, ensuring inclusive and accessible services.
After attending this training, you will be able to:
Confidently use key digital tools to create, manage, and share professional documents.
Support effective virtual communication and collaboration while maintaining privacy and accessibility.
Assess and coach clients in digital literacy to enhance engagement and promote ongoing learning.
Facilitator: Shterna Goldbloom
Location: Zoom (link will be sent 24 hours prior - please be sure to spell your information correctly when registering)
IDHS - ISETS Interactive Demo: Part 2 Webinar
Join us for an interactive webinar in the ISETS system Part 2 of 3. All participants will receive a log-in to the ISETS Test System and will have the opportunity to practice data entry and maintenance during the training.
After this training, you will be able to:
Support customers by learning to navigate ISETS as they progress through training
Practice enrolling customers, completing the Needs Assessment, creating and updating employment plans, tracking activities and customer progress
Know where to go if you have questions and need more assistance
Facilitator: Kate Gannon
Location: Zoom (link will be sent 24 hours prior - please be sure to spell your information correctly when registering)
This is a training webinar 2 of 3. Register for the following to complete an ISETS webinar training series.
IDHS - TANF 101: TANF Basics for New TANF E&T Providers Webinar
After attending this training, you will be able to:
Understand the connection between federal policies and state/county administration of TANF Employment and Training
Understand the distinctions between SNAP Employment and Training, Earn Fare, and TANF Employment and Training
Gain a better understanding of TANF Employment and Training terminology, policies and typical activities
Know where to find more information about IDHS Workforce Development Programs
Facilitator: Latisha Brandon
Location: Zoom (link will be sent 24 hours prior - please be sure to spell your information correctly when registering)
IDHS - Trauma and Resilience Virtual Training
This training will provide a general overview of trauma and the impact it has on individuals, providers, and individual-provider relationships. With a strong understanding of trauma and what impacts resilience, you'll be better equipped to support clients with trauma, establish resilience, and create a well-being environment. You'll also consider how your own and others’ trauma impacts your work and your daily life and identify ways you can support your own resilience and self-care.
After this training, you will be able to:
Define trauma and list potential traumatic events for adults and children
Understand the science that clarifies trauma and resilience.
Explore the use of resilience as a strategy to mitigate trauma.
Facilitator: Chicago Growth Mindset
Location: Zoom (link will be sent 24 hours prior - please be sure to spell your information correctly when registering)
IDHS - Conducting Quality Intake Assessments Virtual Training
Through this training, learn strategies to build a better relationship with your jobseekers to work towards their employment goals.
IDHS - Training Advisory Meeting 2
CJC is hosting a feedback forum for IDHS providers called the "Training Advisory Group," designed to foster open discussion and collaboration. These sessions will provide an opportunity for providers to share insights, address challenges, and contribute to the ongoing improvement of training programs, ensuring they adapt to the evolving needs of the community and support professional growth.
IDHS - Community of Practice Meeting #4
This session offers a dedicated space for frontline SNAP/TANF E&T providers to pause, reflect, and celebrate their impact. Through stories, shared insights, and peer-to-peer engagement, participants will recognize their contributions to workforce development across Illinois. The session will spotlight successes, explore the experiences of those delivering critical services, and offer tools to sustain momentum and promote well-being in the months ahead. By the end, providers will leave reconnected to their purpose, their peers, and the power of their collective work.
IDHS - Making Metrics Matter: Using Data to Improve Your Programming | Virtual Training
This training will equip you with essential skills to empower job seekers by recognizing their strengths and fostering collaborative partnerships. You will learn practical tools for setting and achieving goals, incorporating motivational interviewing, active listening, and visioning into your sessions. Enhance your ability to support job seekers through accountable, strengths-based coaching.
Unlock Career Success: Train-the-Trainer Session on the Career Planning Process
Learn more about the CRC Curriculum as we train the trainer how to use the tool going through a lesson.
Strengths Based Coaching In-Person Training
Through this interactive training, you will build your coaching values, skills and tools, and explore how to apply them in your work with job seekers.
Workforce Convo: Accelerating Skills-Based Hiring- Unlocking Employment Pathways Through Work-Based Learning
Join the Chicago Jobs Council for a vital Workforce Convo on apprenticeship best practices in workforce development. Learn from Gina Rosen of Opportunity At Work and discover how to effectively engage employers in creating inclusive, skills-based apprenticeship programs that drive equity. This event will explore successful models and provide practical strategies for enhancing workforce development through apprenticeships. Coffee and breakfast provided. Members-only event.
Making The Right Employment Match Virtual Training
Find the right job for job seekers and increase retention rates.
IDHS - Advanced Cultural Competency: Understanding Dominant Culture Virtual Training
Through a combination of reflective exercises, practical strategies, and interactive discussions, attendees will learn to differentiate between bias, discrimination, and oppression, while gaining insight into their own experiences in delivering equitable care. The course will also focus on emotion regulation techniques for managing common activating events and encourage participants to make a personal commitment to continued learning and behavior change, fostering a more inclusive and equitable service environment.
After this training, you will be able to:
Differentiate between bias, discrimination, and oppression
Reflect on their experience and skill in providing effective, anti-oppressive service to BIPOC clients
Identify at least 3 strategies for emotion regulation during common activating events.
Articulate a specific commitment to ongoing learning and/or behavior change for greater equity.
Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Time: 10 am-1 pm CST
Facilitator: Kate Harrington-Rosen
Price: Free
Location: Zoom (link will be sent 24 hours prior - please be sure to spell your information correctly when registering)
Recruitment & Enrollment of Job Seekers Virtual Training
Are you struggling with low job seeker enrollment numbers? Are you challenged to find individuals who are the right fit for your program? Through this training, develop a plan to improve your organization’s recruitment process and generate new outreach ideas!
IDHS - Trauma and Resilience Virtual Training
This training will provide a general overview of trauma and its impact on individuals, providers, and individual-provider relationships.
Conflict Resolution For Creating And Sustaining Inclusive Workplaces In-Person Training
In this training, participants will establish a common language for expressing emotions and needs, and work on identifying the underlying causes of conflicts.
IDHS - Equip Job Seekers for Success with Workplace Navigation Skills Virtual Training
Upon completing this training, you will be equipped to define and enhance workplace navigation skills, providing tools to help job seekers connect their strengths to career pathways. Guide job seekers in identifying and building essential skills for workplace success.
Workforce Convo: Post-Election Policy Review
Join the Chicago Jobs Council for an insightful event where we will explore innovative policy ideas to create a more equitable economy in Chicago.
Compassion Fatigue and Burnout Virtual Training
Participants will leave with an understanding of vicarious trauma and the effect it has on employee wellness.
Trauma Informed Care In-Person Training
Traumatic events can have an intense physical, psychological and spiritual impact on the way we live our lives. Oftentimes, clients who are seeking basic needs (such as employment and housing) have a history of trauma under the surface. Case managers like yourselves are increasingly asked to respond to these multifaceted needs, but may feel underprepared to provide appropriate mental health support.
Collaborative Strategies for Equitable Outcomes: Implementing CJC’s Anti-Racist Framework Webinar
Join us for a deep dive into CJC’s Anti-Racist Framework, designed to help workforce development professionals integrate racial equity into their programs, policies, and partnerships. This webinar will provide practical tools for fostering a stronger commitment to racial equity, enhancing communication on race, and implementing equitable practices in service delivery.
Motivational Interviewing Virtual Training
Motivational Interviewing is an evidence-based practice that helps clients explore their goals, identify blocks, and ultimately take action. Through this training, learn the fundamentals of Motivational Interviewing and practice this approach with your peers.
Brews & Ballads: Fall Fundraiser 2024
Join CJC for our annual fundraising event. It is a great opportunity to network with other workforce development professionals and raise money for the advocacy work CJC contributes to.
IDHS - Introduction to Workforce Development Systems Webinar
Are you new to the workforce development field? Do you know how to navigate the system, program models, funding streams? Through this training, demystify what the workforce development system actually is: who’s involved, how it operates, the program models used, how it’s funded and what its relationship with other social services looks like.
CCWP’s Cultural Competency and Cultural Humility In Person Training
Cultural competency and cultural humility are approaches that cultivate self-awareness and self-reflection, bringing a respectful willingness to examine interpersonal interactions.
CCWP’s Cultural Competency and Cultural Humility In Person Training
Cultural competency and cultural humility are approaches that cultivate self-awareness and self-reflection, bringing a respectful willingness to examine interpersonal interactions.
Workforce Convos: Building an Equitable Chicago
Join the Chicago Jobs Council for an insightful event where we will explore innovative policy ideas to create a more equitable economy in Chicago.
CCWP’s Making The Right Employment Match Virtual Training
You’ve learned the hard way that connecting job seekers to the first job opening you find doesn’t usually last. While it can take more time, finding the best employment match for each of your job seekers leads to better retention outcomes and fulfillment of their long-term career aspirations.
CCWP’s Cultural Competency and Cultural Humility In Person Training
Cultural competency and cultural humility are approaches that cultivate self-awareness and self-reflection, bringing a respectful willingness to examine interpersonal interactions.
CCWP’s Cultural Competency and Cultural Humility In Person Training
Cultural competency and cultural humility are approaches that cultivate self-awareness and self-reflection, bringing a respectful willingness to examine interpersonal interactions.
CCWP’s Making The Right Employment Match
You’ve learned the hard way that connecting job seekers to the first job opening you find doesn’t usually last. While it can take more time, finding the best employment match for each of your job seekers leads to better retention outcomes and fulfillment of their long-term career aspirations.
CCWP’s Conducting Quality Intake Assessments Virtual Training
Our first session with a client lays the foundation for a successful relationship. We’re challenged to fill out forms and ask sensitive questions while also trying to build rapport. We will explore how to find the balance between completing required paperwork and creating space to build strong relationships with clients. Learn how to make the most of your limited time with clients to achieve their employment goals.
CCWP’s Conducting Quality Intake Assessments Virtual Training
Our first session with a client lays the foundation for a successful relationship. We’re challenged to fill out forms and ask sensitive questions while also trying to build rapport. We will explore how to find the balance between completing required paperwork and creating space to build strong relationships with clients. Learn how to make the most of your limited time with clients to achieve their employment goals.
Promoting Policy Alignment to Combat Systemic Racism
Chicago Jobs Council (CJC) is hosting a Community of Practice on May 22, 2024, featuring conversations on how we can combat system racism from a through policy. If you want to be in a community with like-minded workforce and policy professionals, this community of practice is for you!
We will engage in a series of discussions and workshops aimed at developing strategies and methods to advocate for anti-racist policies that promote equity and inclusion. Participants will have the opportunity to openly discuss the challenges and difficulties they face in this critical work. Sharing best practices will empower us all to navigate these challenges more effectively.
This space will encourage accountability and facilitate the exchange of valuable lessons and experiences as we collectively commit to working together in new and transformative ways. Collaboration is the cornerstone of lasting change.
We aim to inform workforce actors about innovative and inclusive approaches to policy design and implementation. This conversation will encourage workforce professionals to reimagine their approaches to workforce policy. We seek to create a future where policies are equitable and just.
Our discussions will shed light on the ways in which practitioners may inadvertently advance harmful, racist policies. Through deconstruction, we can dismantle these barriers to progress.
Cost: Free
Date: May 22, 2024
Time: 9:30am - 11:30am
Join us for an optional networking hour from 11:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Chicago Jobs Council Office
29 E. Madison, Suite 1700-C
Chicago, IL 60602