Employment | CEFS

Employment Opportunities

Work in a fulfilling career where you can make a significant difference in individual and families lives in Illinois.

Employment applications may be obtained by clicking on the link below or at any C.E.F.S. County Outreach office or our administrative office located at 1805 S. Banker Street in Effingham. Prospective employees must meet pre-employment requirements. C.E.F.S. is an equal opportunity employer.

Submission of employment applications and any required documents should be mailed to C.E.F.S. Personnel Dept., PO Box 928, Effingham IL 62401 or delivered in person to 1805 South Banker Street, Effingham IL 62401.

Employee Benefits

Employment Application (to print)

Online Employment Application

Reasonable Accommodation Request for Applicants

C.E.F.S. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is hiring for the following position:

Intake & Referral Specialist

Location/s: Montgomery County, IL

Description: Join CEFS as a LIHEAP Intake & Referral Specialist and help bring the Energy Assistance Program to your community. In this full-time school-year role at our Montgomery County Outreach Office in Taylor Springs, you’ll work one-on-one with customers to determine eligibility, complete applications, and connect them to resources. What You’ll Do: Assess customer needs and determine eligibility for utility assistance programs. Gather documents, complete applications accurately, and enter them with case notes into LIHEAP.net and STARS. Schedule appointments, counsel customers on energy benefits and savings options, and refer them to other helping agencies. Contact utilities, negotiate with vendors on customers’ behalf, and provide outreach and follow-up, including budget counseling. Attend required training and represent CEFS at community outreach events. Assist with office functions, including unloading and sorting food for the food pantry. High school diploma or GED required. Good people and computer skills, with a pleasant, detail-oriented approach to helping others. Ability to learn program requirements, required documentation, and forms for each assistance
program. Hours are 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (no nights or weekends), with reduced working days/hours during off-season. Hourly wage: $17.12 + $.25 increase @ 90 days

C.E.F.S. Senior Services is hiring for the following position:

Meals on Wheels Site Supervisor

Location/s: Effingham, IL (with regular travel to 5-county service territory)

Description: Join CEFS Meals on Wheels as a Meals on Wheels Site Supervisor and help bring nutritious meals and friendly, dependable service to local communities. This full-time, full-year position is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys being on the move, supporting a meaningful mission, and making a positive difference each day. In this role, you will provide regular coverage when Site Supervisors are absent across the Meals on Wheels Program’s five-county service territory. What You’ll Do: As a Meals on Wheels Site Supervisor, you will keep daily site operations and the program running smoothly in the absence of site staff by: Welcoming participants, guests, and volunteers with professionalism and respect. Receiving, monitoring, packing, and distributing meals according to food safety and sanitation procedures. Coordinating and supporting volunteers assisting with meal packing, delivery routes, and site activities. Maintaining accurate participant, route, donation, assessment, outreach, and site records. Sharing nutrition information and connecting participants with helpful community resources. Delivering supplies to meal sites. Completing other Meals on Wheels or Senior Services duties as assigned and as applicable. High school diploma or GED. Dependable attendance and reliability.• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record. Food Protection Manager certification, or the ability to obtain it. Base of operations in Effingham, with regular travel throughout the Meals on Wheels five-county service territory to cover site operations. Valid driver’s license and good driving record. Health, dental, vision, and life insurance; vacation, flex, and sick time; paid holidays; 403(b) retirement plan. Hourly wage: $16.59, with a $0.25 increase after 90 days.

Substitute Meals on Wheels Site Supervisor

Location/s: Clay County

Description: Join CEFS Meals on Wheels as a Substitute Meals on Wheels Site Supervisor and help bring nutritious meals and friendly, dependable service to local communities. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys being on the move, supporting a meaningful mission, and making a positive difference each day. As a Substitute Meals on Wheels Site Supervisor, you will help keep daily site operations running smoothly by: welcoming participants, guests, and volunteers with professionalism and respect; receiving, monitoring, packing, and distributing meals according to food safety and sanitation procedures; coordinating and supporting volunteers assisting with meal packing, delivery routes, and site activities; maintaining accurate participant, route, donation, assessment, outreach, and site records; and sharing nutrition information and connecting participants with helpful community resources. Base of operations: Flora, IL Meals on Wheels Sites. Substitute shift hours approx. 4-hrs weekday mornings. Hourly wage: $16.59 (wage increase after 90 days of employment)

Retired Senior Volunteer Program Specialist

Location/s: Christian County

Description: Join CEFS Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and help to provide older adults with the opportunity to apply their life experiences through volunteer activities needed by their local communities. As the RSVP Program Specialist, you will support the day-to-day operation of the program by building strong connections with volunteers and community volunteer workstations. Key responsibilities include: recruiting, orienting, and supporting volunteers and volunteer workstations; maintaining regular contact with volunteers and workstation supervisors to assess effectiveness, offer support, and strengthen the volunteer experience; periodically visiting workstations to help ensure safe, positive, and appropriate volunteer placements; collecting time sheets, entering data in the Volunteer Reporter database, and ensuring volunteer hours are reported and calculated correctly in the required categories; keeping accurate volunteer, workstation, and electronic records in accordance with AmeriCorps Seniors Rules and Regulations and RSVP Program requirements; conducting surveys of volunteers, workstations, and RSVP advisory council members to support program quality and improvement. High school diploma or GED, valid driver’s license and use of private vehicle with state-required minimum insurance, good computer, writing, speaking, and motivational skills. Base of operations is in Taylorville, IL. Part-time position, 20 hours/week with flexible work hours. Benefits include paid time off, 403(b) retirement plan, and life insurance. Hourly wage: $16.59 with $0.25/hr increase at 90 days

C.E.F.S. Weatherization Program is hiring for the following position:

Housing Weatherization Assessor/Final Inspector

Location/s: Effingham, IL

Description: C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation is hiring a full-time Housing Weatherization Assessor/Final Inspector. Responsibilities include performing initial home weatherization assessments and quality control final inspections, identifying and coordinating work orders and repairs, entering and tracking assessments and work from initiation to completion, etc. Flexible 10-hour workdays and issuance of an agency vehicle with paid training provided to obtain required certifications for position. Associate degree in applied engineering, construction trades or related field is preferred although
experience which has led to the requisite skills and knowledge needed to perform required duties may be considered in place of a degree; high school diploma or equivalent required. Must meet pre-employment requirements. Starting hourly wage: $23.75 (wage increase after 90 days of employment)

C.E.F.S. Outreach Program is hiring for the following positions:

Outreach Food Pantry Worker

Location/s: Moultrie County, IL

Description: The Outreach Food Pantry Worker plays a vital role in CEFS’ mission to fight hunger and support the families and individuals in Moultrie County. This position welcomes and serves pantry clients with dignity and respect, receives and organizes food donations, stocks and maintains the pantry, and helps ensure that every visit is safe, efficient, and caring. What You’ll Do: Load and unload deliveries; assist with food drives and special distribution events. Receive, inspect, sort, and shelve donations, rotating stock and keeping items organized. Follow food safety standards, including storage, temperature monitoring, and expiration checks. Keep the pantry clean, organized, and safe; report unsafe conditions, spoiled or recalled products, and service issues to the County Outreach Coordinator. Greet and assist clients respectfully and confidentially; complete intake and enter accurate data. Pack and distribute food boxes according to program guidelines and client needs. Maintain accurate records; submit the bi-weekly inventory to the County Outreach Coordinator. Schedule, coordinate, and support pantry volunteers. Perform other duties as assigned. High school diploma or equivalent; basic math, reading, writing, and computer skills. Compassionate, respectful approach with diverse populations; ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to obtain a food handler certification. Have a valid driver’s license and good driving record. Work location: Sullivan, IL. Part-time full-year position @ 20-24 hrs./week. Life insurance, vacation, flex, sick time, paid holidays, 403(b) retirement plan. Hourly wage: $15.95 + $.25 increase @ 90 days.

Outreach Resource Specialist (Part-time)

Location/s: Shelbyville, IL

Description: Join CEFS as a Resource Specialist and help connect customers with services, referrals, resources, and program support. This position plays an important role in welcoming customers, assisting with intake and benefit enrollment, supporting food pantry operations, and helping individuals access programs that strengthen families and communities. This is a part-time position located at the Shelby County Outreach Office in Shelbyville. You’ll provide front-line customer service, program support, referrals, and general office assistance as part of the Outreach team. Greet customers, answer phones, determine the purpose of visits, and assist customers in obtaining services. Gather demographic information, complete intake documents, collect required documentation, and enter information into appropriate software programs. Provide information and referrals for CEFS programs and community resources. Assist with appointment scheduling for LIHEAP, Weatherization, tax assistance, and other programs as directed. Support waiting room activities, customer satisfaction surveys, information updates, office maintenance, and job board updates as needed. Assist with food distribution and food pantry operations. Assist with homeless services, Continuum of Care program activities, homeless diversion tools, Social Security disability applications, and client health screening activities as assigned. High school diploma or GED required. Prior experience in social work, employment and training, education, or a related field preferred. Good computer, recordkeeping, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills. Part-time 20 hrs./week. Life insurance, vacation, flex, sick time, paid holidays, 403(b) retirement plan. Hourly wage: $16.10 + $.25 increase at 90 days.

Outreach Housing Counselor

Location/s: Vandalia, IL

Description: Duties include recruitment, intake, eligibility determination, assessment, counseling, casework, and the development of goals and perspectives to create stability and/or self-sufficiency for families and individuals served through the Outreach Housing Programs, and also assists with food pantry duties located on site. This position will require local travel, training in rental and homeownership services, and home visits/inspections. HUD Certification is required within 6 months of hire. Associate degree and/or experience in social services preferred; a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Hourly wage: $17.62 (wage increase after 90 days of employment)

Outreach Housing Counselor

Location/s: Taylorville, IL

Outreach Resource Specialist

Location/s: Sullivan, IL (Moultrie County)

Description: Join CEFS as an Outreach Resource Specialist and help connect customers with services, referrals, resources, and program support. This position plays an important role in welcoming customers, assisting with intake and benefit enrollment, supporting food pantry operations, and helping individuals access programs that strengthen families and communities. This is a full-time position located at the Montgomery County Outreach Office in Sullivan. Responsibilities and duties include greeting customers, answering phones, determining the purpose of visits, and assisting customers in obtaining services; gathering demographic information; completing intake documents; collecting required documentation; entering information into appropriate software programs; providing information and referrals for CEFS programs and community resources, assist with appointment scheduling for LIHEAP, Weatherization, tax assistance, and other programs as directed, support waiting room activities, customer satisfaction surveys, information updates, office maintenance, and job board updates as needed, assist with food distribution and food pantry operations, assist with homeless services, Continuum of Care program activities, homeless diversion tools, Social Security disability applications, and client health screening activities as assigned. High school diploma or GED required. Prior experience in social work, employment and training, education, or a related field preferred. Good computer, recordkeeping, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills. Hourly wage: $16.10 (wage increase after 90 days of employment)

Outreach Resource Specialist

Location/s: Taylor Springs, IL

Description: Join CEFS as an Outreach Resource Specialist and help connect customers with services, referrals, resources, and program support. This position plays an important role in welcoming customers, assisting with intake and benefit enrollment, supporting food pantry operations, and helping individuals access programs that strengthen families and communities. This is a full-time position located at the Montgomery County Outreach Office in Taylor Springs. Responsibilities and duties include greeting customers, answering phones, determining the purpose of visits, and assisting customers in obtaining services; gathering demographic information; completing intake documents; collecting required documentation; entering information into appropriate software programs; providing information and referrals for CEFS programs and community resources, assist with appointment scheduling for LIHEAP, Weatherization, tax assistance, and other programs as directed, support waiting room activities, customer satisfaction surveys, information updates, office maintenance, and job board updates as needed, assist with food distribution and food pantry operations, assist with homeless services, Continuum of Care program activities, homeless diversion tools, Social Security disability applications, and client health screening activities as assigned. High school diploma or GED required. Prior experience in social work, employment and training, education, or a related field preferred. Good computer, recordkeeping, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills. Hourly wage: $16.10 (wage increase after 90 days of employment)

C.E.F.S. Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act program is hiring for the following position:

WIOA Career Planner

Location/s: Mattoon, IL

Description: CEFS Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Program (WIOA) is hiring a full-time Career Planner for our Mattoon office. In this role, you will help individuals and families access employment, training, and support services that assist in securing and retaining employment. Through the Adult, Youth, Dislocated Worker, and TAA programs, you will play an important part in connecting people in your community with opportunities to build stronger futures. Roles and responsibilities include: Evaluate clients’ skills, work experience, and educational background to determine their career goals; manage the paperwork to verify whether a client qualifies for WIOA services; Help clients select educational or training providers, navigate financial assistance, and monitor their progress to ensure they are on track to succeed; Connect clients to supportive services (e.g., transportation assistance, childcare, or work attire) and refer them to external community resources when needed; Help clients with resume building, interview preparation, job searching, and after a client secures a job, conduct follow-ups for up to a year to ensure job retention and career progression. High school diploma or GED required. Case management and/or relevant social work experience. Strong computer, Microsoft Office, and data entry skills. Valid driver’s license. Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Flex time, sick leave, and paid holidays.403(b) retirement plan. Hourly wage: $18.49 with $0.25 increase at 90 days of employment.

WIOA Business Services and Apprenticeship Coordinator

Location/s: Effingham, IL

Description: Do you enjoy networking, making connections, and building meaningful relationships? Are you looking for an exciting career where you can use your communication and marketing skills to help strengthen the local workforce and create opportunities for people to gain skills and employment? CEFS is seeking a Business Services and Apprenticeship Coordinator to serve as the liaison between Local Workforce Innovation Area 23 and local business and industry leaders. Roles and responsibilities include: Develop relationships with employers, economic development organizations, training providers, government agencies, and business associations throughout LWIA 23; Increase awareness of WIOA services through presentations, networking, and community events, while helping develop solutions that meet employers’ workforce needs; Promote registered apprenticeships and guide businesses through the process with training providers, DCEO, and the U.S. Department of Labor. Associate’s degree in business or a related field with one year of experience in workforce development, economic development, career and technical education, or industry experience related to coordinating with other businesses, sales, or recruitment, or high school diploma or equivalent with three years of experience in the above-mentioned. Strong communication, presentation, networking, and relationship-building skills. Base of operations in Effingham, with travel required for meetings, training, and site visits throughout the 13-county LWIA 23 area. Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Hourly wage: $22.83 with $0.25 increase @ 90 days of employment. Health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Flex time, sick leave, paid holidays, and 403(b) retirement plan.

C.E.F.S. Head Start Program is hiring for the following positions:

Enrollment Specialist

Location/s: Effingham, IL

Description: Help families connect with a brighter start. Build community awareness and guide recruitment, eligibility, and enrollment efforts so children can access Head Start services. What You’ll Do: Coordinate eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance for the Head Start 0-5 Program. Key responsibilities include: Coordinating recruitment and outreach, keeping flyers and social media current, and organizing community recruitment events. Reviewing applications for completeness, verifying eligibility and selection points, and assisting families with enrollment applications. Maintaining an active waiting list and full enrollment in center-based and home-based services; communicating enrollment changes to staff. Maintaining accurate ChildPlus application and enrollment records, case notes, and required documentation through ongoing monitoring. Building relationships with preschool programs, childcare centers, and community agencies across the seven-county service area. Providing recruitment training, coordinating ERSEA committee meetings, and preparing enrollment, outreach, and required program reports. Associate degree required with experience in public relations, marketing, and/or communication. Experience working with disadvantaged individuals and/or families and the ability to provide respectful, nonjudgmental support. Strong communication, organization, recordkeeping, computer, and problem-solving skills. Full-time, full-year position in Effingham. Hourly wage: $23.40+ $0.25 increase @ 90 days. Health, dental, and vision insurance, vacation, flex, sick time, paid holidays, 403(b) retirement.

Lead Teacher

Location/s: Effingham Center

Description: CEFS Head Start 0–5 Program is seeking a passionate, dedicated Lead Teacher to join our Effingham team. This is a rewarding opportunity for an early childhood professional who
wants to shape a high-quality learning environment, support families, and help children build strong foundations for lifelong success. As a Head Start Lead Teacher, you will play a key leadership role in the daily operation of the classroom and center by: creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for preschool children; managing classroom operations and providing effective classroom leadership; supporting the social, emotional, and educational development of every child; implementing Head Start Performance Standards and DCFS Licensing Standards; ensuring program policies and procedures are followed with consistency and quality; maintaining accurate and organized records. Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with PEL endorsement required. Must be 21+. Hourly wage: $27.67 (+ $0.25 increase at 90 days)

Lead Teacher

Location/s: Vandalia Center

Description: CEFS Head Start 0–5 Program is seeking a passionate, dedicated Lead Teacher to join our Vandalia team. This is a rewarding opportunity for an early childhood professional who wants to shape a high-quality learning environment, support families, and help children build strong foundations for lifelong success. As a Head Start Lead Teacher, you will play a key leadership role in the daily operation of the classroom and center by: creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for preschool children; managing classroom operations and providing effective classroom leadership; supporting the social, emotional, and educational development of every child; implementing Head Start Performance Standards and DCFS Licensing Standards; ensuring program policies and procedures are followed with consistency and quality; maintaining accurate and organized records. Associate's degree (required) in Early Childhood Education or related field with ECE credits; 1 year of preschool experience. Must be 21+. Hourly wage: $22.81 - $27.67 (+ $0.25 increase at 90 days)

Teacher Assistant

Location/s: Taylorville Center

Description: School year position, 40 hrs./wk. High school diploma or equivalent, and possess a preschool CDA or meet all requirements to submit an application to obtain a preschool CDA within 12 weeks of hire. Must be at least 19. Hourly wage: $18.78 (wage increase after 90 days of employment)

Classroom Aide

Location/s: Taylorville Center

Description: School year position, 32-40 hrs./wk, M-Th. High school diploma or equivalent required. Must be at least 18. Hourly wage: $16.75 (wage increase after 90 days of employment)

Bus Monitor

Location/s: Louisville Center

Description: School year position, 32-40 hrs./wk. High school diploma or equivalent required. Must be at least 18. Hourly wage: $16.75 (wage increase after 90 days of employment)

Family Advocate

Location/s: Christian County, IL (Taylorville/Pana)

Description: 40 hrs./week M–F | $18.94/hr. (+ $.25 increase at 90 days)
Associate’s degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling or related field or
high school diploma or equivalent with at least 3 years’ experience working with children and
families.

Parent Educator

Location/s: Effingham County

Description: CEFS Economic Opportunity Corporation is looking for an enthusiastic, caring, and
motivated Parent Educator for the Head Start 0-5 Program in Effingham. Parent Educators provide home-based education and family support services to Early Head Start enrolled pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and their families. Responsibilities and duties include: implementing research-based curricula during home visits, developing individualized lesson plans, supporting child development and school readiness through screenings, assessments, and family-centered services, connecting families with community resources, maintaining accurate records, collaborating with parents, staff, and community partners to help families meet their goals, support health, nutrition, mental health, disability, transition, recruitment, and parent engagement activities, and promotes positive, respectful, and culturally responsive relationships with families. This is a full-time/full-year position. Hourly wage range: $17.63 - $20.81 (wage increase after 90 days of employment)

Substitute Teachers