Nov 10, 2009 10:34 pm US/Central
Thousands Of Jobs Coming To Chicago Next Year
U.S. Census Bureau Is Hiring For 22,000 Temporary Positions
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Census 2010 is looking to fill 22,000 temporary positions in the Chicago area early next year.
CBS
If you've been out of work, and a lot of people are, here's something you might want to know: thousands and thousands of jobs will be available in the Chicago area early next year. CBS 2's Kristyn Hartman learned they're temporary, but they're income.
Getting in on the paycheck will take prep work; work that single mom Maria Cruz has already started.
She hopes the U.S. Census Bureau comes her way when it goes looking for more than a few good men and women. A major head count is on tap for 2010. Cruz wants in on the work because she lost her job.
"Yes, a lot of people did," she said, "It's hard."
It's why she's one of many acting on the "NOW HIRING" news. Instituto Del Progreso Latino has flyers up. Employment Specialist Jorge Sanchez says it's providing Census job testing space. The classrooms have been packed.
"Our facility tested yesterday and today. Both days we had full rooms. It's a great response to our flyers," said Sanchez.
He hit on one of the requirements of the job: You have to take a test. You can find sample questions on the Census Bureau's website. They cover math, reading and writing.
People skills are important, too. Field reps go door-to-door to encourage someone who hasn't mailed in a questionnaire, to provide information.
Deputy Regional Director Marilyn Sanders said, "There are billions of dollars distributed based on Census information. It is important that we count everyone. If you take the test now, you'll be available earlier in the system in order to be hired."
The magic number they're looking for is about 22,000 positions in the six county Chicago metro area.
Starting pay in the city is about $18 an hour. One catch: the job runs just two to six weeks, maybe a little longer.
"It's income towards my household, and that counts," Cruz said.
The Census work actually begins in March; the jump start is now because on top of testing, there's an FBI background check and fingerprinting.
For general information, including testing locations, call the toll free jobs line at 1-866-861-2010. You can also log onto
www.2010censusjobs.gov.
Instituto Del Progreso Latino is also happy to help. It has testing times all week. For that information, call 1-773-890-0055.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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