Employment for Senior in Chicago

🌟 Employment for Senior in Chicago

Finding a job as a senior citizen can feel overwhelming—but the good news is that Chicago has strong programs, supportive organizations, and employers who value the experience older adults bring to the workforce. Whether you’re returning to work, seeking supplemental income, or exploring a new career path, this guide highlights the best resources to help you succeed.

🏛️ 1. City of Chicago Senior Employment Programs

Foster Grandparent Program

This long‑standing program places seniors (age 55+) in schools, daycares, and rehab centers to tutor or mentor children. Seniors receive training, a stipend, mileage reimbursement, and annual physicals.
👉 Learn more: City of Chicago Senior Employment Programs [chicago.gov]

Key benefits:

  • Small hourly stipend
  • 20 hours/week
  • Work with children
  • No impact on Social Security benefits

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

SCSEP is a federally funded program for low‑income adults age 55+ seeking to re‑enter the workforce. Seniors receive paid community service training (20 hrs/week), job‑readiness coaching, and help transitioning into unsubsidized jobs.
👉 Learn more: SCSEP Illinois Program [chicago.gov], [ilaging.illinois.gov]

SCSEP placements include:

  • Hospitals
  • Schools
  • Senior centers
  • Nonprofits
  • Community agencies

Benefits include:

  • Paid training at minimum wage
  • Skills development
  • Personalized job counseling
  • Support finding permanent work

🤝 2. Chicago Organizations That Help Seniors Find Jobs

National Able Network (Older Worker Programs)

Works with job seekers 55+ to provide job search assistance, computer classes, resume help, and SCSEP placements.
👉 Program directory via CareerOneStop (lists Chicago locations): [careeronestop.org]

Easterseals Chicago – SCSEP

Provides paid training positions and job placement support for older adults.
👉 Listed under Chicago Older Worker Programs Directory [careeronestop.org]

Community Assistance Programs (CAPs)

Offers job readiness training, match services, and support for senior job seekers.
👉 Listed in SCSEP provider directory [careeronestop.org]

Chicago Methodist Senior Services (CMSS)

While primarily serving seniors, CMSS also hires older workers and welcomes applicants passionate about working with older adults.
👉 Career listings: CMSS Careers [cmsschicago.org]

🧭 3. Tips for Senior Job Seekers in Chicago

✔️ Highlight your experience

Employers in administration, caregiving, mentoring, and customer‑facing roles value reliability and maturity.

✔️ Embrace flexible or part‑time options

Many seniors succeed in roles like caregiving, tutoring, reception work, support services, security, and driving.

✔️ Use senior‑specific employment programs

SCSEP providers help with resumes, interview prep, digital literacy, and direct job placement.

✔️ Target age‑friendly employers

Healthcare, nonprofits, education, retail, and senior care organizations often value older workers.

✔️ Refresh your digital skills

Programs like National Able Network offer tech training specifically for older adults.
👉 See SCSEP directory for training providers: [careeronestop.org]

🏢 4. Companies and Industries Hiring Senior Workers in Chicago

Based on current Chicago job listings, here are senior‑friendly industries and employers:

Home Care & Senior Care Agencies

These companies frequently hire seniors for caregiving, companionship, and support roles:

  • Comfort Keepers – Hiring caregivers in Chicago (full‑time/part‑time) [indeed.com]
  • Amada Senior Care – Offers flexible caregiving roles for seniors in nearby suburbs (Park Ridge) [ziprecruiter.com]
  • FILRO Global (Hinsdale) – Hiring caregivers for seniors, including live‑in roles [ziprecruiter.com]

Nonprofit & Community Service Roles

SCSEP partners place seniors in:

  • Senior centers
  • Conservation programs
  • Nutrition programs
  • Day care and community service agencies
    [ilaging.illinois.gov]

Retail, Food Service & Hospitality

These positions are often flexible and senior‑friendly:

  • Burger King – Team Member positions (flexible, entry level) [indeed.com]
  • McDonald’s (Chicago locations) – Offers stable hours and benefits for long‑term workers (listed under senior jobs category) [ziprecruiter.com]

Administrative & Office Roles

Examples from Chicago listings:

  • RÖDL USA – Part‑time administrative roles suitable for seniors with office experience [indeed.com]
  • Tab Service Company – Print/Bindery operations, temp roles often filled by mature workers [ziprecruiter.com]

🔎 5. Job Boards for Senior-Friendly Roles

Here are reliable job boards showing active opportunities for seniors in Chicago:

Indeed – Senior Jobs in Chicago

Thousands of local listings for caregivers, administrative assistants, program coordinators, and more.
👉 Seniors Job Listings [indeed.com]

ZipRecruiter – Jobs for Seniors Over 60

Shows part‑time, home care, driving, customer service, and administrative roles.
👉 Seniors Over 60 Jobs in Chicago [ziprecruiter.com]

📘 6. Final Suggestions for Chicago Seniors Seeking Work

💡 Start with SCSEP providers

They offer structured help, paid training, and real work experience.

💡 Apply to senior care agencies

These companies value empathy, life experience, and reliability.

💡 Look for roles in schools, parks, and government

These sectors frequently hire older adults for community programs, mentorship, and support roles.

💡 Use local nonprofits

Easterseals, National Able Network, and CAPs offer personalized assistance.

💡 Stay flexible

Seasonal, part-time, and community service-based roles often lead to permanent employment.