Township launches employer forum, hiring event and posts administrative assistant position

Supervisor House told trustees the township will host an employer focus group and a hiring event to better connect job seekers with employers and to identify barriers in the local hiring process.

House described a March employer session that will include county human resources, Kishwaukee College, Northern Illinois University and large local employers such as Target Distribution. The township plans a hiring-and-interview fair model where employers will conduct on-the-spot interviews or provide immediate feedback; staff said some employers may still require background checks and further screening but that the event will give job seekers interview experience and direct employer feedback.

House also announced the township posted a permanent administrative assistant/front‑desk position with starting pay listed at $18 to $22 per hour. Staff reported three online applications had arrived within an hour of posting; applicants had applied through Indeed and some lacked cover letters. House said the township will also launch a dedicated DeKalb Township employment Facebook page to post weekly openings and to share lessons from the employer forum.

Staff noted partners assisting recruitment include DCEDC (referred to in the meeting as DCEDC/Caledonia Economic/County entities) and that outreach will include local colleges, job boards and newsletters. No board vote was required for the outreach or job posting.