In the wake of the COVID pandemic, the ranks of public service workers of every type have dwindled. AFSCME members like us know how important the work we do is. And we know how important it is to have adequate staffing levels to be able to fulfill our mission.
Over the next several months, AFSCME, through social media and in On the Move, will be featuring employees from a wide variety of occupations in the public sector with a message about why their job matters. While AFSCME members likely already have jobs in the public sector, we're hoping to encourage you to spread the word to your friends and family: There are union job openings all across Illinois with fair pay and good benefits serving the public good.
Gina Darden
Medical Insurance Associate, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
AFSCME Local 370
There are currently more than 120 clinical and administrative vacancies at the SIU School of Medicine. You can apply for available positions at the SIU School of Medicine at the link here.
"It is a good place to work. We have longevity, we have union representation that other institutions don't have. The benefits are great, the hours are great. We always have set hours so we can see our families, and we have overtime available to us."
Will Lee
Corrections Lieutenant, Pontiac Correctional Center
Local 494
The Illinois Department of Corrections as a whole has thousands of vacancies, but Pontiac Correctional Center has been particularly hard hit. The facility is nearly 50% below its normal staffing levels. You can learn how to apply for jobs in the Department of Corrections at the link here.
"It's a great union job. We work for the state but serve the public. There are plenty of opportunities to promote within. You can support your family and afford to live. It's rewarding, and it's easy to take pride in what we do because we do a job that not many other people want to do. You have rights as a union employee, like benefits and vacation time, and the contract is being improved all the time."
Lisa Egan
Clerk V, Stroger Cook County Hospital
Local 1111
Across the entire Cook County Health system, there are nearly 2,000 vacant positions. You can apply for jobs at Cook County Health at the link here.
"I get to help people. We show them respect. It's a really good feeling to be able to help somebody. Also, it's a cultural thing. We have patients from all over the world come to Cook County and therefore you're dealing with a huge range of diversity. You get to learn and there is never a dull moment."
Adam Kohl
Principal Juvenile Counselor, Lake County Juvenile Detention Center
Local 3182
The Lake County Juvenile Detention Center is currently 15% below its standard staffing levels. You can apply for jobs in Lake County juvenile justice here.
"The work is rewarding. You have a chance to potentially change a kid's mindset going from criminal thinking to maybe realizing there is more out there in life. Watching them right their ships is the rewarding part. I hope that when I sit down to have a group conversation with the kids, you hope one of the kids will hear what we say, and a light bulb will go off."
Crosby Smith
Mental Health Technician II, Ludeman Developmental Center
Local 2645
The Illinois Department of Human Services has nearly 2,000 vacant positions. You can apply for jobs in DHS at the link here.
"You are coming into an environment where you have individuals with severe disablities who can't care for themselves and their family can't care for them either. It is a rewarding experience to be able to come into a situation where you are very much needed and fill a void in someone's life. Personally, the highlight for me is working with these individuals. We have a great benefits package thanks to the union, of course. And we're continually building up the pay over time."
Marci Malnar
Public Service Administrator, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Local 1048
As of June, there were 840 vacant positions in DCFS, ranging from investigators to administrative support roles. You can apply for jobs at DCFS at the link here.
"It gives you a chance to advocate for children. They don't have lobbyists. You have a real chance to make an impact on a child's life. We have a wonderful salary, we have the best benefits and we have a retirement system so not only do you get a good salary while you're working, you'll have a good salary for the rest of your life. Having the backing of the union will make sure that we continue to have those good benefits and good pay."