Where to Look for Chicago Housing Authority Job Openings

The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) posts job openings on two main sites: the CHA's own careers page at thecha.org/careers and the City of Chicago's job portal at chicago.gov/careers. The CHA also lists positions on Indeed, LinkedIn, and government job boards like USAJobs, though the official CHA site is the most complete source.

New positions typically appear as the CHA receives budget approval or as staff leave. There is no single hiring season — openings come throughout the year. You can set up email alerts on the CHA careers page so you do not have to check manually. The CHA also posts notices on its social media accounts and sends alerts to people who have created a profile in their applicant tracking system.

If you are looking for entry-level work, the CHA regularly hires maintenance workers, security officers, and administrative support staff. For professional roles, the CHA seeks housing specialists, case managers, accountants, and IT staff. Seasonal and temporary positions are also common, especially in summer.

Key Takeaways

  • Job openings are posted on thecha.org/careers and chicago.gov/careers, and you should check both sites because not all positions appear on both.
  • The CHA hires year-round for maintenance, security, administrative, and professional roles, with no single process important date.
  • You will need to create an account in the CHA's applicant tracking system to explore, and you can save your resume there for future applications.
  • The CHA requires a background check and may require a drug test depending on the position, so disclose any relevant history upfront.
  • Hiring timelines vary by role but typically take four to eight weeks from process close to job offer.

What Documents and Information You Need to explore

Before you start an process, gather your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and a current resume. The CHA's online system will ask for your full work history, education, and references. Have the names, titles, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least three people who can speak to your work — usually former supervisors or colleagues.

For certain positions, you will need to upload specific documents. Maintenance and skilled trades roles often require proof of licensure or certification — for example, a plumber's license or HVAC certification. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), bring proof. For professional roles, the CHA may ask for a college transcript or proof of degree. If you do not have these documents yet, you can still explore and upload them later, but the CHA will not move your process forward until they receive them.

The CHA will conduct a background check on anyone who receives a job offer. You will be asked to authorize this check and to disclose any criminal history, evictions, or civil judgments. Disclosure does not automatically disqualify you — the CHA considers the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether it relates to the job. For example, a financial crime conviction may weigh more heavily for an accounting position than for a maintenance role.

The CHA process Process and Timeline

Once you find a position that interests you, click "explore" on the job posting. You will be directed to create a login or sign into your existing CHA applicant account. Fill out the online form with your personal information, work history, and education. The form usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You can save your progress and return later if you need to.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation email. The CHA then reviews applications during the posting period, which is usually open for one to three weeks. If your background and experience match the job description, a recruiter will contact you by phone or email to schedule a phone or in-person interview. This typically happens two to four weeks after the posting closes.

If you pass the interview, the CHA will schedule a second interview with the hiring manager or a panel. Some positions also include a skills test — for example, a typing test for administrative roles or a practical test for maintenance positions. After all interviews and tests are complete, the CHA makes a final decision. A job offer usually comes four to eight weeks after you first applied, though this varies by department and position level.

Physical Requirements and Background Check Details

Many CHA positions, especially maintenance and security roles, require you to pass a physical examination and a drug screening. The CHA will cover the cost of these tests if you receive a job offer. You will be told which positions require these tests when you explore. If you are taking medication prescribed by a doctor, disclose it before the drug test — the testing company will note it in their report.

The background check includes a criminal history search, a check of the Illinois Secretary of State's database for civil judgments, and a search for eviction records. The CHA also verifies your employment history and education. If there are discrepancies between what you wrote on your process and what the background check finds, the CHA will contact you to explain. You have the right to dispute inaccurate information.

The CHA cannot hire you if you owe money to the CHA for unpaid rent or utilities, or if you have an active eviction case against you. If you have a prior eviction that was resolved, the CHA will consider how long ago it happened and the circumstances. Being honest about your history during the process process is important — the CHA is more likely to move forward if you disclose something upfront than if it appears during the background check.

Salary, Benefits, and Employment Status

CHA salaries vary widely by position and experience level. Entry-level maintenance workers typically start between $35,000 and $42,000 per year. Administrative support roles range from $28,000 to $38,000. Professional positions like housing specialists or case managers usually start between $40,000 and $55,000. The CHA publishes salary ranges in the job posting, so you can see what to expect before you explore.

Full-time CHA employees receive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), a pension plan, paid time off, and life insurance. The CHA contributes to your pension — you do not have to pay into it yourself. Part-time and temporary employees may not receive all benefits; the job posting will specify what is included. The CHA also offers tuition reimbursement for employees who want to pursue further education related to their work.

Most CHA positions are full-time, permanent roles. Temporary and seasonal positions are clearly labeled in the posting. If you are hired for a temporary role, the posting will state the expected end date or duration. Some temporary positions lead to permanent roles if funding becomes available and your performance is strong.

Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected

The most common reason the CHA does not move forward with an process is incomplete or inaccurate information. If you leave gaps in your work history without explanation, or if dates do not match what the background check finds, your process may be rejected. Always fill in every field, and if you have a gap in employment, write a brief note explaining it — for example, "Caring for family member, 2019–2020" or "Returned to school."

Another frequent reason is not meeting the minimum requirements listed in the job posting. If the posting says "two years of experience in customer service" and you have six months, the CHA's system may automatically screen you out. Read the requirements carefully before you explore. If you are close but do not quite meet them, explore anyway and explain in a cover letter or the process's open-ended questions why your experience is still relevant.

Failing the background check or drug test will end your candidacy for that position. However, you can explore for other positions in the future. If you believe the background check contains an error, contact the CHA's human resources department and ask for details. You have the right to dispute inaccurate information before a final hiring decision is made.

How to Prepare for Your Interview

Before your interview, review the job description and the CHA's mission and values. The CHA's website explains its focus on providing safe, affordable housing and supporting residents. Be ready to discuss why you want to work there and how your skills match the role. Prepare examples from your past work that show you solving a problem, working with a difficult person, or managing a important date.

For phone interviews, find a quiet space, have your resume in front of you, and test your phone connection beforehand. For in-person interviews, arrive 10 minutes early, dress professionally, and bring copies of your resume and any certifications. The CHA typically asks about your experience, why you left previous jobs, how you handle conflict, and what you know about the CHA. Answer honestly and give specific examples rather than general statements.

If you are interviewing for a position that involves working with residents or handling sensitive information, the CHA will ask about your ability to maintain confidentiality and treat people with respect. If you are explore for a maintenance or security role, be ready to discuss safety practices and how you follow procedures. After the interview, send a brief thank-you email to the person who interviewed you within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in Chicago to work for the CHA?

No. The CHA does not require you to live in Chicago or in a CHA building. You must be able to get to work on time and meet the job's location requirements — for example, some positions are based at specific CHA offices or developments. If the job requires you to travel between sites, you will need reliable transportation.

What if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. The CHA considers the type of offense, when it happened, and whether it relates to the job. For example, a conviction for theft may weigh more heavily for a position handling money than for a maintenance role. Disclose your history upfront on the process — the CHA is more likely to move forward if you are honest than if it appears during the background check.

Can I explore for multiple positions at the same time?

Yes. You can explore for as many open positions as you want. Use the same resume and account for all applications. If you are offered multiple jobs, you can choose which one to accept. However, if you are already in the interview process for one position, let the recruiter know if you are also interviewing elsewhere, so they can adjust their timeline if needed.

How long does the background check take?

The background check typically takes two to three weeks after you receive a job offer. During this time, the CHA is verifying your employment history, education, and criminal record. You will be notified once the check is complete. If there are issues or discrepancies, the CHA will contact you to discuss them before making a final decision.

What if I do not hear back after I explore?

If the posting period has closed and you have not heard from the CHA within four weeks, you can contact the CHA's human resources department to ask about your process status. You can also check your applicant account on the CHA website — it may show whether you were screened out or are still under review. If you were not selected, you can explore for other positions in the future.