> What is the Career Pathways Initiative?

The Career Pathways Initiative is a project of the University of Chicago, the University of Chicago Medical Center, the City of Chicago Department of Community Development, Mayor Daley’s WorkNet Chicago, Illinois WorkNet, and The Cara Program. Our goal is to help residents of the Mid-South side of Chicago find quality employment opportunities.

>The initiative consists of various components:

1. Career Pathways Resource Center

• A free walk-in center open to the public, operating Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm, located at 950 E. 61st Street in the Woodlawn Social Services Center.
• The Center has a computer lab with eight (8) internet accessible computers, phone, fax and copier services available for job search.
• The Center also offers weekly job search workshops, including resume writing, interviewing, applications and professionalism, and provides access to the Illinois WorkNet system.
  

2. Intensive Training and Support

• Referral to The Cara Program – a full-time intensive job training program that guarantees quality employment to its participants who comply with program requirements.
• Through Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding, the Center is also able to help Mid-South side residents access vocational training opportunities.
  

3. Assistance in permanent job placement and career advancement coaching.

> News:

CPI helps more than 100 Mid-South Side residents secure jobs!

See the full story celebrating this achievement (University of Chicago news site).

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> Quick Links:

Career Pathways Resource Center
   Reception: 773/752-0687

University of Chicago Careers:
   jobs.uchicago.edu

Medical Center Careers:
   uchospitals.edu/jobs

Illinois workNet:
   www.illinoisworknet.com

Printable version of website:
   CPI Info Sheet   

>FOR JOB SEEKERS

How can I participate in the Career Pathways Initiative?

If you are working with a community organization, ask them to refer you to the program. If not, you can call the Career Pathways Resource Center at 773/752-0687 to schedule a date to attend orientation. There is no fee to participate. All we ask for is your motivation and commitment to real and lasting success.

Do I need to go through this initiative to apply at the University or the Medical Center?

No. This initiative is only one way to access jobs with these employers. You can still apply through the career websites of both the University (jobs.uchicago.edu) and the Medical Center (www.uchospitals.edu/jobs). This initiative provides you with the extra advantage of having our staff make a personal referral to human resources recruiters on your behalf.

What if I have a criminal background?

We work with individuals with criminal records, unless they include convictions for sexual or extremely violent crimes. Job seekers should note that each employer has its own criminal record policy.

> FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

How do I refer clients to this initiative?

If you have a client who is motivated and committed to full-time work, please call Myla Skinner at 773/752-8750 to make a referral. Myla will work with your client to take the next steps to successful employment.

How do I know what happens to the individuals I refer?

Should you so desire, you may receive periodic updates on the services received by the clients you refer. If this is of interest, please contact Myla Skinner at 773/752-8750.

>FOR HIRING MANAGERS

If I’m a hiring manager at the University or the Medical Center, how can I fill my openings with candidates participating in this initiative?

Hiring managers from the University and the Medical Center have designated Community Recruitment Coordinators to facilitate the hiring of initiative participants. Please contact your assigned coordinator to arrange interviews and discuss your hiring needs.

If I’m a hiring manager from another organization, how can I fill my openings with candidates participating in this initiative?

Please call Kimberly Cameron at 773/752-8764 to discuss your hiring needs. We would be happy to find quality candidates for you.

What’s the benefit of hiring from this initiative?

You will meet quality candidates who are thoroughly screened for the critical skills that you seek. Many will be completing full-time training with us, allowing us to conduct an even more accurate assessment of their suitability for your positions. Many will also be eligible for retention services for up to one year after employment, helping you minimize turnover and increase employee satisfaction.

> FOR TRAINING ORGANIZATIONS

How can I connect initiative participants with our training programs?

If you have a training program for vocational skills, please call Myla Skinner at 773/752-8750 to become a training partner and receive referrals.

For questions on becoming an employment partner, please contact:

Kimberly Cameron
Job Developer
773/752-8764
kcameron@careerpathwayschicago.org

For questions on referring clients or becoming a training partner, please contact:

Myla Skinner
Program Manager
773/752-8750
mskinner@careerpathwayschicago.org