What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staffing Specialist position at Chicago Public Schools?
Staffing Specialist
Job Number:
26000236Posting Date
: Aug 10, 2026, 4:28:04 PMPrimary Location
: Central-42 West Madison Street (Nutrition Support Services)
CPS Non-Union Job Grade: S05
Estimated Annual Salary Range
: 50,000.00 - 67,500.00
Position Type: Non-Union Position
Overtime Status
: Non-exemptFinal salary offers are dependent upon candidate qualifications.
JOB DESCRIPTION -
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500 schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.
The department of Nutrition Support Services (NSS) offers all CPS students breakfast, lunch, and afterschool meals at no charge. Meals are offered every school day, during Saturday-school programs, and during the summer. Meals comply with nutrition standards set forth in the USDA’s Child Nutrition Program meal patterns. The department of Nutrition Support Services provides a healthy, high quality meal program that supports a joyful and equitable daily learning experience for all students.
Job Summary:
Under the direction of Staffing Manager, the Staffing Specialist will manage the processing of transactions related to staffing, including recruitment, temporary staffing, transfers, discipline, and working with union representatives as well as over 2,200 staff, providing support in responding to routine inquiries and employee concerns, and assisting the department in overall staffing operations. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.
The Staffing Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
- Execute the NSS discipline and grievance process, overseeing the scheduling of all related hearings and investigations while serving as the primary departmental representative.
- Assist with the hiring process by reviewing resumes, scheduling interviews, conducting phone screens, and processing paperwork.
- Collaborate cross-functionally across all organizational levels in a dynamic, high-volume environment, consistently maintaining high professionalism, adaptability, and resourcefulness under pressure.
- Support training activities during professional development days and new hire orientation.
- Respond to routine inquiries related to policies and procedures, payroll, bid process, and other employment-related matters.
- Address employee concerns related to staffing at sites, verifying employee hours, and approving overtime while using relevant industry and department benchmarks.
- Conduct on-site school visits to review staffing models when necessary.
- Other duties as assigned.
In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Staffing Specialist must possess the following qualifications:
Education Required:
- High School diploma or equivalent is required.
- Bachelor’s Degree is highly preferred.
Experience Required:
- Minimum of three (3) years of progressive human resource experience, including responsibility for maintaining computer systems is required.
- Previous experience working with confidential information is required.
- Previous customer experience and working with all levels of management required.
- Experience with MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Google suite is required.
- Experience with HRIS systems is preferred (e.g. Peoplesoft, Taleo, Oracle, and Kronos).
- Previous knowledge and experience supporting working in a union environment is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Solid planning and organizational skills and capable of developing work plans and following through to their completion with limited direction and oversight.
- High standards of support personnel, ethical behavior, and professionalism; able to maintain objectivity and confidentiality with highly sensitive information.
- Superior organizational, time management, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
Medical Plan Options
Pharmacy
Dental
Vision
Behavioral Health & EAP
Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
Basic Life Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
Pension Plans
Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
Paid Leave
Sick Leave
Vacation Days
Parental Leaves
Short-Term Disability
Religious Holidays
Leaves
Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
- Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
Salary : $50,000 - $67,500