Employment and Volunteer Opportunities

Oak Park Township, Illinois is seeking qualified government agency leaders with a strong background in Illinois Township governance that possess experience in the provision of social services and human resources as candidates for its next Township Manager.

Oak Park Township, located in Oak Park, Illinois, partners with more than 150 service organizations as they provide quality, diverse, and relevant human and social services to Oak Park, Illinois, and River Forest, Illinois. Oak Park, Illinois located just nine miles west of downtown Chicago is an inner-ring, independent suburban community that offers a distinctive urban/suburban lifestyle in a pleasant setting of tree-lined streets and both vintage and modern homes and apartments that offer attractive variety in style and price. Oak Park has a long history of being a community of choice, benefiting from a convenient transportation network, access to local and regional high-quality retail, high-tech employment opportunities, arts, and cultural attractions. Oak Park shares a border with the City of Chicago, River Forest, Forest Park, Cicero, and Berwyn.

The Township Manager reports directly to the Township Supervisor. The Township Manager directs the operations of a 56-member social services-oriented operation. The Manager directly oversees five (5) Departments responsible for Administration, General Assistance, Resident Services, Senior Services, and Youth and Family Services. The Township Manager oversees an annual budget of $8,728,000. The former Township Manager led the agency for fifteen years. The Township is seeking a Manager that is committed to the support, success, and sustainability of Township governance and is comfortable working in a very diverse and well-educated workforce. The successful Manager will be organized, articulate, trustworthy, enthusiastic, accountable, flexible, focused, fair, a good listener, resourceful, collaborative, and humble.

Duties Include:

Establishing and maintaining professional relationships with community partners. Ability to lead a team and work with the Board of Trustees. Preparing Township levy.

Evaluating organizational needs and formulating short and long-range plans to meet those needs. Representing the Township in a positive way in the community. Ability to manage maintenance and capital projects.

Ability to build consensus on various initiatives.

Preparing and overseeing the Township's annual budget.

Ideal Candidate will possess:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field. A Master's Degree in Business Administration or Public Administration is preferred, but not required. Three (3) to five (5) years of previous experience in a comparable agency with extensive experience in a management role. Must possess or be able to possess a valid Illinois Driver's license. Extensive experience in human resources and personnel management is preferred. Considerable knowledge of social services offered by the Township. Considerable knowledge of Illinois Township Government laws, policies, and regulations. * Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.

Knowledge of Illinois State Laws including the Township Code. Knowledge of financial management and budget development. Skilled in policy development and implementation.

Skilled in strategic planning.

Skilled in public relations.

Compensation and Benefits:
The anticipated starting salary range is between $100,000 to $120,000 + or - based on education and previous experience. Residency is not required for this position. This is a full-time, exempt position with the Township. The Township offers an extremely competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package that includes very affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage (also available to dependents), tuition reimbursement, sick leave, personal days, health club reimbursement, and vacation leave at the time of employment. The Township also offers paid holidays that begin at employment professional development, professional memberships, as well as participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement System (IMRF).

Selection Process
Interested Candidates should apply online with a resume, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references. The first review of resumes will begin on August 31, 2023. The deadline to apply is September 15th. The Township anticipates the first round of interviews to occur in early October. Electronic submissions are required.

For questions contact:
Jim Arndt, Vice President GovHR USA
Tel: 217-500-0770

Oak Park Township, IL is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity and inclusion are critical to our success. We seek to recruit the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

Application Deadline: September 15, 2023

Please no third party vendors. Thank you for your interest.

Township Facilities Maintenance Custodian

Job Summary

The Township Facilities Maintenance person performs a variety of custodial, janitorial and maintenance tasks for the Township Main and Senior Services offices.

Essential Job Functions

Responsible for cleaning and organizing medical equipment and ensuring everything is in working condition.

Ensuring inside and outside lighting is working, changing all burned out lights, cleaning lenses and maintaining emergency lighting.

Responsible for cleaning and inspecting basement sump pumps, ensuring that restroom toilets, faucets, sinks, and drains are maintained in working order, checking pipes for leaks or damage, and maintaining outside water supply.

Responsible for maintaining the heating and air equipment such as changing filters, cleaning units and cleaning baseboard heaters. Cleaning and filling all humidifiers, checking motor belts and changing filters.

Responsible for inspecting the roof including checking flashing and cleaning roof drains. Inspecting lighting ensuring inside and outside lighting at the Township office is working, changing all burned out lights, cleaning lenses and maintaining emergency lighting.

Responsible for light interior and exterior maintenance (painting, caulking, washing walls, spot removals, hanging items, moving furniture, etc). Performing routine maintenance such as washing windows, sweeping, dusting light fixtures and ductwork, and general cleaning.

Parking lot and outdoor walkway responsibilities include ensuring that the parking lot is maintained in a clean condition, clearing debris, replacing bags in trash bins, dumpster cleaning, snow removal and ice melt application for front sidewalk, front door, and back door areas (including near dumpsters).

Performs landscaping including planting, watering, trimming shrubs and evergreens, performs weed control and removal, and completes fall clean up.

Responsible for setup for all scheduled meetings, programs, and dining. Ensuring appropriate table and chair setup (removal and storage of unneeded equipment), that tables and chairs are clear and clean, and ensuring that the room is clean and orderly.

Notifies appropriate staff with janitorial supply restocking needs. (130 building supplies must be maintained on each floor. Nutrition Site Supervisor orders 1st floor, Front desk orders 2nd floor.)

Replenishes paper in copier bins and copiers.

Ensures outdoor storage unit is maintained in an organized manner for easy access to all items, as needed.

Responsible for ensuring timely service and inspections according to established timeframes (fire extinguishers, fire alarms, elevator inspections, backflow valve inspections, etc). Coordinate and assist with vendor/contractor access to building, basement, rooftop, elevator room, etc. Monitor onsite activity and provide reports of completion to supervisor or notify of any variations, as needed.

Open boxes and pack away supplies delivered.

Work overtime when needed at night or weekends assisting with set-up or watching the front door for special events.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent and one year vocational or trade school with course work in carpentry, plumbing, HVAC or related field and four to five (4-5) years experience in office or commercial building janitorial work.

The qualifications listed above are guidelines. Other combinations of education and experience, which could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this job, may be considered.

Salary is $21.75 per hour, 40 hours a week, non-exempt.

Send your resume with cover letter khenry@oakparktownship.org.

Oak Park River Forest is an equal opportunity employer: disability/veteran

Click here to view, print, or download a PDF of the full job description.

Senior Services Full-Time Older Adult Benefits Specialist

Do you have a Bachelor’s Degree in social work or an Associate’s Degree in a related field and are looking for a position that qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness?

Do you have a passion to serve the community while assisting older adults to secure public benefits and improve their quality of life?

Are you looking to advocate for older adults and serve as a liaison with other organizations to ensure their needs are met?

If this role sounds like a fit, please read below.

Organization Overview: Our vision is to be a well- known and respected community partner and the leading provider of proactive, responsive, and relevant supportive services for all residents at every stage of life. The Senior Services department offers a broad continuum of supportive services in order to promote the independence of older adults in the communities of Oak Park and River Forest. For more information, visit https://oakparktownship.org.

Position Summary: The Older Adult Benefits Specialist serves as an integral member of the Aging & Disability Resource Center. They are responsible for providing information, screening applicants for eligibility, and assisting older adults with applications under the Senior Health Assistance Program (SHAP).

Responsibilities:

• Promote the rights of each older person; provide participants with full information regarding the services available; allow participants to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal, maintain confidentiality, and respect participant’s property and right to privacy.
• Perform research and provide information to seniors, their families or referral agencies through telephone contact, printed information, face-to-face contact and electronic means.
• Serve as an advocate for seniors and their family members and other local residents to assist them in meeting their needs. Refer requests of a more intensive or long-term need to Case Management Intake as necessary.
• Provide SHAP assistance in accordance with the AgeOptions Service Definitions and Standards. Activities include providing information and conducting individual appointments to assess participant needs and complete applications to determine eligibility for appropriate programs including benefits access applications (BAA), Medicare Part D, Low Income Subsidy (LIS), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare Savings Program (MSP), Medicaid, and other additional programs.
• Complete follow up ensuring applications are processed appropriately & benefits are received.
• Act as liaison between client and other agencies to provide information, assistance, and advocacy.
• Maintain participant files, records of transactions, compiles statistics, and prepares necessary reporting on all activities to submit to Older Adult Benefits Administrator.
• Conduct home visits for homebound residents as needed.
• Become Options Counseling and Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) certified within a year of employment or when training programs are offered.
• Relieve front office staff as needed.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for special events, meetings, or outreach opportunities as needed.
• Attend internal and external meetings and various training seminars and conferences as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or other related field or Associate’s degree with two (2) years of direct program experience and one year of working with older adults.

The qualifications listed above are guidelines. Other combinations of education and experience, which could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this job, may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid Illinois Driver’s License and liability insurance

Knowledge:

• Public benefit programs
• Programs and services available to older adults and those 18-59 with a disability
• Web based applications, basic database environments, applicant tracking systems, Windows 10 and Microsoft Office 365 applications.

Skills:

• Excellent communication, motivational interviewing, active listening, and writing skills
• Basic math/recordkeeping
• Interpersonal relations
• Time Management

Ability to:

• Determine eligibility for State and federal programs benefit programs
• Successfully complete applications for benefit enrollment
• Provide follow through and ensure benefits received
• Maintain professional composure when dealing with difficult clients
• Work independently and with minimal supervision

Company offerings:

• 2 weeks vacation, 13 holidays, 12 sick days, and 2 personal days
• Health Insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield (85% of the cost covered by employer)
• Dental and Vision (85% of the cost covered by employer)
• Life insurance
• IMRF Employer, Pension, and 457 savings plan
• Tuition Assistance
• Position qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

To apply: If you have a passion for working with older adults and providing public service, we would like to speak with you! Send your resume with cover letter and salary requirement to mojeda@oakparktownship.org.

Oak Park River Forest is an equal opportunity employer: disability/veteran

Key Words: Public Benefits, Medicaid, Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program, Applications for Assistance, Eligibility Screening

Click here to view, print, or save a PDF version of this job posting.

Do you have a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition or Culinary Arts and are looking for a position that qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness? 

Do you have a passion to serve the community while combatting food insecurity? 

Are you looking for a role to expand your leadership skills? 

If this role sounds like a fit, please read below. 

Organization Overview: Our vision is to be a well- known and respected community partner and the leading provider of proactive, responsive, and relevant supportive services for all residents at every stage of life. The Senior Services department offers a broad continuum of supportive services in order to promote the independence of older adults in the communities of Oak Park and River Forest. For more information, visit https://oakparktownship.org. 

Position Summary: The Senior Services Nutrition Site Supervisor is responsible for leadership and supervision of the nutrition team to ensure welcoming, efficient, quality service provision to participants in alignment with rules and regulations. This role oversees the dining room, distribution of home-delivered meals, administration of the dine-out program, and other related nutrition services while ensuring the needs of older adult participants are met and fostering their ability to live independently in the community as long as possible. Collaboration with the Programs and Engagement Administrator on implementation of education programs and activities for nutrition program participants is also integral to this role. 

Responsibilities: 

● Coordinate, oversee & manage nutrition programs including review of menus, food ordering, collaboration with vendors, preparation of delivery route sheets and data compliance 

● Manage personnel including staffing, supervising, training, and evaluating Nutrition Program staff and volunteers/interns. Prioritizes work assignments for staff and ensures staff/volunteer coverage for smooth program operation 

● Maintain and inform nutrition staff of federal, state & local regulations and grant statistical requirements. Coordinate, modify, and implement all new rules and regulations for the Nutrition site as mandated by AgeOptions and the Illinois Department on Aging 

● Oversee ordering, billing, record keeping, and service utilization data for nutrition programs & provide quality assurance to ensure all reporting and required information is captured 

● Ensure participant file retention for internal and external audits; work with auditors to review files; review audit recommendations and oversee implementation of recommendations 

● Oversee the implementation of special projects such as Shelf Stable meals and Farmers Market coupon distribution 

● Ensure program is operating withing budgeted parameters, assist with information for grant applications and special funding opportunities 

● Collaborate with leadership to develop a comprehensive outreach plan for Nutrition programs in alignment with requirements from Illinois Department on Aging, AgeOptions and other funders requirements and supervise staff implementation of the plan 

Senior Services Full-Time Nutrition Site Supervisor 

● Provide exceptional customer service internally and externally. Develop and maintain relationships with funding agencies including AgeOptions, IDOA, community partners and local service providers. 

● Attends internal and external meetings and various training seminars and conferences as required. 

● Perform as an integral member of the Senior Services Management Team and the Township Leadership Team by answering requests, fostering communication and educational opportunities, and acting as an advocate to increase awareness of Township programs and services to all internal and external contacts 

● Serve as an Agency Representative for Township programs and events including interaction with the public, presentation of organizational information, and providing question & answer sessions for department specific presentations. 

Qualifications: 

Education and Experience: 

● Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, culinary arts, or related field 

● 3+ years experience working in food service 

● 3+ years supervisory experience 

● Experience working with the elderly preferred 

Licenses and Certifications: 

● ServSafe Manager Certification 

● Valid Illinois Driver’s License and liability insurance 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Knowledge: 

● Food handling & service safety requirements 

● Food insecurity and the aging process 

● Basic vehicle maintenance 

● Customer service, public relations & focus on serving the community 

● Computer systems including hardware and basic software programs 

Skills: 

● Verbal and written communications 

● Public speaking and interpersonal relations 

Ability to: 

● Maintain objectivity, confidentiality, and professional composure 

● Work independently and with minimal supervision 

● Lift up to 50 pounds 

● Delegate responsibility and foster subordinate growth 

● Sit, stand, keyboard, read, write, hear, and speak for extended periods 

● Take necessary action when confronted with difficult or potentially dangerous situations 

Senior Services Full-Time Nutrition Site Supervisor 

● Learn the array of community resources available to older adults and provide information as needed 

● Solve problems expeditiously and improvise and adapt to various situations. 

Company offerings: 

● 2 weeks vacation, 13 holidays, 12 sick days, and 2 personal days 

● Health Insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield (85% of the cost covered by employer) 

● Dental and Vision (85% of the cost covered by employer) 

● Life insurance 

● IMRF Employer, Pension, and 457 savings plan 

● Tuition Assistance 

● Position qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program 

To apply: If you have a passion for working with older adults and providing public service, we would like to speak with you! Send your resume with cover letter and salary requirement to pmahn@oakparktownship.org. 

Oak Park River Forest is an equal opportunity employer: disability/veteran 

Key Words: Nutrition Site Manager, Congregate Dining Program Managers, Senior Center Nutrition Manager, Community Kitchen Supervisor 

Click here to view, print, or download a PDF of the full job description.
Click here to view, print, or download a PDF of the full job posting.

DRIVER – FULL TIME ($18 - $20hr based on experience)

Oak Park Township is seeking a full-time driver to serve as a member of the Senior Services team to help the Township achieve its mission of: 1) addressing the needs of our community; 2) serving residents to help them remain living independently in the community as long as possible; 3) collaborating with community partners to ensure the needs of the older adults are met.

Drivers are responsible for safely driving passengers to locations; assisting passengers as necessary to embark and disembark from bus pursuant to established procedures; maintaining the assigned vehicle in a clean condition; checking the assigned vehicle for compliance with established safety and maintenance standards.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Safely loading and unloading passengers according to established procedures
• Use of routing tablets and radio to communicate with dispatch.
• Maintain complete and accurate daily log sheets.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Inspect assigned vehicle each day.
• Maintain general running conditions and daily cleanup of assigned vehicle.
• Represent the Township at community events.

Minimum Qualification: High School Diploma.

License: Valid Illinois Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) with Class B or C Passenger Endorsement preferred; safe driving record as demonstrated by the Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Must be able to secure CDL with passenger endorsement within first 60 days of employment.

Knowledge of: Streets in Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park

Skilled in:

• Safe Driving
• Time management
• Customer Service
• Verbal communication

Physical Abilities: Sit, drive, hear and speak for extended periods of time Lift up to 50 pounds. Climb multiple flights of stairs/ramps easily Work in changing weather conditions. Pass DOT physical.

Oak Park Township strengthens our community through programs that support the health and well-being of all Oak Park residents. Oak Park Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Day range:

• Monday to Friday

Shift:

• Day shift

COVID-19 considerations:

Common areas are sanitized. All riders and drivers are required to wear face masks.

Experience:

• Bus driving: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• CDL with Passenger Endorsement (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: One location

Interested applicants should submit their resume to Lori Strong at lstrong@oakparktownship.org.

FOOD SERVICE WORKER – PART TIME (27.5 hours/week 8 a.m. to 1:30 pm)

Oak Park Township is seeking a part time Food Service Worker to serve as a member of the Senior Services team to help the Township achieve its mission of: 1) addressing the needs of our community by providing nutritious meals and opportunities for recreation, education, and socialization for older adults; 2) assisting with the operation of the nutrition site in an open, inclusive, and fiscally responsible manner while maintaining or improving service quality to staff, program participants, vendors and other partners; 3)  assisting with opportunities for increased collaboration with community partners and providing volunteer opportunities to enhance service provision while conserving funds.

The Food Service Staff Worker will:

• Package, serve and/or deliver meals to older adults who participate in our nutrition service program while ensuring adherence to food safety guidelines
• Assist nutrition staff and volunteers in successful daily operations of the nutrition site, which includes set up and breakdown of the service area
• Assist with Well-Being calls to older adults enrolled in the nutrition program
• Stock supplies for the site and inform Nutrition Program Manager of inventory needs
• Create a friendly, open, and welcoming environment by engaging with participants, volunteers, and staff.
• Act as a team player by providing staff coverage for other members of the Nutrition team as needed.
• Utilize food sanitation skillset to maintain high level of food safety at all times.

The position requires a High School Diploma, ServSafe Food Protection Food Manager Sanitation Certification, valid Drivers License, and at least one year of experience in a food service environment.  Successful candidates must possess strong interpersonal skills, work well as part of a team, demonstrate tact, and show sensitivity to the needs of older adults.  A background check and pre-employment test will be required for all candidates.  Experience with Microsoft Office, databases and applicant tracking systems a plus.

For a complete job description, please click here.  Interested applicants should submit a resume via email to Laura Valcour, Nutrition Program Manager, at lvalcour@oakparktownship.org