Employment and Job Training for Veterans

Employment and Job Training Services

Cook County Veterans Affairs works with employment organizations and networks across all segments in Illinois. The County is committed to connecting veterans to employers, and employers to veterans. We are working to guarantee that we prepare veterans or their spouses to enter the workforce and access quality jobs that allow them to leverage their skills, training and experiences.

Cook County Government - Human Resources

Veterans Preference

When applying for employment with Cook County Government, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days, or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

  • Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

  • Identify themselves as a veteran on their employment application by answering yes to the question “Are you a military veteran?”

  • Attach a copy of their most recent DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (notice of separation) at time of application filing.

  • All available positions can be found on the Career Opportunities page under Offices of the President.

Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership provides training, placement and career coaching programs for job seekers. Veterans will receive priority for all workforce services.

More information can be found on Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership's website.

Illinois Department of Employment Security/Illinois Job Link

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) assists veterans in finding gainful employment. Veterans are provided with priority of service for employment services. 

For additional information, visit IDES Veteran Services or Job Links.